Verticon 2026: Milestone lauds display of landmark Sikorsky S-92
Still sprightly after all these years. Milestone lauds Sikorsky's display of the first S‑92 to enter commercial service in September 2004.
Milestone Aviation is celebrating the display at Verticon 2026 of the first Sikorsky S‑92 to enter commercial service in September 2004. The helicopter , tail number 920006, started life supporting offshore energy missions in the Gulf of Mexico. Since then the aircraft has flown with three operators across multiple jurisdictions and regions, completing different mission types.
After transitioning into firefighting two years ago, last year the aircraft completed a firefighting season in Canada with operator VIH, flying more than 550 hours.
Pat Sheedy, president & CEO, Milestone, said: “The evolution of this S-92 stands as a clear demonstration of the value of the operating lease model in supporting the transition of aircraft through their natural lifecycle. Milestone is delighted to have partnered with Helitak Firefighting Equipment and VIH on this project, and we are pleased to see the life of 920006 continue strongly into the future.”
Leon Silva, vice president, Sikorsky Commercial Helicopters congratulated Milestone and VIH for their leadership in finding a secondary role for older S-92 aircraft. “As an aerial firefighter, aircraft 920006 and others like it can protect lives and property from wildfires for the next 25 years,” said Silva. “Sikorsky stands solidly behind the global S-92 fleet with sustainment and diagnostic knowledge learned from 2.6 million fleet flight hours and climbing.”
Ken Norie, president of VIH Helicopters, which operates the aircraft under lease from Milestone said the S-92 has demonstrated outstanding capability and reliability across the firm’s operations. “Its performance and mission adaptability enabled a seamless transition into the Fire Raptor configuration and supported a highly successful and demanding firefighting season,” said Norrie. “The ongoing support provided by Sikorsky has been critical to sustaining exceptional serviceability and ensuring the aircraft consistently delivers top-tier performance.”
In total, the S-92 helicopter has accumulated more than 15,600 flight hours and remains well within the 30,000‑hour certified lifespan of the S‑92 airframe. Supporting the aircraft’s longevity, resilience, and high availability has been Sikorsky’s Total Assurance Program (TAP), according to the manufacturer. This is said to ensure consistent performance throughout its lifecycle, along with the OEM’s expert support during the aircraft’s reconfiguration for aerial firefighting.
More than 60 other helicopters are on display at the event in Atlanta, which opens tomorrow (March 10th) at the Georgia World Congress Center in the city.
Watch out for our Verticon Interview with Milestone’s Sheedy later this month.
Meanwhile, read how Sikorsky plans to ramp up production to build 12 new variant S-92A+ helicopters a year. Last week. the manufacturer revealed its intension to build five S-92A+ this year, alongside the sale of a new S-92 to a head-of-state buyer in a 14th country.
