Sikorsky S-92 gains another FAA certificate

The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has approved the S-92 helicopter for Sea State 6 (SS6)
conditions.

EASA and Transport Canada
certification are expected to follow soon.

The S-92 helicopter has an optional Emergency Flotation System (EFS) that
consists of three primary floats. The three-float system has now been certified
for ditching in conditions up to and including Sea State 5. An additional
option provides two additional floats. The five-float flotation system is now
certified for ditching in conditions up to and including Sea State 6.

“Many of our operators,
particularly those in the North Sea and
Canadian waters, require certification higher than Sea State 4 because of the
winter conditions they face,” said Peter Barner, lead landing gear designer for
the S-92 helicopter. “Now, despite very severe weather conditions, even more
critical offshore oil missions and search-and-rescue operations can be
performed with great confidence.”

Dan Hunter, director,
Sikorsky commercial programmes, said: “The S-92 helicopter is the aircraft of
choice for many customers who operate in the most demanding environments and
conditions for critical missions, and we are committed to responding to our
customers’ needs. The S-92 helicopter meets or exceeds the safety requirements
set by the industry and we will continue to strive to make the aircraft as safe
as possible for our operators.”