Sikorsky Helicopters comes to Paris on a high note, achieving the most successful civil helicopter launch in the company’s history with introduction of the S-92, first delivered in November 2004. To date, Sikorsky has sold more than 62 of the 19-seat, twin-turbine helicopters to offshore oil, foreign government, corporate, EMS and VIP customers. S-92 sales last year include 28 for Canada’s Maritime Helicopter Program, one for Turkey, two for Turkmenistan, three for Korea and one to Gulf Helicopters of Qatar as a VVIP. Sales of the S-76 are up as well, bolstered by a resurgence in the offshore oil market.
The S-92 received Canadian certification earlier this year, entering offshore service with Cougar Helicopters Inc. this month to provide services to PetroCanada. The helicopters will be used to transport workers and freight to the Terra Nova oil production field offshore St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. Overall, Sikorsky says the S-92 is racking up hours in the North Sea, Gulf and North Atlantic, approaching 2,000 flight hours since the first production aircraft was delivered in November 2004. Four companies -- Petroleum, Norsk, CHC and Cougar -- operate the helicopter from offshore oil platforms in Europe and North America.
In the training area, Sikorsky says a new Level D simulator is up and running at FlightSafety International’s West Palm Beach, Florida, learning center after receiving FAA approval in November. Sikorsky says it is the first FAA-approved full-motion simulator for a medium-lift helicopter. In addition to pilot training, the center has technician training facilities that will soon include an actual S-92 aircraft to be used for practical, hands-on training tasks. — John Croft
