The onging debate over the relative merits of the two "new" helicopters has been entertaining! However, now we have examples of both here in Aberdeen it is interesting (from an ATC point of view) to see that we have been informed of "special" procedures required by the S-92...
Because of
noise issues (with a supposedly modern helicopter!) the S-92 will only depart at reduced power settings requiring a mega amount of runway (well 800m or so) and thereby slowing down the overall movement rate (well it would if we ever see more than one of them based here
)
They will also not operate over land at more than 120kts - thats progress over a 61?? Hope the 92 has good wing mirrors for all those Mk2 Super Pumas and 225's overtaking! For IFR arrivals which would I prefer? Has to be the one that will do 140kts+ down the ILS
- and that won't be the Sikorsky product!
Summing up, 30/40 years of advance on the S-61 has given us a machine that in the (Aberdeen) Airport ATC environment is no faster, requires far more runway for take-off and appears to be no quieter. C'est la vie
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