Yes new helicopters can be a step forward in technology ..... and a step back in reliability..... for a while anyway. Usually they will mature and improve like a fine wine. I was once asked to advise an oil company manager who was responsible for drafting helo service contracts "what is the maximum age we should accept for our fleet?"
I tried my 'fine wine' bit on him but not being a native English speaker this notion seemed lost on him...... or maybe he was a beer drinker!!
Anyway, we settled on 15 years as the maximum age for any helo in the fleet that serviced their contracts.
What comments on this notion I wonder?
Where will the 92 be in 15 years? Will the A model 92 be a much sought after 'classic' or will the B or C or even D model have consigned it to an early grave?
G
