Haven flown most of the S76 family, I am now aware that the largest client group [arguably] being the Shell Group of Companies has not approved either the existing “C’ ,C+ or C++ for any long term activities from the end of this year [2008].
I also hear that as the 76D is the same airframe as its earlier ancestry, that the “D” airframe will also be an unacceptable option for the future.
The understanding is that this is due [partly] to the fuel tanks being under the rear passenger seats and being of the “Non Impact Tolerant” versions.
I suspect that if this is the case and that if SK are not addressing the matter, then the Sikorsky fleet will be replaced in the Offshore Market in the next few years!!