Is the S-92 Safe for Offshore flying ??
I am shocked and amazed reading through this very interesting thread.
It would seem from from the 'spirit' of the definitions, that the S-92 should never have been certified under the stringent FAR requirements for 30 minutes running time in the event of loss of Transmission lubrication.
What is worse is that despite certification, it became clear over a year ago, that MGB failures were far from a 'remote event' and there would appear to be at least 6 or 7 examples (requiring an immediate landing) in just the short time the aircraft has been operating. It seems the regulating authorities have bowed to commercial pressure to certify this aircraft in the first place (on quite a loop-hole) and furthermore have failed completely to pull the plug when aircraft were being forced to ditch - Thankfully over land.
I am surprised more people (particularly those flying the S-92) aren't asking for it to be grounded for offshore operations, particularly in hostile environments like the North Sea or North Atlantic.
Last edited by Special 25; 19th Mar 2009 at 06:16.
Reason: Reduced emotive language