Sikorsky S-92: From Design to Operations

[APC77Z]

FAA puts teeth into EASA SIB

The FAA has added a bit more urgency to EASA's warning on 17 March that Sikorsky's suggested changes to the HFM from an SSA in September NOT be followed. Here's the FAA's text:

SUBJ:

Sikorsky S92A Main Gearbox Emergency Procedures Date: March 19, 2009

This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of Sikorsky S-92A helicopters to follow the current Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual.

Background

Sikorsky Aircraft issued Sikorsky Safety Advisory (SSA) SSA-S92-08-006, dated September 26, 2008. This SSA for the Sikorsky S92A helicopter suggested forthcoming FAA Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) changes
pertaining to main gearbox Emergency Procedures. The FAA has not approved these changes.

A series of service difficulties including a recent fatal accident in Canada has highlighted these procedures
for review and possible revision. The information in the Sikorsky SSA was premature and may not be appropriate. The recommendations below reflect the best information as available to the FAA.

Recommendations

The relevant emergency procedures in the FAA Approved RFM should be observed. Therefore, the procedures proposed in the subject SSA should not guide S92A operations.

For Further Information Contact

Mike Schwetz, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-150; phone: [phone];
fax: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]

For Related Service Information Contact

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main
Street, Stratford, CT, telephone [phone], e-mail address

[email protected], or at

http://www.sikorsky.com.