Strange how it only takes some recent media attention to awaken this thread. CBC did a reasonably good job with the "Fifth Estate" report, but this latest diatribe is reminiscent of their initial coverage of 491. Like vultures they descended upon the Cougar heliport and spewed out inconsistent stories, with the key word being stories, not facts.
I for one have been, and still am, patiently awaiting the pending new S92 MGB and the TSB report findings.
Commendation to the Cougar crew who are doing an excellent and vigilant job of keeping the S92s as safe as currently possible.
IMHO the high visibility in the S92 will not abate for quite some time in NL after 491. We would have had the same scenario with the Super Pumas if a MGB wasn't changed out in time, but the reason that never happened is again due to the excellent work of the Cougar team, who knew how to keep those babies flying. Hindsight is great, but not as good as total flying service/experience of any helo. That's why the Pumas gained an excellent track record, the maintenance regime was set by real-time experience. Hopefully the same will apply to the S92 as the flying hours increase.
Safe flying
Max