DB,
This chest beating arse was responsible for the demise of the S92 in Newfoundland! Rubbish beyond the content of the RFM spouted by people who should know better.
The failure of the Captain to comply with the Emergency Checklist and the Co-Pilot's desire to do so.....by Ditching in a timely manner was the cause of the outcome that resulted from that refusal to ditch.
The descent that followed the first indications of a problem took Eleven Minutes, a conversation with Base Ops took place, and the descent was stopped and a return to level cruise flight was undertaken.
During that process, the Co-Pilot on two occasions reminded the Captain of the Checklist Entry that CLEARLY called for a Ditching.
So despite the Checklist and a Co-Pilot being in favor of ditching.....into very cold and very rough water.....the Captain elected to continue flying.
The existing Sea State, OAT and Wind, and the lack of a Ready Crewed SAR aircraft.....and perhaps a mistaken notion about the 30 minute Fly Dry capability....and whatever guidance the Management Rep provided the Captain...
.all played a role in the fatal crash that should have been a Controlled Ditching.
SA had run a MGB for an extended time to meet the FAA's Certification requirement.....which we all know now was not representative of an actual "Dry" gearbox. So you need to lay some blame on the FAA as well.
You and HC need to tell the whole story when you bang the Drum about the 92 Crash off Newfoundland. We know the two of you are very much proponents of the 225 which is a direct competitor to the 92. You should be wary of coming across to others as being incapable of having a professional, business like discussion about all things helicopter.
Neither Dixon or Lappos made any comment or suggestion that would lead any Pilot to thinking operating outside the published HV Charts or Main Rotor RPM Normal Operations limits was safe, authorized, or recommended. Just the opposite in fact.
To say otherwise as you have done is not being accurate.
Dixon and Lappos are Professional, experienced, and very capable Test Pilots who know of what they speak. They grant you the courtesy of respecting you in discussing your posts......you should do so in return.
Inquiry finds 16 separate problems in 2009 Nfld. helicopter crash - The Globe and Mail