@gulliBell
The FDR had to be periodically tested to ensure that all parameters were being recorded
This periodical test is a mandatory test which must be done in every 12 months period. This annual test is not a test that the FDR is recording, this is the test what verifies that the recordings are correct and exactly following the position of e.g. flight controls. Before this test you have to follow (in ground and hydraulic ground power mule connected) precise instruction to move step by step the helicopter's flight controls. The aim of this test is to verify that the FDR recording is 100 % matching to the created series of the control movements. This annual test is normally made by using special software to print out the FDR recording data by the approved maintenance organization or by sending the FDR unit to the Penny & Gilles for the annual test. This Penny & Gils FDR is combined with CVR to be Penny & Gils FDR/CVR.
The functionality test is mandatory to perform before every flight. Penny & Giles FDR/CVR test is the item which should be a check list item. Before commencing a flight the commander has a responsibility to perform FDR/CVR test. This test will ensure that the FDR/CVR works perfectly and its network of sensors and pick-ups are connected to transfer data to the FDR/CVR unit.
The test is a simple push button test. If I right remember when the test is activated the Penny & Giles test panel shows “TEST” and if the test is not passed a “FAIL” caution will illuminated. If the FAIL caution is illuminated then the crew should follow company’s approved MEL procedures. This Penny & Giles FDR/CVR is a combined unit and in EASA world there is not much to do rather than to ground the helicopter until the defect is fixed. In EASA world the helicopter will come unairworthy if FDR/CVR is U/S. I’m not familiar FAA or NCAA ruling of this but don’t believe that under FAA or NCAA doesn’t allowed to operate S76 helicopter without FDR/CVR in commercial operation, commercial offshore operation (OGP).
The helicopter operator is required to have a CAMO. This organization is responsible for the helicopter’s airworthiness and that all the maintenance action will be order to do by a approved maintenance organization in timely manner. Each helicopter must have an approved maintenance program where e.g. FDR/CVR’s all maintenance intervals and maintenance action must be descript. The CAM is responsible to create work orders to cover all the necessary and all the mandatory maintenance action which must be performed within the issued due flight hours, calendar times and cycles (e.g. landings and engines) and all affecting SB's, ASB's and AD's must be taken account.
Every helicopter’s airworthiness has to be double check by Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). This review must be done annually by the accepted organization which is commonly the CAMO organization. The aim for this review process is to ensure that the maintenance program is covering all the required maintenance actions and tasks. In addition the review double check that all maintenance action has been (in the past) performed, performed in timely manner and all maintenance documents are objectively and carefully filled.
I can’t believe that Bristow Helicopter has skipped this FDR/CVR annual and a mandatory test. I can’t believe that the Bristow Helicopter operation (training & flight activity) culture could accept that some of the mandatory company test procedures are skipped e.g. FDR/CVR test.
The lost data will be picked up from the HUMS unit's memory disc and from GPS/FMS internal memory so
"the truth is still out there".
@gulliBell
If there was an inherent flaw in the S76 flight control system design then loss of control accidents would be more prevalent than what history shows.
Let’s postpone this matter to the near future until we have e.g. data of these two accidents hydraulic fluid contamination or non-contamination. Anyway, you can prepare yourself be surprised...