Sikorsky S-92: From Design to Operations
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First production S-92 heads for GoM
Sikorsky Press Release Sep. 23, 2004
Forgive my interest in this particular helicopter. It was the nearest to completion when I visited the production line at Bridgeport almost exactly a year ago.
Must give you a very satisfied feeling, Nick.
First Production Sikorsky S-92 Heads to Work
The first production S-92 proudly displays PHI colors
Latest Generation Helicopter to Fly the Gulf for PHI
STRATFORD, Conn.
The first production S-92 proudly displays PHI colors
Latest Generation Helicopter to Fly the Gulf for PHI
STRATFORD, Conn.
- The first production Sikorsky S-92 helicopter is expected this weekend at its new home base in Lafayette, La., where it will open up a new age of offshore service on the Gulf of Mexico with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI).
"The S-92 is a revolutionary aircraft, the most technologically advanced and safest helicopter in the world. We are pleased with the S-92 because of its advanced safety features, range, payload, cabin size and cost effectiveness," said Al A. Gonsoulin, chairman, and CEO of PHI.
A second S-92 for PHI is nearing delivery early next month. S-92 completion will increase through the end of 2004, with decreasing intervals between deliveries. The plan is to deliver 18 aircraft in 2005. Sikorsky has orders, including options, for 60 S-92 helicopters.
"We are delivering this aircraft to a high-usage customer that will be flying the aircraft in demanding offshore missions in the Gulf of Mexico," said Sikorsky President Steve Finger. "Under these conditions, this S-92, and the one we deliver in a few weeks, will build up flight hours of operation at an incredible rate."
Sikorsky has been selected by the Government of Canada to provide 28 H-92 maritime helicopters, military derivatives of the S-92. Sikorsky is also offering a version of the H-92 in the competition for the next-generation helicopter to serve the White House mission.
PHI's S-92 makes a pass over Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford
"The S-92 is a revolutionary aircraft, the most technologically advanced and safest helicopter in the world. We are pleased with the S-92 because of its advanced safety features, range, payload, cabin size and cost effectiveness," said Al A. Gonsoulin, chairman, and CEO of PHI.
A second S-92 for PHI is nearing delivery early next month. S-92 completion will increase through the end of 2004, with decreasing intervals between deliveries. The plan is to deliver 18 aircraft in 2005. Sikorsky has orders, including options, for 60 S-92 helicopters.
"We are delivering this aircraft to a high-usage customer that will be flying the aircraft in demanding offshore missions in the Gulf of Mexico," said Sikorsky President Steve Finger. "Under these conditions, this S-92, and the one we deliver in a few weeks, will build up flight hours of operation at an incredible rate."
Sikorsky has been selected by the Government of Canada to provide 28 H-92 maritime helicopters, military derivatives of the S-92. Sikorsky is also offering a version of the H-92 in the competition for the next-generation helicopter to serve the White House mission.
PHI's S-92 makes a pass over Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford
Must give you a very satisfied feeling, Nick.
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Flying Lawyer,
You bet it does! Hundreds of engineers and program people were there to see it off, the second and third are right behind it.
I was near DC with our demonstrator flying press and Washington officials, so I missed it, unfortunately.
You bet it does! Hundreds of engineers and program people were there to see it off, the second and third are right behind it.
I was near DC with our demonstrator flying press and Washington officials, so I missed it, unfortunately.
Nick,
Is it true the only reason the delivery was delayed was so the temperature would drop low enough so you would not violate the low density altitude take-off/landing limitations?
By the way, how many passengers can you carry with full fuel at sea level at 100 F and meet Cat A requirements? Your thread dissing the need for Cat A performance indicates to me it must be a lot less than desired.
The Sultan
Is it true the only reason the delivery was delayed was so the temperature would drop low enough so you would not violate the low density altitude take-off/landing limitations?
By the way, how many passengers can you carry with full fuel at sea level at 100 F and meet Cat A requirements? Your thread dissing the need for Cat A performance indicates to me it must be a lot less than desired.
The Sultan
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The temperature down here in the GOM hasn't dropped enough to notice yet. And I'll wager my next several paychecks that the S92 will carry more passengers Cat A at 100 degrees than a 412 or a 214 will.
Cat A isn't an issue offshore or on the US Gulf Coast, though. There are no heliports onshore or offshore that have Cat A criteria.
Cat A isn't an issue offshore or on the US Gulf Coast, though. There are no heliports onshore or offshore that have Cat A criteria.
Hey Nick...
How's about a Demo flight out here....? I will throw in a bottle of Old Overcoat and a Cobra flight for you!
How's about a Demo flight out here....? I will throw in a bottle of Old Overcoat and a Cobra flight for you!
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SASless,
Do you hear a buzzing sound, like a fly that just lifted off from a cow pasture, somewhere in Texas?
I'd love to, buddy, let me find the time. Similarly, come East and I will show you a place where REAL helicopters are built.
Do you hear a buzzing sound, like a fly that just lifted off from a cow pasture, somewhere in Texas?
I'd love to, buddy, let me find the time. Similarly, come East and I will show you a place where REAL helicopters are built.
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First delivered S-92 was not PHi aircraft
Last week Sikorsky put out a press release to say that the first S-92 for PHi was expecting to be in Lafayette by the weekend, and it would soon be plying its trade in the Gulf of Mexico (hurricanes permitting).
However, the first S-92 delivered was flying in the UK on Friday..... and is a corporate aircraft. That is backed up by the "Certificate Issue Date" being listed for this aircraft on the FAA register, but not for either PHi aircraft.
Oh, you want to know who the customer is, do you??? Well, remember that shiny black S-61N G-LAWS with the full leather interior.... Yes, Leslie Wexner has replaced it with S-92 reg N908W. Seen at Stansted on Friday, and Birmingham UK today, presumably interlining with his BBJ.
However, the first S-92 delivered was flying in the UK on Friday..... and is a corporate aircraft. That is backed up by the "Certificate Issue Date" being listed for this aircraft on the FAA register, but not for either PHi aircraft.
Oh, you want to know who the customer is, do you??? Well, remember that shiny black S-61N G-LAWS with the full leather interior.... Yes, Leslie Wexner has replaced it with S-92 reg N908W. Seen at Stansted on Friday, and Birmingham UK today, presumably interlining with his BBJ.
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Depends what you mean by delivery. The PHI aircraft was the first one accepted and signed for by the customer.
Actual date on site after some additional training in Stratford does not count.
The PHI aircraft will not be fully operational in the GOM for another couple of weeks....helideck crew training, contract customer acceptance, etc.
Obviously you have never been involved in an aircraft delivery process.
HH
Actual date on site after some additional training in Stratford does not count.
The PHI aircraft will not be fully operational in the GOM for another couple of weeks....helideck crew training, contract customer acceptance, etc.
Obviously you have never been involved in an aircraft delivery process.
HH
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Hippolightweight,
Sounds like you slept through another class, kimosabe,
Websters Dictionary:
Deliver - to take and hand over to or leave for another : CONVEY <deliver a package> b : HAND OVER, SURRENDER <delivered the prisoners to the sheriff> <delivered themselves over to God>
Obviously you have never been involved with a language process before. Must be hard being semi-right so often.
Sounds like you slept through another class, kimosabe,
Websters Dictionary:
Deliver - to take and hand over to or leave for another : CONVEY <deliver a package> b : HAND OVER, SURRENDER <delivered the prisoners to the sheriff> <delivered themselves over to God>
Obviously you have never been involved with a language process before. Must be hard being semi-right so often.
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PHI took delivery several months ago, at Heli-Expo, or some such hoopla. Lots of pictures in the aviation media of the keys being handed over by Mr Pino to Messrs Bospflug and Gonsoulin. Then after the delivery, it went back to Sikorsky for completion, or something like that. The formal delivery is old news. Actually flying on contract is something different.
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GP - I agree with you - Sikorsky knew by Heli-Expo that the aircraft was not ready for sitting on the PHi ramp and flying out to the GoM, the stuff at Heli-Expo was nothing short of a publicity stunt (aka "hoopla" in your words) to grab the headlines.
Hippolite - Call it what you like, but the aircraft was not ready for operations at the time of Heli-Expo and could not have been fully "accepted" by PHi (or they would not have agreed to it going back into the shop for more work).
The true delivery date is the one where the aircraft leaves the factory for the customer with no immediate plans on the aircraft returning to the manufacturer (ie dictionary, not PR, definition). Given that, the corporate machine now based in the UK was the FIRST delivery as it was already in the UK on Friday last before the PHi ship got to a ramp near the GoM
There was a report in June of a problem that was "not significant" and that they would be "delivering to PHI during the summer, as projected" - the report stated The aircraft involved suffered flight control and other damage when a hydraulics test cart was hooked up wrongly. However, seems like this (or another problem) stopped all deliveries until last week. Nick - can you enlighten us further on this? Is late September "summer" in Sikorsky's dictionary?
Hippolite - Call it what you like, but the aircraft was not ready for operations at the time of Heli-Expo and could not have been fully "accepted" by PHi (or they would not have agreed to it going back into the shop for more work).
The true delivery date is the one where the aircraft leaves the factory for the customer with no immediate plans on the aircraft returning to the manufacturer (ie dictionary, not PR, definition). Given that, the corporate machine now based in the UK was the FIRST delivery as it was already in the UK on Friday last before the PHi ship got to a ramp near the GoM
There was a report in June of a problem that was "not significant" and that they would be "delivering to PHI during the summer, as projected" - the report stated The aircraft involved suffered flight control and other damage when a hydraulics test cart was hooked up wrongly. However, seems like this (or another problem) stopped all deliveries until last week. Nick - can you enlighten us further on this? Is late September "summer" in Sikorsky's dictionary?
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This one was out of my hands, there are marketing shows and there are deliveries. For about 32 years, I have seen deliveries take place at our factory, and I know one took place the other day (September is part of Indian Summer in New England).
I do think that "delivery" is different than "placed into service" which is when the pax go to rigs in the machine. I think those who equate delivery with placed into service are incorrect.
I do think that "delivery" is different than "placed into service" which is when the pax go to rigs in the machine. I think those who equate delivery with placed into service are incorrect.
Tightgit
Whatever, the nice new blue one was at BHX on Tuesday and very gucci it looked too
Thanks to the crew for the look around
Thanks to the crew for the look around
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RJ Squirrel
Thanks so much for the English lesson, there is no need to be rude. I am lucky to have some knowledge which as much as I can, I will try to share here, within the bounds of what can be shared.
Fact is, I said that the aircraft still isn't in service so acknowledged, by default, that the one in the UK is first in service(whatever the service and its not revenue service anyway)
It was not, however, the first one delivered to a customer as the first aircraft was "conveyed" to PHI both in Heli Expo (ready or not as some may argue) and was (ceremony ignored here) to PHI at Stratford some time ago.
The PHI aircraft ended up having some customer options installed which is delaying revnue service as well as the deck traing issues etc.
PPheli
The hydraulic issue did not really cause the delay. PHI had some specific requests to GOM "proof" the aircraft which made it a bit later than expected.
Anyway, they have a nice yellow one and Wexner has a nice blue one and if I had the money I might have one too, but I don't so I won't just yet.
Thanks so much for the English lesson, there is no need to be rude. I am lucky to have some knowledge which as much as I can, I will try to share here, within the bounds of what can be shared.
Fact is, I said that the aircraft still isn't in service so acknowledged, by default, that the one in the UK is first in service(whatever the service and its not revenue service anyway)
It was not, however, the first one delivered to a customer as the first aircraft was "conveyed" to PHI both in Heli Expo (ready or not as some may argue) and was (ceremony ignored here) to PHI at Stratford some time ago.
The PHI aircraft ended up having some customer options installed which is delaying revnue service as well as the deck traing issues etc.
PPheli
The hydraulic issue did not really cause the delay. PHI had some specific requests to GOM "proof" the aircraft which made it a bit later than expected.
Anyway, they have a nice yellow one and Wexner has a nice blue one and if I had the money I might have one too, but I don't so I won't just yet.
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You know it's fall when all the grapes are sour
The whole world told them they couldn't produce a civilian machine that would then go military. They did that. The whole world told them they couldn't go up against the 212/412 in the GOM and the Puma in the North Sea but they did.
The orders are piling up, the customers are happy and the only ones whinging are the old tired pilots that have too many bad habits to upgrade to this aircraft.
Stop acting like a spoiled five year old ppheli, admit i that it is a good thing that the S-92 has launched and congratulate the Sikorsky boys on a job well done.
The orders are piling up, the customers are happy and the only ones whinging are the old tired pilots that have too many bad habits to upgrade to this aircraft.
Stop acting like a spoiled five year old ppheli, admit i that it is a good thing that the S-92 has launched and congratulate the Sikorsky boys on a job well done.
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I have to say ppheli, I'm not sure what you're making such a fuss about.
When visiting the S-92 production line I saw a number in varying stages of completion. Unsurprisingly, the one at the front of the line bore the lowest production number and was nearest to completion. I was told it was going to PHI.
Unless plans changed later, then that aircraft, the first S-92 to come off the production line, the very one in which I sat, has gone to PHI in the Gulf - which is what Sikorsky said in its press release last week. (They didn't say I'd sat in it, but you know what I mean.)
Even if all the above is completely wrong, does it matter? (Except to spotters/collectors of serial numbers.)
I'm not a marketing man (and I don't know if the owner of the S-92 you've seen in the UK wanted any publicity), but surely it's entirely understandable and reasonable for Sikorsky's marketing people to publicise that a major operator the size of PHI is a customer for their latest model.
Sikorsky has a fine reputation and a long successful history. Their helicopters have a good safety record, and professional pilots seem to like flying them. The S-92 looks like being another success story. It's good for the industry if there's demand for new helicopters, whether from European or American manfacturers.
I'm puzzled by the nit-picking.
BTW, I also regard September as the summer, as do my colleagues who came back to work this week referring to their summer holiday. The weather's been terrible, but August was worse.
When visiting the S-92 production line I saw a number in varying stages of completion. Unsurprisingly, the one at the front of the line bore the lowest production number and was nearest to completion. I was told it was going to PHI.
Unless plans changed later, then that aircraft, the first S-92 to come off the production line, the very one in which I sat, has gone to PHI in the Gulf - which is what Sikorsky said in its press release last week. (They didn't say I'd sat in it, but you know what I mean.)
Even if all the above is completely wrong, does it matter? (Except to spotters/collectors of serial numbers.)
I'm not a marketing man (and I don't know if the owner of the S-92 you've seen in the UK wanted any publicity), but surely it's entirely understandable and reasonable for Sikorsky's marketing people to publicise that a major operator the size of PHI is a customer for their latest model.
Sikorsky has a fine reputation and a long successful history. Their helicopters have a good safety record, and professional pilots seem to like flying them. The S-92 looks like being another success story. It's good for the industry if there's demand for new helicopters, whether from European or American manfacturers.
I'm puzzled by the nit-picking.
BTW, I also regard September as the summer, as do my colleagues who came back to work this week referring to their summer holiday. The weather's been terrible, but August was worse.
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S92 Goes Corporate
Not that anyone needs to be told where to find this...............
The S92 Flies
Nice to see it on the job.
The S92 Flies
Nice to see it on the job.
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Flying Lawyer - You hit the nail on the head with Mr Wexners S-92. He is a very very low profile individual. It makes it hard for marketing types when they want to show off their new toys but he who has just shelled out quite a few millions has other ideas 
PHI has never been shy for publicity and good on them, they have launched a lot of aircraft through their GOM operation, some that have been at Heli Expo and never flown offshore, (read Bell 427).
I suppose we all have to just wait and see who gets what, unless Nick feeds us a few little snips here and there.
PHI has never been shy for publicity and good on them, they have launched a lot of aircraft through their GOM operation, some that have been at Heli Expo and never flown offshore, (read Bell 427).
I suppose we all have to just wait and see who gets what, unless Nick feeds us a few little snips here and there.