Comments by newly checked S-92 Pilots

[HeliComparator]

Bootneck

The 225 pilot seats are the same as the 332L, with the same lack of legroom! However the new deliveries are coming with different pilot seats (crashworthy) - these seats are smaller, lighter but IHMO more comfortable on long flights and with much more legroom. They have adjustable armrests and lumbar support, but they don't have rake adjustment - but I always had it raked right back anyway. Not sure if it might be a problem for the vertically challenged, but I much prefer them. Now it only remains for the first 6 to be retrofitted - Oops, forgot their lordships' bonuses

HC

[victor papa]

Man! Must be a brilliant aircraft(the 225) if all you have to moan about is the seat-no engine or mgb failures! Seems from the previous posts you have enough time to think about seats being uncomfortable!

[Bootneck]

Thanks HeliC, the seat rake was always a bone of contention, having that facility would have made a lot of difference to many old bones. It does sound as if they've made a really good machine, again.

[TiPwEiGhT]

I hear from my collegues that the vibration and noise levels in the 92 are quite high. Some of them are wearing helmets to decrease the chances of damaging their hearing and also to help with the vibration.

[rotordude]

Big variations in vibrations between aircrafts. I guess it´s all in the track and balance.
The noise level is uncomfortable, in particular the slapping noise from the mainrotor. Norsk are now providing helmets to all pilots, as an effort to prevent hearing loss over time.

I thought this thing was supposed be be "New Technology".

[Horror box]

I hear from my collegues that the vibration and noise levels in the 92 are quite high. Some of them are wearing helmets to decrease the chances of damaging their hearing and also to help with the vibration.

Not sure where you got this from, but having flown both, the S92 is way quieter than the 332, and vibe is also considerably less. Certainly no need for extra ear protection inside. The majority of noise is generated from the aircon. The S92 comes under some flack from the Eurocopter fans, but it is a bloody good machine to work with on balance, and a huge leap forward from the old Super Puma days. Very comfortable to fly (as long as you have the new 'hi comfort seats!), excellent autopilot that will also fly a fully coupled 4 axis ILS to 50ft agl, 60kts (can be reduced to 55) in a 40kt x-wind (tested personally!), fly a full ARA coupled,and happily fly at AUM at FL100 at 140 KIAS.
I am happy with it, especially compared to some of the sheds I have flown and operated in the past.

[Variable Load]

also to help with the vibration

I'm sure the helmet will help a lot

It should provide some good exercise for the neck muscles however. Surely a good headset will be sufficient? What were Norsk using prior to the change?

[rotordude]

Surely a good headset will be sufficient?

To some extent, yes. But the sound waves also reaches your inner ear through your skull, and might cause a hearing damage over time. Flying up to 7-8 hours a day in 90-100 dB wouldnt be concidered healthy anyway, but a helmet in my opinion, wil reduce the dB.

What were Norsk using prior to the change?

Mainly David Clarke headsets.

[212man]

Yes, seems non-sensical to me. A decent ANR or even passive headset would be a much better solution. I also concurr that although quite noisy, it does not compare to having two Makilas stuck on top of your head doing 30,000 Ng!

happily fly at AUM at FL100 at 140 KIAS.

Are you sure about that? One of the few occasions I need to adjust the AGW page (rather than just pressing UTIL - NAV) is when at higher levels, when 140 KIAS exceeds the MAUM Vne. In the absence of a Vne chart, it's not easy to predict.

[Horror box]

Are you sure about that? One of the few occasions I need to adjust the AGW page (rather than just pressing UTIL - NAV) is when at higher levels, when 140 KIAS exceeds the MAUM Vne. In the absence of a Vne chart, it's not easy to predict.

Yep, you are quite right - my oversight, over enthusiastic reply without checking the figures! Need to drop a few pounds and pull 86%, or adjust the AGW page!

[Limpopo]

Cannot comment on the S92 as I haven't flown in one, although on the radio have heard the aircon through the microphone of those that do. However, having flown the AS332L, L2 and EC225, the cockpit of the EC225 is quieter in comparison to the earlier models. It may sound noisier on the outside, but inside it is definitely quieter.