Press Releases

April 25, 2007

The Health and Safety Executive and Safety Regulation Group, a division of the U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority, have accepted the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.- sponsored analysis that the S-92 helicopter at an increased weight of 26,500 pounds can operate safely from the helidecks. The analysis by Consultavia Ltd was found to show that S-92 helicopters up to a maximum take-off weight of 12,020 kg can operate safely and without restriction from helidecks designed for S-61N helicopters. There are up to 103 helidecks in the U.K. sector of the North Sea that may be affected by the new clearance.

"As the S-92 becomes a more prevalent aircraft for offshore oil in the U.K., this confirmation is good news for helideck operators who may be looking to upgrade their fleets from the S-61Ns," said Marc Poland, Sikorsky vice president, commercial programs.

The S-92 has a proven operational readiness rate in excess of 98 percent. The advanced technology provides a safe helicopter that is also the easiest to maintain. Current operators of the S-92 helicopter are experiencing a significantly reduced manpower requirement of less than three maintenance man hours per flight hour in daily operations involving harsh conditions and maximum stress on the aircraft components.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service, is dedicated to the mission statement that, "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere...every time^TM." United Technologies Corp., of Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.