Deliveries Can Now Begin In Europe

EASA has approved the VIP Type Certificate for the S-76D helicopter, allowing for operation of the aircraft in Europe. The announcement was made at the 2015 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show.

EASA signed the certificate on Feb. 25, capping an intensive flight test program to introduce the S-76D helicopter.

"This certification enables our customers in Europe to begin operations using the S-76D helicopter," said Shane Eddy, President, Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. "The aircraft already has seen great success in offshore and VIP operations in Trinidad and Tobago, Korea and China and has entered into search and rescue service with the Japan Coast Guard. We have high expectations for the aircraft's acceptance, performance and importance to our European customers."

The FAA approved the Type Certificate for the baseline S-76D aircraft in October 2012. In the ensuing year, the Sikorsky Flight Test program expanded certifications. Bristow Group Inc. took delivery of the first S-76D helicopter in December 2013.

The S-76D helicopter's baseline equipment includes powerful and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; an advanced THALES TopDeck integrated avionics system and four-axis autopilot; Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) incorporated into fleet monitoring and analysis; active vibration control; and all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades.

(Image provided by Sikorsky)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com