Sikorsky Aircraft is touting a pretty impressive milestone for what it, comparatively, a fairly new airframe. S-92 operator, PHI, has become the first operator in the world to achieve 10,000 fleet hours with the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. 

Since the 1950s, PHI has flown Sikorsky helicopters, offering services to the offshore oil and gas, onshore mining, international, air medical and technical services industries. Sikorsky delivered the first two production S-92s to PHI in late 2004 to provide service to BP in early 2005. PHI currently flies six S-92 helicopters, with two more scheduled to be delivered before year-end. PHI also flies S-92 helicopters for BHP Billiton, an Australian petroleum and mining company. PHI uses the S-92s to service deep water production platforms off the coast of Louisiana, primarily in the Mississippi Canyon region.

"Sikorsky and PHI have a long history, and the S-92 has become the popular choice for offshore, VIP and medical evacuation missions. This milestone represents a significant contribution to these services and Sikorsky looks forward to a bright future of milestones for the S-92 and PHI," said President Jeffrey Pino.

The S-92 was the first helicopter in the world certified to the latest Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint airworthiness safety standards. The aircraft is the winner of the Collier Trophy, and features a Rotor Ice Protection System available on S-92 helicopter military variants as well as commercial aircraft.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com