Sikorsky's S-92 helicopter recently passed the FAA's Falling and Blowing Snow qualification testing. The aircraft achieved FAA Type Certification in December 2002. Operating on a special FAA clearance, S-92 prototype aircraft #4 tackled a severe snowstorm in Hamilton, NY. Located in the Lake Ontario snow belt, 25 miles south of Syracuse, Hamilton is home to some of the most treacherous weather conditions in the country.

Waiting for just such a weather occurrence, the S-92 launched from Sikorsky's main plant in Stratford, Conn., on January 31st. The helicopter arrived in Hamilton just in time to experience heavy snowfall, high ground accumulations, and visibilities that normally shut down flight operations, yet the aircraft was able to achieve its requirements for U.S. FAA environmental certification.

Aircraft #4 accomplished 20 minutes of taxiing, five minutes of hover and an hour of forward flight, all in snowy conditions with temperatures ranging from 25-34 degrees Fahrenheit and less than a quarter mile of visibility.

"The aircraft performed flawlessly, with its systems handling all of the snow we could find," said Ron Doeppner, S-92 Experimental Pilot. "Especially during white-out conditions that can heavily tax the engine inlets."

Several Hamilton residents, upon hearing the helicopter orbit the airport but unable to see the aircraft in the snow, called the police to report an aircraft in distress. With the airport closed to flight traffic, residents apparently did not believe that an aircraft could navigate such a severe storm. When local police arrived at the airport, the S-92 crew convinced the local constabulary that nothing was amiss.

"Instead, we found the perfect storm," said Rick Becker, Engineering Test Pilot.

Before it is allowed to transport passengers, each aircraft must comply with U.S. Government standards for strength and safety. The S-92 now meets FAR Part 29 Airline Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 45, the most stringent rotorcraft safety requirements imposed to date.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com