The problems for the offshore helicopters seem to be easing. Earlier this year, several S-92 helicopters were grounded because they lacked parts to be able to fly.
Helicopter manufacturer, Sikorsky, announced at the Solar Conference this week that it has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer extended service life on the main gearbox.
– It is positive because we can operate longer before the MGB housing (main gearbox, journal note) wears out and has to be replaced, says general manager Tore Villard of CHC Helikopter Service to NTB.
Kept longer in operation
The challenges of parts shortages have affected the whole of 2024. The problem is global, but in Norway the S-92 is the only helicopter type that flies offshore. Globally, 30 out of a total of 300 helicopters were on the ground this winter, and five of them were in Norway.
With the new FAA certification causing the transmissions to be kept in service for longer periods, it takes longer for companies to order new parts.
– It increases the availability of the fleet, and the pressure in the supply chain for extra parts is reduced, says Leon Silva, vice president for global commercial and military systems at Sikorsky, to NTB.
Now the European aviation safety agency Easa will decide whether they should allow an extended lifespan. If or when that happens, this approval also applies to Norway, says communications director Håvard Vikheim at the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
– It is difficult to say how long such a process will take, he says to NTB.
– Very satisfied
The CHC chief says that the extension of the life of the helicopter section comes as a result of long-term work and thorough analysis of performance data. The data is downloaded from operators’ helicopters around the world every day.
– We are very satisfied with the work that Sikorsky has put in to make this happen. This is positive for our operations, stresses Villard.
Sondre Nordseth, managing director of Bristow Norway, says they adhere to guidelines set by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. So far, they are working too hard to overcome the parts shortage.
– We continue to turn over every stone to find good solutions to the capacity challenges in both the short and long term, he says to NTB.
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2024-09-23 15:01:01
