Sikorsky's S-92 helicopter has been given a ringing endorsement by the man who should know best of all - Rick Burt, chief pilot of launch customer Cougar Helicopters.
Although a positive view is exactly what you would expect, Burt is genuinely enthusiastic about the aircraft, describing it as "crisp, responsive, spacious and well designed".
Development
Cougar became the first commercial operator to evaluate the S-92 in the week before Paris, flight-testing it at Sikorsky's development centre in Florida. The offshore operator has signed a deposit agreement for delivery of the first S-92, with options on up to four more.
Cabin angle and nose-up attitude during the transition from approach to hover were minimal, in contrast with other large helicopters I've flown.
"The S-92 handled crosswinds well, according to Burt, and demonstrated exceptional control at altitude and a variety of speeds. "The S-92 handles turns and aggressive power changes like an aircraft half its size."
Source: Flight Daily News
