Flight testing leading to certification of GE's advanced-technology CT7-8 turboshaft engine on Sikorsky's new S-92 helicopter continues on schedule at the Sikorsky Flight Test Center at West Palm Beach, Florida. \rGE says that, while more than 40 hours of shakedown testing has been completed, engine operation has exceeded all expectations. In addition, check-out of the full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system is said to have been accomplished within a quarter of the allotted time.\rA GE spokesman said: "Beginning with the maiden flight of the CT7-8-powered S-92 last October, there have been no engine removals, engine-caused delays, or inflight shutdowns. Engine responsiveness to the FADEC has been crisp, with low rotor droop and low torque overshoot during recoveries from auto-rotation.\r"In addition, the load sharing between the two installed engines has been so precise that the torque traces of the two engines appear as a single line."\rEd Birtwell, who is general manager of the turboshaft/turboprop department of GE Aircraft Engines, said: "GE's extensive experience with Sikorsky on several models of the Black Hawk, plus the derivative approach in the design of the engine, have been decisive factors in the seamless introduction of the CT7-8 on the S-92." \rDeveloped jointly by GE and FiatAvio of Italy and rated at more than 2,500 shaft horsepower, GE says the CT7-8 is the newest and most powerful member of GE's CT7/T700 family of turboshaft and turboprop engines.