EASA has approved the vip type certificate for the S-76D helicopter, allowing for operation of the aircraft in Europe. The signing of the certificate in late February caps an intensive flight test programme.

Says president Shane Eddy: “This aircraft has already seen great success in offshore and vip operations in Trinidad and Tobago, Korea and China and has entered into search and rescue service with the Japan Coast Guard. We have high expectations for the aircraft's accep-tance, performance and importance to our European customers.”

The FAA approved the type certificate for the baseline S-76D aircraft in October 2012. In the ensuing year, the Sikorsky flight test programme expanded certifications. Bristow took delivery of the first S-76D helicopter in December 2013.