Sikorsky Aircraft has added a flight manual procedure that allows European offshore operators to land S-92s on a helideck or continue flight in the event of an engine failure during takeoff or landing.

JAR-OPS 3 Performance Class 2e Elevated Helideck performance data was added to the flight manual after the company completed 250 takeoff and landing tests, simulating engine failures on a fully instrumented S-92.

Said a spokesman: “Most European-based twin-engine helicopters currently operate offshore in accordance with Performance Class 2 data. Performance Class 2 operations accept a limited period of exposure during which the loss of an engine during takeoff or landing from a helideck may result in a forced water landing.”

According to Sikorsky, it is anticipated that by 2010 the JAA will require all twin-engine aircraft to meet the Performance Class 2e criteria.