MCA statement on global inspection of S92 helicopters
We have been made aware that the global fleet of S92s,
including those that fly for the UK Coastguard, has been stopped from flying
while they undergo a mandatory inspection with repairs where necessary.
We expect those affected bases to return to service
throughout the day as those repairs are put in place. The Inverness based
helicopter has already been brought back into service for lifesaving work and
we are negotiating a limited return to service at other bases in the same
manner.
This issue affects all S92s operated around the
world. Bristow Helicopters operates S92s on behalf of the UK Coastguard.
Of course search and rescue helicopters are not the only
means by which the UK Coastguard can rescue people. The volunteers of the
Coastguard Rescue Teams, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Mountain
Rescue services and others, still remain available to support lifesaving work.’