Updated statement: S92 search and rescue helicopter inspections

Inspection work has been carried out all day across HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter bases after the global fleet of S92s were stopped from flying.

All S92 helicopters across the world had to undergo a mandatory inspection with repairs where necessary.

The life-saving provision of the helicopters meant Bristow Helicopters Ltd worked closely with Sikorsky to fast track the bases back into service.

Helicopters at Sumburgh, Stornoway, Humberside, Newquay, and Prestwick and Inverness are all now back in service. Helicopters at Caernarfon will also shortly return to service.
  
HM Coastguard helicopters at St Athan, Lydd, Lee-on-Solent and Portland are of a different type so those services have been unaffected by the issue.

Damien Oliver, Assistant Director with responsibility for aviation at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: ‘This was a highly unusual situation but we were prepared and we pulled out every stop when we were told about it at 0800 this morning. We had provision for crews to fly other aircraft if needed and – of course – we have a huge number of resources available in this country for search and rescue operations in addition to our helicopters – Coastguard Rescue Teams, the RNLI, Mountain Rescue to name but three.

‘Over the coming months, we will be mixing our fleet of aircraft so that we will always have a contingency option in the event of a fleet grounding.’ 


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