Bristow Helicopters is all set for the opening of two more UK SAR bases, with the second Sikorsky S92 arriving at Prestwick on Sunday. This means that both Newquay and Prestwick have their compliment of aircraft – two S92s each at the present time – in preparation for live operations.

The Sikorsky S92s at Prestwick will be replaced in due course by AgustaWestland AW189s, but the introduction of these is delayed as they do not have clearance of FIPS – Full Ice Protection System. The manufacturer is currently working on this, with one of the prototypes working in northwest Canada and Alaska to gather all the data they need to demonstrate to EASA. In very simple terms, they have a grid of datapoints to complete their research and recording for, including aspects such as air temperature and altitude, and so on.

In the meantime, Bristow Helicopters are operating four AgustaWestland AW139s and four extra Sikorsky S92s to cover for absent AW189s

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com