Thumbs down on return of Super Pumas to oil industry
MARTIN WILLIAMS
and inspections and the precautionary withdrawal from service of any gearbox involved in an “unusual” event such as a road traffic accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft’s rotor broke off due to a “fatigue fracture” in one of its gears, but a root cause has yet to be found.
An Airbus spokesperson said: “We conducted an online helicopter users’ survey to hear directly from users, mainly pilots and passengers, regarding their thoughts on helicopter features in general, and the H225 in particular.
“This valuable feedback is key to helping us address the concerns, priorities and requirements of those who use our helicopters on a regular basis.”
It is understood the company is aware it has a huge task to regain trust in the oil and gas industry and that it has a big challenge to get anywhere near the situation in the early 80s and 90s where 90 per cent of the offshore helicopters were Super Pumas.
One industry expert said: “While the aircraft has been out of service helicopter operators and oil and gas companies have found alternatives and they are covered at this point in time.
“This has coincided with a downturn in the industry and so a lot of fleets have their helicopters in storage anyway.
“The number one priority for Airbus is to go through a long and careful process bringing people up to speed about what the situation is and what can be done about it.
“And with time as they see the measures are effective, there may be an opportunity for the helicopter to come back into service. But Airbus will be under no illusions on the matter.”
In July, the CAA accepted the helicopters would not begin flying immediately and that a plan of checks, modifications and inspections would be undertaken before any flights took place. SOME of Scotland’s best-known footballers from either side of the Old Firm have been reunited to fight against Alzheimer’s.
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