Abstract:
This paper addresses processes and findings developed as the result of a program conducted by a Gulf of Mexico (GOM) helicopter Operator involving 14 S-76C+/++ (S-76C) helicopters in a three-year demonstration of operations supporting Oil and Gas Producers. These processes and findings are in many ways applicable to both civil and military helicopters since all civil and military OEMs use a Composite Worst Case (CWC) Usage as a key element of the algorithm for power train design and the establishment of initial power train inspection intervals. The current ability to record and process usage data during flight can allow the industry to develop inspection intervals based upon the actual usage data recorded on each helicopter in an operator's fleet. This allows the Operator to reduce the cost of operations without any degradation in flight safety or operational availability.