Transport Canada will verify helicopter checks

On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness directive regarding Sikorsky model S-92 helicopters, ordering a specific check on the aircraft’s main gearbox.

Helicopters being used in this province have been checked and OK’d for flight.

For more on this story, including statements from the manufacturer, read the exclusive coverage in today’s print and digital edition of The Telegram.

Meanwhile, Transport Canada has provided response to questions from The Telegram on the FAA’s directive.

“The foreign-issued airworthiness directive is applicable in Canada and compliance with the FAA’s airworthiness directive is required. As part of the maintenance review for each operator, compliance with airworthiness directives are verified,” states a spokeswoman with the Canadian regulator.

Transport Canada has validated the FAA’s certification of the Sikorsky S-92 and has certified the aircraft for use in Canada.

“The Transport Canada validation process verifies that the aircraft is safe for flight. The United States retains the worldwide responsibility for the continued airworthiness of the helicopter,” the spokeswoman stated.

“Ongoing airworthiness relies on the manufacturer to establish maintenance procedures, the operator taking appropriate maintenance actions and their compliance with the applicable regulations, and Transport Canada conducting ongoing oversight of operators’ compliance.”

Related story: "FAA orders helicopters inspected"

Source:    http://www.thetelegram.com