NCAA restores Bristow’s Sikorsky S-76 aircraft back into operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has cleared Bristow’s Sikorsky S-76 aircraft after suspension from operations due to the audit needed to be carried out by the regulatory agency as a result of the last ditching in the Atlantic Ocean. According to a statement from Bristow, “ Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited confirmed the return of Sikorsky S-76 aircraft to service following completion of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) comprehensive operational audit and the company’s extensive return to service safety activities.”

“We thank the NCAA for conducting a thorough review of our operations,” said Bristow Group Vice President of Global Operations Mike Imlach.

 Bristow further expressed that they have completed a detailed safety inspection of their S-76 series helicopters and test flights for all [16] S-76 aircraft in compliance with the NCAA. Also that the Group president and CEO, Jonathan Baliff, was a passenger in one of the approved nonrevenue test flights to demonstrate his confidence in the safety of our S-76 fleet.

Bristow  said it has concluded a number of return to service safety activities with flight crews, engineers and other service employees, clients and key stakeholders, as an additional precautionary measure prior to resuming the S-76 fleet to operation.  “These activities include maintenance assessment reviews, risk assessment, and pre-flight safety briefings with passengers to give them the opportunity to talk to the crew and ask questions.”

The company has also engaged a reputable independent third party aviation firm to conduct an additional review of its entire operations in Nigeria. Bristow proposes that the review be extended to other operators in Nigeria so that best practices can be shared to enhance safety across the industry, and has commenced discussions with a number of operators regarding their participation.

Bristow is in full compliance with NCAA regulatory requirements and all Sikorsky directives for its fleet. The company maintains its aircraft to industry standards in accordance with special maintenance and monitoring programs developed by the aircraft and engine manufacturers, that are fully approved by the NCAA.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Accident Investigation Board (AIB), which is investigating the events of February 3, 2016, to determine the cause,” said Senior Legal Director Africa Region Tolu Olubajo.

“We thank our clients for their unwavering support during this time and remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing to honor our contractual obligations with them. Bristow has been committed to Nigeria for nearly 50 years and we will continue to invest in support for our

customers and the country.”

Bristow has operated variants of the S-76 type for more than 35 years and remains confident in the Sikorsky S-76 family of aircraft, which has an enviable safety record spanning many decades with more than 6.8 million flight hours.