Definition
The Sikorsky S-92 is a medium-lift, twin-engine commercial helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, certified for instrument flight and commonly used for offshore oil and gas transport, search and rescue, and head-of-state transport. It typically carries up to 19 passengers and is equipped with advanced avionics that support coupled approaches, including RNAV (GPS) procedures.
Plain English
A large twin-engine helicopter built by Sikorsky, often used to fly workers to offshore oil rigs and for rescue missions. It has modern instruments that let it fly approaches in poor weather.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbook figures, captions, and helicopter instrument procedure discussions when a specific helicopter example is being shown.
Derivation
The 'S' designates Sikorsky, the manufacturer. The number '92' is the model number in Sikorsky's sequential design lineage. Sikorsky has used S-numbers for its aircraft since founder Igor Sikorsky's earliest designs in the early 1900s.
Why Pilots Care
When the handbook references a specific aircraft type, the procedures and equipment discussed often assume the capabilities that aircraft brings — in this case, a fully IFR-capable helicopter with modern navigation systems. Knowing what the S-92 is helps the reader understand the operational context being described.
Intuition Check
Do not read S-92 as a procedure code or instrument setting. Here it identifies a helicopter model: the Sikorsky S-92.
Example Sentence 1
The operator's S-92 fleet flies daily IFR missions from the heliport out to the offshore platforms, regardless of weather.
Example Sentence 2
Performance data for the S-92 shows a higher approach speed than lighter helicopters.