Summary
This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The AD would require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by clarifying that the Model S-92A helicopter was certificated as a transport category rotorcraft in both Categories A and B with different operating limitations for each category and must be operated accordingly. We have received reports that some operators are inappropriately operating Model S-92A helicopters using Category B limitations when the helicopter is configured with 10 or more passenger seats. Operating this helicopter when configured with 10 or more passenger seats and adhering to the less stringent limitations for the Category B configuration approved for a 9 or less passenger seat configuration does not maintain the FAA required minimum level of safety. This condition if not corrected, could result in operating under less stringent requirements.