Norwegian operator Norsk Helikopter yesterday celebrated the 5,000th fleet hour of its Sikorsky S-92(R) (Serial No. 11) helicopter. The aircraft reached the milestone on February 5, a little more than two months after the Norsk S-92 fleet reached its 20,000th flight hour.

Norsk owns and operates six S-92 helicopters and in 2006 became the first offshore oil operator in the North Sea to reach 10,000 fleet flight hours. “The offshore oil segment in the North Sea is a challenging environment, so to realize these distinct milestones in such an aggressive time frame is truly remarkable,” said Sikorsky v-p and chief marketing officer Stephen Estill. “The S-92 helicopter’s record of continuing availability in the rigorous offshore oil segment is a testament to the strength of this aircraft for this mission.”

Norsk managing director Ivar Eie added, “The S-92 helicopter has demonstrated that it is well suited for its missions. It has performed above expectations.”

Norsk began transport services to fixed and mobile installations in the North Sea in 1993. Sikorsky (Booth No. 1641) is based in Stratford, Conn.