The Sikorsky S-76 is a twin-engine medium utility helicopter that can accommodate a basic crew of two and
up to 13 passengers. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation started in 1975 with the development of the Sikorsky S76
medium lift helicopter for the offshore/ oil support sector, based on the military S70 Black Hawk program. The
first prototype S-76A flew on March 13th 1977, powered by two Allison 250C30S turbo shafts. Deliveries of the
production model started in 1979 after FAA certification was awarded in November 1978. The Sikorsky S-76B with
the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B engines was flown first on June 22nd 1984. Deliveries started in 1987 and
the final S-76B was delivered in December 1997. Over 500 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in various models are built,
including 101 Sikorsky S-76Bs. The S-76 helicopter is mainly used for cargo and passenger transport to oil
platforms, in V.I.P. version and emergency.
Sikorsky S-76B Eagle PH-NZS of KLM Helikopters visited Groningen Airport Eelde in the Netherlands on
November 11, 1989 together with the Sikorsky S-76B PH-NZV. The PH-NZS was registered on
December 18, 1986 by KLM Helikopters BV and used for Offshore flights first out of Amsterdam Airport
Schiphol, later out of Den Helder-de Kooy. In 1995 the name and ownership was changed into KLM ERA
Helicopters BV. The PH-NZS was operated from January 26, 1996 till February 24, 1998 by KLM ERA
Helicopters (UK) Ltd. as G-UKLS. In 1998 KLM ERA Helicopters was integrated into Schreiner Northsea
Helicopters BV. On July 3, 1998 the PH-NZS was registered to this new owner. In 2005 Schreiner Northsea
Helicopters was integrated into CHC Helicopters and the PH-NZS is operated by CHC Netherlands since. On
April 24th 2006 the PH-NZS was registered to CHC Helicopters Netherlands BV, Den Helder. The helicopter
is stationed at Den Helder-De Kooy.
Luchtvaart déjà vu
