Australian Aviation — January 2018

CHC acquired the aircraft to meet
the needs of Woodside which itself
wanted fleet diversity having been
reliant on five CHC-operated AW139s.
“At its core the AW189 is a
completely different machine to the
AW139. However it does share about
30 per cent of the components of its
elder fleet mate, mainly in the avionics,
and as such it’s easier for pilots to
transition between types due to that
familiarity,” D’Rozario comments of the
two Leonardo aircraft.
Importantly, the AW189 doesn’t
share critical components with any
other helicopter in the CHC fleet. As
a result, there are now two distinct
types in CHC’s Woodside operation,
which protects both businesses against
the risks associated with single-type
operation.
D’Rozario reckons Leonardo has
created a new standard for offshore oil
and gas transportation,
“This aircraft is a game-changer
for oil and gas operations. It’s got
the range and payload capability to
make it very appealing for the routes
that organisations like Woodside
need it for, with significant cost
savings in acquisition and operations

“We’ve had great feedback from

those people travelling on the 189s.”

To improve passenger and crew

comfort, the 189 incorporates an

auxiliary power unit, allowing the

aircraft to remain airconditioned

while on the ground, while much

consideration has been taken to

reduce vibrations and minimise noise

from the rotors.

Still, a flight on an offshore support

helicopter like the the AW189 is a

unique experience, distinct from other

forms of commercial aviation, as

D’Rozario explains.

“Flying on an AW189 isn’t quite

the same as your usual commercial

airplane experience. Passengers wear

full lifejackets during the flight and

the noise from the rotor means we

rely on headsets to communicate

during flight. But it’s a comfortable

experience. The doors are closed,

they have big windows and it’s

airconditioned. The seats are like

those found in your typical economy

class cabin but seatbelts are of a four-

point design rather than your standard

sash belt.”

These are tools of the trade,

after all.

when compared to helicopters in the

heavy category. This means it’s more

cost-effective to operate, making a

significant impact to transportation

costs for projects across Australia.”

Flight experience

Technological improvements form

just one of the benefits of the AW189,

with passenger experience a key

consideration in its design.

“The AW189 comes with many

benefits for passengers when

compared to other helicopters. It’s

quieter with noticeably less noise

and vibration, while the aircraft has

excellent flying characteristics making

for a smoother ride,” comments

D’Rozario.

The AW189 complements the

larger Sikorsky S-92 in CHC’s

fleet.CHC

The AW189 joins the smaller

AW139 (pictured) in the CHC

fleet.CHC

AW 189

‘This aircraft

is a game-

changer for

oil and gas

operations.’

VINCE D’ROZARIO