Chinese Aviation Authority OKs Sikorsky S-76D

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a validation type certificate for the Sikorsky S-76D, allowing the U.S. manufacturer to begin deliveries of the helicopter to Chinese customers. The approval, announced yesterday at ABACE 2014 in Shanghai, follows earlier CAAC validation of the S-76A and S-76C models. More than 30 Sikorsky S-76-series helicopters currently operate in China. Yunnan Jingcheng Group will be the first company in China to take delivery of an S-76D, scheduled for this month. The company operates an S-92 and has also purchased another, scheduled for delivery in November next year.