Story ID: 
Flying Colours Refurbs First Sikorsky S-92
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: Company seeks growth in VIP helo refurb market.
Word Count: 284
Flying Colours has refurbished its first Sikorsky S-92 at its Peterborough, Canada headquarters, the company announced today. Delivery of the nine-passenger S-92 took place at the end of January. The helicopter, which is a VIP variant, features an electric blue interior created by Flying Colours designers.

The four-month project included installation of forward four-place club and aft five-place club seating, fitting of a forward lavatory, extensive cabinetry work and a granite flooring finish in the lavatory and helicopter entrance. The interior features white all-leather seating with a blue crocodile leather insert. White leather sidewalls incorporate a blue "stingray" patterned leather accent complemented by blue crocodile-leather lower sidewalls, and a plush blue carpet with a white silk pattern. The woodwork features a new wood grain veneer with a custom blue high-gloss finish.

One of the challenges was ensuring the new upholstered seats would meet Part 29 rotorcraft requirements, including 30g downforce and 18.4g forward force. The leather seat cover is an integral part of the seat's safety performance, and the MRO had to determine what design limitations were set by the original seat manufacturer.

"We have always been interested in pursuing the helicopter market and with the combination of our experienced workforce and hangar capacity, we are well positioned to expand that side of our business,” said vice president Sean Gillespie. In addition to the S-92 project, the MRO also has extensive experience with the Sikorsky S-76.

Flying Colours offers green completions, interior refurbishment, maintenance, component services, auxiliary fuel systems, exterior paint and avionics installation and upgrades. The MRO specializes in midsize to large business aircraft and is an authorized service center for Bombardier and Beechcraft.