SA - Sikorsky H-92 v1.0 [box]

The Good:

This Sikorsky H-92 has been in regular use as a firefighting tool (using the Firecat 1 underbelly tank system), an impressive ability to handle multiple casualties (three stretcher plus several ambulatory), and even to haul cargo internally using GTFO! system. Creating my own livery (and others) for the aircraft is a breeze. A beautiful and impressive aircraft for all your commercial and governmental RP needs! A crew of 4 is recommended for using this aircraft in rescue RP (pilot, copilot, crew chief, rescue swimmer-diver). Plenty of addons to drop rescue rafts and supplies to victims.

The bad:

Not from my perspective, having grown up around aviation most of my life, but if you do not understand how helos work and don't read the directions, it'll make life frustrating. So read the directions and, if needs be, sign up for a couple of flight classes to learn the basics.

The ugly:

You do need to make sure both engines AND the APU are shut down to avoid annoying your neighbors. The transponder doesn't have an "off" mode like RL aircraft do, so if you shut everything off but leave the batteries on and the GPU keeping them charged there will be that special few that will insist (rather rudely in more than a few cases) that you de-energize the aircraft when not flying. I have one Shergood heli that keeps the transponder active (Mode C with altitude reporting) unless completely de-energized and the GPU is removed, but it isn't this one. Just shut off all the power-related switches, or ignore the complaints, and you can keep your batteries charged with the GPU.

This is one very cool aircraft that is about as real as flying a helo can be in SL.

This review applies (somewhat) to the civilian S-92 variant as well, which was part of a package deal I was offered when I purchased this one. I have a few of SAs helos, and they are all fun once you get the hang of it.

Enjoy!

Great helicopter, autopilot works great even if I rarely ever touch it, it's good to know it's there if something comes up and I need to let go of the controls. Tons of addons and easily modifiable if following instructions. That prim count though is a big ouch but, I suppose that comes with the territory.

I've owned quite a few aircraft in SL, the level of detail and such is above what you would expect from today's standards. Realistically flying aircraft ((within SL)) have always been a problem for me. As in controlling the aircraft. Not saying this is anything close to flying a helicopter in lets say Far Cry games or the like, does have a learning curve for sure. The control layout and hud system for it though, sure does make it easier, not only to fly but to understand the operation of the craft.

I also really like the starting procedures to add that extra level of realism but I also love that it has the quick starting/stopping features for when you just want to get up into the air to practice.

One of the things I like to do in SAR is participate in SAR drills. And this is my helicopter of choice for doing them. I have seen no helicopter that is better featured and better at the job than this one.

The experience starts with the realistic flying model. If you like to learn a little bit, then the realism is right up your alley because learning a little bit about flying in reality will help you learn to fly this, or any other Shergood helicopter. I love to learn, so this is totally up my alley. Also, pretty much every switch actually works.

But the experience continues on with the on board equipment. The Shergood GPS is a big improvement over having to follow your flight path with the mini-map and the world map. In essence, you have the map itself right on the instrument panel. And then you can use that map via an in world interface or by the website interface to plot a course using the autopilot. The helicopter will then fly the route itself automatically. It's pretty fun to do.

I started out by mentioning that this is the best SAR helicopter in SL, so let me focus on the SAR aspects in particular. Start with the working winch, which is not too unique. But the fact that it has the ability to operate and lift a basket, a stretcher, or other options while in no-rez zones is pretty impressive. In addition, it has a working spotlight and a roleplay-only FLIR display. I haven't seen those on other helicopters in SL.

The previous reviewer mentioned sim crossings. What can I say? SL is SL and sim crossings are difficult for all vehicles. I haven't found this to have noticeably more sim crossing problems. But I also learned a lot from the SL sailing community about how to mitigate the sim crossing problem. I imagine the previous reviewer could have asked for help in the group and gotten it. Or I'm always happy to share what I know. I don't work for Shergood, so doing that is not my job. But I am nice. :-)

I fly A LOT in SL. This aircraft has many features that made me drool initially, but it's way too fragile on SIM crosses. I've tweaked my avatar and my settings and discussed it with other pilots. It seems SL just can't handle this vehicle.

With reasonable speed and hitting the SIM boarder square the thing still tends to toss me out.

Very disappointing.

I have never had such a wonderful experience flying in SL. I have never flown a helicopter in RL but this is exactly how I imagine it to be. and Kelly was amazingly patient and helpful when I IMed her.