Factor effecting the capability to jettison an S92 push-out window

•Identification of factors affecting capability to jettison S92 push-out window.•Mass and function influence jettison forces.•Actual helicopter exit jettison force used calibrate simulated window.•Training should use similar forces to those collected from the actual helicopter.

The need for human factors research within global offshore helicopter operations cannot be understated. Presently, there is extremely limited information about the force required to jettison a helicopter exit. This information should be readily available in the helicopter design information. This study explored factors that influence the ability of a passenger to successfully jettison a Sikorsky S92 helicopter push-out window under simulated conditions. The results clearly indicated that the technique used to jettison the window plays a significant role in success rates. It was also noted that the location at which the strike was applied significantly changed the force that could be applied. Given these results, it is possible that prior to each flight offshore, passengers could physically demonstrate their capacity to open a high physical fidelity (i.e., requires the same applied loads to jettison as those in the actual helicopter) simulated exit.