Early feedback from helicopter pilots about a new helideck lighting system is proving favourable, according to a major North Sea oil support operator.
CHC Scotia's chief pilot at its North Denes, England base, Capt Richard Blaney, says operational trials have provided only two pilot reports so far, but both say the new lighting system provides "very good" visual cueing.
Pre-operational trials of the lighting system have so far been taking place at onshore sites, but the prototype deck lighting the line pilots are now using has been fitted to a North Sea rig. This is the latest stage of a UK Civil Aviation Authority-funded research project "to improve the existing lighting systems on offshore helidecks", says the agency, explaining: "Floodlights are currently used but provide limited guidance, and then only at close range where they can also be a source of glare to pilots."
The first prototype lighting system, produced by Aeronautical & General Instruments, has been installed on the ExxonMobil Thames A platform in the southern North Sea. A second prototype system, being manufactured by Techspan, is expected to be installed on BP's Miller platform in the northern North Sea later this year.
The CAA says that at Thames A "the landing circle is lit with yellow LED panels designed to provide sufficient light during the earlier stages of the approach when the helicopter is further away from the platform, without producing glare at close range. In addition, the standard 'H' marking on the deck is lit in outline form with green LED panels. The landing circle provides guidance throughout the approach and landing. The 'H' marking provides additional guidance at closer ranges."
Source: Flight International
