NOTE: The material contained in this section largely reflects the current standards. However, a UK CAA proposal to change the standards and recommended practices in ICAO Annex 14 Volume 2 was presented to the ICAO Visual Aids Panel (VAP) in December 2002 and these changes have been accepted by ICAO and will be adopted in the next update of Annex 14 Volume 2 and the Heliport Manual.
CAA plans to implement the changes in two stages with absolute cut-off for compliance of Stage 1 by 1 January 2008 and Stage 2 by 1 January 2010. CAA intends to update CAP 437 starting with Stage 1, probably in 2004.
CAA is conducting further trials prior to publishing a specification for lighting technologies suitable for the Phase 2 changes. CAA is encouraging the industry to implement the new Stage 1 standards as soon as practical.
In essence, three main problems exist with current helideck lighting systems and they are:
.
The location of the helideck on the platform is often difficult to establish due to the lack of visual conspicuity of the perimeter lights.
.
Helideck floodlighting systems frequently present a source of glare and loss of pilots' night vision on the deck, and further reduce the conspicuity of helideck perimeter lights during the approach.
.
The performance of most helideck floodlighting systems in illuminating the central landing area is inadequate, leading to the so-called 'black hole' effect.
Phase 1 changes comprise:
.
a change of perimeter light colour from yellow to green and revision of the associated lighting specification.
.
added emphasis on ensuring that floodlighting does not present a source of glare to pilots if it is to be retained. In most cases this can be achieved by the deletion of existing deck level floodlighting possibly replacing it with a high mounted (0.05D) system located within the LOS. NB: There are exceptions to this solution and these are spelled out in the CAA interim guidance letter dated 17 November 2003 [Ref: 47].
Proposed Phase 2 changes are:
.
provision of a lit aiming circle (circle of yellow lighting) and heliport identification 'H' marking (green lighting). These lighting systems are likely to be LED light sources but other light sources with equivalent performance may be acceptable.
During this period of change and prior to updating CAP 437, interim guidance has been produced in the form of a CAA letter [Ref: 49]. However, designers who are currently designing new helidecks and constructors who are undertaking helideck refurbishment are strongly advised to contact the CAA or BHAB Helidecks for the most up-to-date information and advice.
11.3.2 Considering the Offshore Lighting Environment
Particular care should be taken to check that all lighting arrangements follow precisely the guidance of CAP 437, except where otherwise agreed with BHAB Helidecks.
中国航空网 www.aero.cn
航空翻译 www.aviation.cn
本文链接地址：离岸直升机起落甲板设计指南 OFFSHORE HELIDECK DESIGN GUIDELINES 2(37)
