For the last few years, Orga has been developing a vastly improved system for lighting the markings of the circle and the H on helidecks. Positive results at test sites recently led to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) making the touchdown and positioning system mandatory for all helidecks on platforms in British territorial waters from 2018.
Orga general business manager Jan Piet Stock understands the CAA’s decision: "Our new LED-lit Circle-H (TD/PM) greatly improves the visibility of the helicopter landing area and, thus, safety. The installation at the test site in the Irish Sea has now been functioning for a year to everyone’s complete satisfaction; the helicopter pilots are really enthusiastic."
A number of years ago, in collaboration with the UK CAA, Orga started developing a touchdown and positioning lighting system for helidecks at offshore assets. In October 2012, the company installed the first Circle-H at a test site in the Irish Sea: a platform where helicopter pilots make intensive use of the helideck in all weathers. According to a report published not long ago by the UK CAA (CAP 1077), the helicopter pilots are very happy with the new system. "The CAP 1077 contains a lot of positive feedback from pilots. One of the pilots even called the new system ‘awesome’. So we are very proud of it," says Stock.
The CAA is not the only organisation to see the advantages of the improved system for offshore helidecks. Many other parties have called in Orga to build lighting systems on their platforms. "We are already receiving requests from all over the world," adds Stock. "At the moment, we are the only company to have a fully tested and certified touchdown and positioning system for helidecks. It is important for our production department that customers let us know that they are interested in good time, as we can then jointly ensure that all helidecks are equipped with the mandatory new Circle-H in time."