Orga’s new Circle-H touchdown and positioning lighting system for helidecks considerably improves the safety of helicopter pilots, according to the CAP 1077 report recently published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In recent years, Orga has been developing the Circle-H in collaboration with the CAA and the company has tested the system extensively at various test sites. The results of the tests led to the CAA making the new touchdown and positioning system mandatory in British territorial waters from 2018. Orga general business manager Jan Piet Stock said: "After a long period of research, development and testing, we are now making the first helidecks on platforms safer with the new Circle-H lighting system."
Circle-H helideck lighting
The CAA had been looking for solutions for years to improve the safety of helidecks. The current markings of the circle and H, lit by floodlights, have not been effective in all weather conditions. To improve safety and to minimise the number of offshore accidents, the CAA worked with Orga on a safer and more visible solution and developed the LED-lit Circle-H. "We have been a reliable supplier of offshore helideck and obstacle lighting systems for years and we already produce various types of innovative LED lighting solutions. All our systems, including this new Circle-H, are energy-saving, cost-effective and of high quality," says Stock.
Quick and efficient helideck lighting assembly
The touchdown (H) lighting system consists of specially developed LED modules and is built up of seven separate components which together form the Circle-H. The components are semi-flexible and made of low-profile stainless steel plates with a special anti-slip coating. The housing of the LEDs is made of offshore-resistant and fully sealed high-quality marine plastic. Orga assembles all the components in its own factory, so it is simply a matter of assembling the Circle-H at the site. Because of the weather and working conditions of an offshore site, it is essential that the whole system can be installed quickly and efficiently. "Orga produces the complete touchdown and positioning system itself and supervises the installation. The system has to be installed properly on a helideck in order for the Circle-H to function optimally," adds Stock.
CAA-certified helideck lighting
The touchdown and positioning lighting system for helidecks has to satisfy quality and safety requirements. Only in this way can the CAA guarantee the safety of helicopter pilots at offshore sites. Orga is the only company that can supply a Circle-H lighting system that has been extensively tested and has already been installed at a number of sites. The touchdown and positioning system is suitable for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 explosive atmospheres and is fully certified. The system complies with:
- CAA-UK CAP 437; Offshore helicopter landing areas – Guidance on standards, February 2013, chapter 4 and appendix C
- DEKRA 11ATEX0186; ATEX II 2 G Ex e mb [ib] IIC T6 Gb, according to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC
- EN 60079-0, EN 60079-7, EN 60079-11 and EN 60079-18
- IECEx DEK 11.0072; Ex e mb [ib] IIC T6 Gb
- IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-7, IEC 60079-11 and IEC 60079-18
Stock gives interested customers some concluding advice: "In view of the fact that the new system is a requirement, we advise customers to let us know that they are interested in good time, as we can then ensure that the helidecks are equipped with the mandatory touchdown and positioning system in time."