Helideck Friction Test

A helideck friction test is a test that measures the friction coefficient of a helideck surface. The friction coefficient is a measure of the grip or traction between the helicopter landing gear and the helideck surface. The test is designed to ensure that the helideck surface provides adequate friction to enable safe helicopter operations.

During a helideck friction test, a skid-resistant test tire is used to simulate the landing gear of a helicopter. The test tire is dragged along the helideck surface at a constant speed and angle, while the force required to move the tire is measured. This force is then used to calculate the friction coefficient of the helideck surface.

The helideck friction test is typically conducted in accordance with the guidance provided in CAP437, which is the Civil Aviation Authority's Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas. The test is a critical component of ensuring that helidecks are safe for helicopter operations, as low friction levels can result in reduced control of the helicopter during takeoff and landing, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.d pose a risk to the safety of personnel or the helicopter itself.

1. Compliance with regulations: Helidecks are subject to strict regulatory requirements that must be met in order to be operational. A helideck inspection can help identify any non-compliance issues and ensure that the helideck meets all relevant regulatory standards.
2. Avoiding accidents: A helideck inspection can help identify potential safety issues before they become accidents. By identifying and addressing issues early, the likelihood of an accident or incident is reduced.
3. Protecting equipment: Helicopters are expensive pieces of equipment, and any damage caused during takeoff or landing can result in significant costs. By ensuring that the helideck is in good condition and free from hazards, the risk of damage to the helicopter can be minimized.

CAP437 sets out specific requirements for helideck friction testing. These requirements include:

1. Frequency: Helideck friction testing must be conducted at least once every 6 months.
2. Equipment: The test tire must be made of a non-marking rubber compound with a known coefficient of friction. The tire must be inflated to the recommended pressure and have a minimum contact area of 200mm x 200mm.
3. Test points: The helideck surface must be divided into test points, with each point covering an area of 1m x 1m. The number of test points depends on the size of the helideck and must be sufficient to provide a representative sample of the surface.
4. Test speed: The test tire must be dragged along the surface at a constant speed of 4 knots (7.4 km/h).
5. Test angle: The test tire must be dragged along the surface at an angle of 30 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the helideck.
6. Test results: The friction coefficient of each test point must be recorded and reported. The results must be compared to the minimum friction coefficient values set out in CAP437, and any test points that fall below the minimum values must be marked and corrective action taken.
7. Test report: A written report detailing the results of the friction test and any corrective actions taken must be prepared and kept on file.

It is important to note that these are just some of the requirements for helideck friction testing according to CAP437. The full requirements can be found in the standard itself.

The requirements for a helideck to be operational can vary depending on the location and type of helideck. However, in general, the following requirements must be met:

1. Compliance with regulations: The helideck must be compliant with all relevant regulations and standards, including national and international regulations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
2. Adequate markings and lighting: The helideck must have appropriate markings and lighting to ensure that it is visible to pilots and other personnel. This includes helideck perimeter markings, touchdown and positioning markings, and obstacle markings.
3. Appropriate surface condition: The surface of the helideck must be in good condition and able to support the weight of the helicopter. The surface must also be free from any obstructions or debris that could pose a hazard.
4. Safety net and perimeter fencing: The helideck must have a safety net or other appropriate fall protection measures in place. It must also have perimeter fencing to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Adequate firefighting equipment: The helideck must have appropriate firefighting equipment and procedures in place, including fire extinguishers, water spray systems, and foam systems.
6. Communication systems and signal equipment: The helideck must have appropriate communication systems and signal equipment in place, including radios and signal lights, to ensure effective communication between the helicopter and the ground crew.
7. Fuel storage and handling procedures: The helideck must have appropriate fuel storage and handling procedures in place to ensure the safe storage and transfer of fuel.
8. Emergency response procedures: The helideck must have appropriate emergency response procedures in place to ensure that any incidents or accidents are quickly and effectively responded to.

It is important that all of these requirements are regularly assessed and maintained to ensure the safety and compliance of the helideck.

If a helideck fails a friction test, it means that one or more test points have recorded friction coefficient values below the minimum acceptable values set out in CAP437. In such cases, corrective action must be taken to address the issue and ensure that the helideck surface provides adequate grip for safe helicopter operations.

The specific corrective actions required will depend on the nature and severity of the friction problem identified during the test. Some potential corrective actions might include:

• Increasing the surface roughness of the helideck through measures such as grinding or sandblasting
• Applying a specialized coating to the helideck surface to improve friction
• Adjusting the design or layout of the helideck to improve drainage or reduce water accumulation
• Cleaning the helideck surface to remove debris, oil, or other contaminants that may be affecting friction

Once the corrective actions have been taken, a follow-up friction test must be conducted to confirm that the helideck surface now meets the minimum acceptable friction coefficient values. If the follow-up test confirms that the helideck is now compliant, it may be returned to service for helicopter operations. If the follow-up test shows that the problem persists, further corrective action will be required.

1. Firefighting equipment and emergency response procedures
2. Communication systems and signal equipment
3. Fuel storage and handling procedures
4. Helicopter approach and departure paths
5. Obstructions and hazards in the vicinity of the helideck
6. Weather conditions and visibility.

The specific elements that are included in a helideck inspection checklist may vary depending on the location and type of helideck being inspected. The checklist should be designed to ensure that all critical safety and compliance elements are covered. It is important to note that the checklist should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations.

If a helideck fails a friction test and records friction coefficient values below the minimum acceptable values set out in CAP437, it should not be used for helicopter operations until corrective action has been taken and a follow-up friction test has confirmed that the helideck surface now meets the required friction coefficient values.

Using a helideck with insufficient friction coefficient values for helicopter operations can be dangerous and could result in an accident. It is important to ensure that the helideck surface provides adequate grip for safe helicopter operations. Therefore, any identified issues should be addressed and corrective actions taken as soon as possible to ensure the safety of all personnel and assets involved.

To prepare for a helideck friction test, helideck owners and operators can take several steps to ensure that the test is conducted efficiently and accurately. Some of these steps may include:

1. Reviewing the helideck surface condition: Before the test, the helideck owner or operator should inspect the helideck surface to identify any areas that may be in need of repair or maintenance. Any identified issues should be addressed prior to the friction test.
2. Reviewing the weather conditions: The weather conditions can significantly impact the results of a friction test. Therefore, helideck owners and operators should review the weather forecast for the test day and ensure that the test is conducted in appropriate conditions (e.g., not in heavy rain, snow or high winds).
3. Clearing the helideck: The helideck should be cleared of any debris or equipment that could interfere with the friction test or damage the test equipment.
4. Coordinating with helicopter operators: Helicopter operators should be informed of the planned friction test and any restrictions on helideck use during the test.
5. Providing access: The helideck owner or operator should ensure that the testing team has safe and unrestricted access to the helideck.

By taking these steps, helideck owners and operators can ensure that the friction test is conducted efficiently and accurately, and that any identified issues can be addressed in a timely manner.