A research program commissioned by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has produced findings that could lead to safer night landings on offshore helidecks. The results have been so impressive that the CAA, in conjunction with other authorities, submitted a proposal to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to amend current worldwide standards and practices for helideck and heliport lighting. The proposal was approved by ICAO, and the new standards will come into force on Jan. 1, 2008.
The CAA has issued guidance to UK industry to encourage oil rig and ship operators to upgrade their helideck lighting systems at the earliest opportunity. The guidance, which has met with widespread support from the helicopter offshore community, involves changing the color of perimeter lighting from yellow to green and, where practical, deleting the existing deck-level floodlighting and replacing it with a high-mounted system, located in a safe area on the inboard side of the helideck.