Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Useful Information Regarding Helicopter Landing Lights

By Stephanie Howard


For operations at a heliport to move smoothly and safely, there must be a way for pilots to communicate with people on the ground. Pilots also need to receive directions/instructions from the heliport regarding how to land and take off. The instructions are conveyed in the form of lights. Different lights pass different kinds of messages to pilots regarding how to land and take off from a helipad. Here are facts regarding Helicopter landing lights.

One important lighting fixture that is installed on helipads is the light beacon HP-50/A. This light beacon is usually designed in the form of white flashing light that is used as a distance visual guidance. The beacon is used in situations where ambient light in the location is making it hard for the pilot to see the helipad. The FAA requires every helipad to have a minimum of one light beacon.

Light beacons ought to be installed above the helipad or on it. It is more convenient to install the beacon in a raised location. Also, it is vital to make sure that the pilot is not affected by the glare from the beacon light as they approach the helipad. The lamp ought to be made from material that has excellent impact resistance. The materials should also have a high level of transparency.

Another important light fixture besides the beacon light is the approach light. This is usually a white sequence flashing light. It is used for approach guidance for helicopters that are landing at the helipad. The pilot depends on this light for instructions regarding approach direction. These fixtures can be installed outside the perimeter of the heliport in one- or two-way installations. There should be 5 lights per group.

Another important light fixture on a helipad is the upright perimeter light. It is customarily set up in an upright position to produce a constant green upright light. Green light is emitted in all directions at night and during the day and with low visibility. The low visibility is necessary to indicate the landing and take off perimeters for the pilot.

The pilot knows which side is safe to land with the help of perimeter lights. It is dangerous to the plane, building, and people around the heliport area if the pilot lands outside the perimeter lights. The area surrounding the perimeter is normally not lit, and as such, it has no visibility for the pilot to land there. These lamps ought to remain functional in harsh environments

All light fixtures that are used in heliports should have high service temperature so that they do not malfunction when they are most needed. Low service temperature may also cause the lamps to fail to often, which may raise the maintenance cost of the helipad. The lamps should also be made out of material that offers good aging resistance and a good flammability rating.

The FAA strictly regulates the kind of lighting features that can be used at heliports across the country. The lights usually remain on most of the duration they are in use. As such, it is important that they have a low level of power consumption. They must also be very efficient, with a long lifespan.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment