Only Integrated Helideck Lighting Solutions can Meet the Industry’s Safety Standards

That’s why on May 15^th 2019, the Norwegian Aviation Authority issued new product requirements for helideck lighting packages as part of NORSOK C-004:2019, 19.1. The new standards must be met by January 1^st 2021. According to NORSOK C-004:2019, 19.1, all helidecks must be suitably lit for operations at night and under reduced visibility and pilots “on approach should be able to identify the helideck and have a clear view of the helideck landing area”.

 In regard to helideck lighting, part of the new required standard is what is known as the Status Light System (§36.c) – where all helideck lighting packages must warn helicopter pilots of any situation onboard which could pose a risk to flight operations.

 It’s with these requirements in mind that R. STAHL TRANBERG, a leading provider of world class quality and innovative lighting and part of Germany-based R. STAHL GROUP, has ensured that its helideck lighting solutions meet the new Status Light System standards with the goal being an instant warning to pilots of any dangerous situations on deck alongside the Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO)’s communications.

How is this achieved? Through adopting an integrated helideck lighting solution that connects helideck monitoring systems (HMS) and alarms.

R. STAHL TRANBERG’s helideck lighting solutions and their Status Light Systems, for example, provide instant warning to the pilots of any dangerous situations on deck with integrated communications between status lights, alarms systems and the helicopter pilot. The lighting is also designed to be visible from all approach angles as well as when the helicopter is on the helicopter deck – both issues  that the Norwegian Aviation Authority insists upon.

The solution utilizes a  bright red flash to alert pilots to dangerous situations automatically triggered through a Fire & Gas (F&G) alarm or if the asset is exceeding motion limits. This is achieved by connecting the Status Light System to the helideck monitoring system (HMS) – either through a simple 24V signal or a fully integrated Modbus TCP/IP. The system also comes with flexible control options so it can be manually activated or deactivated by the HLO and is connected to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

R. STAHL TRANBERG’s helideck lighting solutions also include two different lights within the Status Light System – the main light and repeater light that work together in sync. The main light is used to warn pilots on approach, with a minimum range of 0,75NM (1400m) in order to comply with the requirement of 360° visibility on approach. The repeater light is a low intensity light at a maximum intensity of 60cd, which can be used to fulfil the requirement of visibility while on the deck but cannot be considered within the 360° visibility on approach requirement.

As the industry continues to evolve and more safety standards come into play, it’s only through a fully integrated approach that such requirements can be met. It’s reassuring to see  R. STAHL TRANBERG is leading the way.