A helideck surface should present a non-slip surface for helicopter operations. The installation operator should ensure that the helideck is kept free from oil, grease, ice, snow, excessive surface water or any other contaminant (particularly guano) that could degrade the surface friction.
Findlay Irvine along with HCA developed, tested, and produced the micro GripTester as a means of measuring the friction of a helideck surface. The tester and the methodology were adopted as the industry standard and became part of UK CAA CAP437.
For flat helidecks with a micro-texture finish (e.g. non-slip paint or grit-blasted finish), the helideck friction test method should normally comprise the following:
- A survey of the entire helideck surface in two orthogonal directions to a resolution of not less than 1 m2;
- Use of a tester employing the braked wheel technique and a tyre made of the same material as helicopter tyres;
- Testing in the wet condition using a tester that is capable of controlling the wetness of the deck during testing, and
- Use of a tester which provides electronic data collection, storage and processing. Friction test readings are plotted onto a graph to show the friction values of the entire helideck in 1m² section.
When you contact HCA for friction testing, you can be assured that you will receive a service from a team of trained and experienced professionals who helped set the standard. We will conduct the test in accordance with CAP437 and then interpret the results and present it in a clear and concise manner, To ‘pass’, the average surface friction values must meet a stipulated friction reading which varies depending on if it’s a moving deck or a fixed deck.
Outside the Aiming Circle = (Minimum 0.5mu all decks)
Inside Aiming Circle = (Minimum 0.6mu fixed decks, 0.65 moving decks)
On Aiming Circle = (Minimum 0.6mu fixed decks, 0.65 moving decks)
Following a successful test, and depending on the actual readings, the helideck is deemed suitable for helicopter operations for up to the next 2 years. However, HCA recommends conducting friction tests annually and can perform this either as a standalone task or as an add-on to our helideck inspections. This will ensure your helideck remains compliant and safe.
Whether you want to schedule an appointment for us to conduct a friction test or simply require further information, our experienced team are on hand to help so don’t hesitate to get in touch.