Pro Friction Services successfully completed the DIO Runway Friction Testing contracts for 2022, 2023 and has been awarded the contract for 2024.
At Pro Friction Services, we pride ourselves on our flexibility and responsiveness to our clients’ needs and offer a bespoke service to meet their requirements. We are uniquely positioned to be able to offer both military and civilian runway friction assessments, along with helideck friction testing, whilst offering the use of Mu-Meter, GripTester, and Helideck Micro GT CFMEs.
Our detailed technical reports enable airfield and helideck operators invaluable insight into the friction status of the surface tested, with detailed contour maps showing pinpoint locations of areas that may exhibit lower friction values along with specific numerical values to be compared against the relevant standards.
With millions of aircraft taking-off and touching-down at airports around the world every day, it is important to know that your runway is up to the job and won’t be the cause of an incident due to poor friction. For all runways, good rideability and knowledge of friction characteristics are paramount for safety and effective maintenance cost planning.
Those of us involved in the offshore industry know more than most about the importance of safe working and risk management. With this in mind, regular helideck friction testing gives offshore installation operators the assurance needed to remove helideck landing nets. Helideck landing nets present a hazard to personnel in the form of slips, trips and falls, as well as to helicopters through shock-effects sustained on the wheels during landing.
Ensuring the safety of hospital helipads is crucial for the pilots, medical staff, and critically, the patients who depend on medical air transport. Friction testing is an essential component of maintaining these facilities, guided by the principles of CAP 1264, which outlines the safety standards for hospital helicopter landing areas. Compliance with these standards ensures that helipads are safe and operational, minimising risks during landings and take-offs.
Regular friction testing measures the surface condition of hospital helipads, detecting potential hazards that could compromise helicopter operations. This proactive approach helps hospitals ensure a safer environment for emergency medical services and patient transport operations, which is crucial during life-saving missions.
CAP 437 standards are critical guidelines governing the safety of offshore helicopter landing areas. These guidelines set out the requirements for the design, testing, and maintenance of helidecks. Adhering to these standards is crucial because they ensure that the friction levels of helideck surfaces are meticulously assessed and maintained, reducing the risk of accidents associated with inadequate surface grip during helicopter operations.
At Pro Friction Services, our helideck testing procedures are designed to comply fully with CAP 437, ensuring your operations meet all required safety standards. For those interested in a deeper understanding of CAP 437 and its impact on helideck safety, please visit our Understanding CAP 437 page.
Adhering to CAP 1264 is crucial for hospital helipads to not only comply with CAA guidance and fulfil legal requirements but also uphold operational excellence. This regulation mandates specific standards for the structural integrity and maintenance protocols of helicopter landing areas. By conducting regular and thorough friction testing, Pro Friction Services helps hospitals detect deficiencies that could otherwise lead to non-compliance.
Failure to comply with CAP 1264 standards can lead to several significant safety risks, including:
At Pro Friction Services, we tailor our testing procedures to meet the specific requirements of hospital helipads, emphasising safety and reliability. We are committed to ensuring hospital helipad friction levels align with CAP 1264 standards, supporting the overarching goal of healthcare facilities to deliver secure and efficient patient care.
To guarantee the highest level of safety and compliance, our helideck testing procedure involves a series of methodical steps tailored to meet the specific requirements of CAP 437 guidelines. Beginning with an initial surface inspection, we assess the current condition and potential risks. This is followed by detailed friction testing using Helideck Micro GT CFMEs, ensuring comprehensive coverage and precise data collection. Each step of our process is carefully designed to verify that every aspect of your helideck’s surface adheres to the necessary safety standards, providing a reliable foundation for safe helicopter operations.
At Pro Friction Services, our helideck testing utilises the latest technologies, including the Findlay Irvine Helideck Micro GT CFME, known for its precise surface friction measurements. This device is essential for accurately assessing potential slip hazards on helideck surfaces and ensuring compliance with CAP 437 standards.
We also use diagnostic tools that provide real-time data and detailed mappings of the helideck surface, helping us pinpoint areas with potentially low friction values that may need attention. This approach not only upholds safety standards but also keeps your operations running smoothly with minimal downtime.
By using advanced testing equipment, we ensure your helideck meets all safety requirements and is prepared for any operational condition, giving you peace of mind.
You can get in touch with us on any of the following methods or simply complete and send the contact form. j.lewis@profrictionservices.com | +44 (0) 7538933993
Pro Friction Services Ltd provides aviation friction assessments on all surfaces.
Pro Friction Services Ltd
C/O Sawford Bullard, The Old Mill, Blisworth Hill Farm,
Stoke Road, Northampton, NN7 3DB