Helideck friction testing is an essential safety procedure that ensures the surface of a helideck provides adequate friction to support helicopter operations. The validity of a helideck friction test is usually conducted annually but can be extended to two years depending on the test results, as recommended in CAP 437 guidelines. The helideck friction test is essential for maintaining the highest safety standards in helicopter landing and take-off.
This article aims to provide a guide on helideck friction testing, its importance, and the specific validity period of such tests, ensuring readers are well informed on maintaining and verifying the safety of their helideck operations.
What is Helideck Friction Testing?
Helideck friction testing is a specialised process that measures the friction coefficient of a helideck’s surface. This procedure is crucial for identifying any potential slip hazards that could endanger aircraft and personnel during helicopter landing and take-off operations. The test involves using specific equipment to assess the grip and resistance of the helideck surface under various conditions.
The Importance of Helideck Friction Testing
Ensuring the safety of the helideck and the entire offshore installation’s operations is essential, and friction testing plays a vital role in this. Adequate surface friction is essential for the safe landing and take-off of helicopters, as it prevents skidding and allows for controlled movements on the helideck. Regular friction testing helps in identifying wear and tear that may reduce the surface’s effectiveness, ensuring timely maintenance and repairs. It also ensures compliance with regulatory standards and enhances the overall safety of helideck operations.
Helideck Friction Test Results and Their Impact on Validity Period
Helideck friction testing serves a dual purpose; it verifies that a helideck meets the minimum safety standards and provides vital insights into how test outcomes dictate the maintenance, safety protocols, and frequency of future tests for helidecks. These results are essential for ensuring the long-term safety and operational efficiency of helideck and installation operations. The friction test results provide crucial data on the condition of the helideck surface, indicating how well it can support helicopter operations safely.
Test Results Explained
Table 1 below indicates the required friction values required to meet with CAP 437 compliance.
| Section of helideck | Fixed helideck | Moving helideck |
| Inside TD/PM circle | 0.6 | 0.65 |
| TD/PM circle and H painted markings | 0.6 | 0.65 |
| Outside TD/PM circle and parking areas | 0.5 | 0.5 |
The outcome of a helideck friction test helps evaluate the coefficient of friction which quantifies the level of friction between two services. For helidecks, the friction value indicates how effectively a helicopter’s tyres can grip the deck surface during operations.
A higher friction value suggests good friction characteristics, while a lower friction value indicates potential slip hazards. As shown in Table 1 above, specific areas of the helideck are required to meet varying friction values which also differ from a ‘Fixed’ helideck (usually a non-moveable installation) to a ‘Moving’ helideck (such as a vessel or jack-up rig).
Caveats
Even though a friction test may show that the average friction value in all areas of the helideck meets or exceeds required thresholds, no two adjacent 1m2 should be below the required threshold limits. In this instance, the deficient areas must be rectified in order to gain certification.
Test criteria may differ depending upon the type of surface that is used on the specific helideck. A ‘flat’ surface is generally discussed in this article, whereas a ‘profiled’ surface is either tested in the same manner or by large scale laboratory testing depending on the age of construction. For full details on test methods please refer to CAA CAP 437. Alternatively, if unsure please contact us at Pro Friction Services for additional information.
Impact on Validity Period
The specific friction value gathered from a helideck friction test directly impacts the recommended validity period before the next test is required:
High Friction Values: If the test results show a friction value of at least 0.1 greater than the required values provided in Table 1, this indicates that the helideck surface provides excellent friction. In such cases, the validity period before the next required test can extend up to two years, assuming no significant operational or environmental changes occur that could affect the surface condition.
Marginal friction Values: Results that meet the required minimum acceptable threshold on all areas of the helideck result in a validity period for one year and should be reviewed annually. This ensures that any potential deterioration in surface conditions can be identified and resolved before it falls below safety standards.
Low friction Values: If the friction test reveals friction values to be below the acceptable limit, immediate actions are required to resolve the deficiency. This might involve resurfacing or other measures to correct the deficiency. After such interventions, a re-test is necessary to ensure the modifications have restored adequate friction levels. Following rectification, friction tests should then be conducted annually to confirm ongoing compliance.
Regular Monitoring and Environmental Considerations
It’s important to note that environmental factors such as rain, ice, guano, and the accumulation of debris can temporarily alter the friction characteristics of a helideck. Operators should conduct regular visual inspections and maintenance to manage these variables, alongside the formal friction testing schedule.
How Long Does The Helideck Friction Test Stay Valid?
As discussed above, the validity of a helideck friction test is generally for a period of one year, with a possible extension to two years depending on the test results. High friction values can extend the interval between tests up to two years. On the other hand, marginal or low friction values necessitate more frequent testing to ensure ongoing safety and compliance. This variability in validity period emphasises the importance of not only conducting regular helideck friction testing but also understanding and acting on the results.
In summary, the validity of a helideck friction test is not a fixed period of time but a dynamic period that reflects the current state of the helideck surface which is determined through rigorous testing. This approach ensures that the safety of helideck operations is continuously monitored and maintained at the highest possible standard, directly contributing to the general goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel involved in helicopter and installation operations.
FAQs
What triggers the need for a helideck friction test?
A helideck friction test is typically triggered by regulatory requirements, changes in the helideck surface, significant environmental impacts, or as part of routine safety maintenance schedules.
How is a helideck friction test conducted?
A helideck friction test is conducted using specialised equipment designed to measure the coefficient of friction on the helideck surface. This process involves simulating conditions that mimic operational use to ensure accurate and relevant results.
Who is qualified to perform helideck friction testing?
Helideck friction testing should be performed by certified professionals who have the necessary training and expertise to conduct the tests accurately and interpret the results according to industry standards.
What happens if a helideck fails a friction test?
If a helideck fails a friction test, immediate action is required to address the identified issues. This may involve repairing or replacing sections of the helideck surface, followed by retesting to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Can environmental conditions affect the validity of a helideck friction test?
Yes, environmental conditions such as rain, snow, ice, guano, and debris can significantly affect the friction characteristics of a helideck. Operators should consider these factors when planning friction testing and operational schedules.
Pro Friction Services
Pro Friction Services are experts in friction testing of all surfaces used in the aviation industry. We have extensive experience in the friction testing of helidecks, as well as military and civilian runways. Our team of engineers have successfully completed friction tests throughout the UK and across the globe, providing in-depth technical reports.
Produced through robust procedures, our reports not only enable us to establish the friction classification of helidecks, but also provide actionable recommendations for improving friction values. This supports operators in their planning and implementation processes, ensuring that surfaces remain safe for the taking off and landing of all aircraft.
No matter where you are in the world, Pro Friction Services can help you to ensure that your runway or helideck surface is safe, meets required standards and is safe for years to come. If you would like to learn more about our services, or require a helideck friction test, we invite you to get in touch. Please contact us via our online contact form or give us a call on +44 (0) 7538933993.