Orga introduces new touchdown and positioning lighting system

The new touchdown and positioning lighting system for helidecks (Circle-H) introduced by Orga considerably improves the safety of helicopter pilots, according to a report published recently by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), the CAP 1077. In recent years Orga has been developing the Circle-H in collaboration with the CAA and has tested the system extensively at various test sites. The results of the tests led to the UK CAA making the new touchdown and positioning system mandatory in British territorial waters as from 2018. Jan Piet Stock, General Business Manager at Orga: After a long period of research, development and testing we are now making the first helidecks on platforms safer with the new Circle-H lighting system!

Circle-H

The CAA had been looking for solutions for years for improving the safety of helidecks. The current markings of the circle and H, lit by floodlights, have not been effective in all (weather) conditions. To improve safety and to minimise the number of offshore accidents, the UK CAA worked together with Orga on a safer and more visible solution. The new touchdown and positioning system consists of an LED-lit Circle-H. Stock: ‘We have been a reliable supplier of offshore helideck and obstacle lighting systems for years and we already produce various types of innovative LED lighting solutions. All our systems, including this new Circle-H, are energy-saving, cost-effective, reliable and of high quality.’
Quickly and efficiently
The touchdown  (H) lighting system consists of specially developed LED modules and is built up of seven separate components which together form the full H. The components are semi-flexable and made of low-profile stainless steel plates with a special anti-slip coating. The housing of the LEDs is made of offshore-resistant and fully sealed marine plastic of high quality. Orga assembles all the components in its own factory, so at the site it is simply a matter of assembling the Circle-H. Because of the weather and working conditions of an offshore site, it is essential that the whole system can be installed quickly and efficiently. Stock: ‘Orga produces the complete touchdown and positioning system itself and supervises the installation. The system has to be installed properly on a helideck in order for the Circle-H to function optimally.’

Certified
The touchdown and positioning lighting system for helidecks has to satisfy high quality and safety requirements. Only in this way can the UK CAA guarantee the safety of helicopter pilots at offshore sites. Orga is the only company that can supply a Circle-H lighting system that has been extensively tested and has already been installed at a number of sites. The touchdown and positioning system is suitable for use in explosive atmospheres of zones 1 and 2 and is fully certified. For instance, the system complies with:

  • CAA-UK CAP 437; Offshore helicopter landing areas – Guidance on standards, February 2013, chapter 4 and appendix C
  • DEKRA 11ATEX0186; ATEX II 2 G Ex e mb [ib] IIC T6 Gb, according to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC
  • EN 60079-0, EN 60079-7, EN 60079-11 and EN 60079-18
  • IECEx DEK 11.0072; Ex e mb [ib] IIC T6 Gb
  • IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-7, IEC 60079-11 and IEC 60079-18

Stock gives interested customers some advice: ‘In view of the fact that the new system is a requirement, we advise customers to let us know that they are interested in good time, as we can then ensure that the helidecks are equipped with the mandatory touchdown and positioning system in time.’

For more information, please contact
Daniel Powell, Product Group Manager, Orga Offshore
T +31 10 208 5566
E d.powell@orga.nl

For more information, please also see www.orga-offshore.nl