Helideck Inspection is the main service we provide to clients, specialising in offshore helidecks for the resources industries. The Inspection and Certification of off-shore and on-shore helicopter landing sites are carried out in accordance with UKCAA CAP437 (Edition 8) and international standards, such as  ICAO Annex 14 VOL II, ICAO 9261, IOGP 590 and all local Civil Aviation Regulatory requirements.

UKCAA CAP 437 Ed.8 published December 2016, now stipulates that a friction test will be required irrespective of whether there is a net fitted or not! In addition, a friction test is now valid for only 12 months maximum. UKCAA CAP 437 Chapter 3 Section 7 states:- "A review of helideck friction measurement techniques has concluded that the test method should involve a friction measuring device that:

• employs the braked wheel technique;
• is able to control the wetness of the deck during testing;
• includes electronic data collection, storage & processing;
• allows the whole deck surface to be covered to a resolution of not less than 1 square metre.

The minimum average surface friction value of 0.60mu should be achieved across the area inside the TD/PM, and on the TD/PM  and H markings. (0.65 on a moving helideck). Outside the TD/PM the required reading average is now 0.50.

HC-A carries out friction testing using the Findlay Irvine Micro Grip Tester which is the only type that currently meets UKCAA CAP 437 requirements. This was adapted for use by the manufacturer Findlay Irvine in conjunction with the HCA.
Friction testing may be done as part of the overall inspection process, or as a stand-alone inspection where required.

Helideck Certification-Africa (Pty) Ltd with in-depth experience in offshore Helideck and on-shore Helicopter Landing Site inspections provides new build, new design and design modification Certification for Helidecks and Helicopter Landing Sites in accordance with UKCAA CAP 437, I.C.A.O. Annex 14 VOL II, and national regulatory requirements. A 1-day HLSO course is also offered for on-shore operations.

Training courses specific to the helideck and helipad environment are offered through Flight Safety Africa. These courses include:

•    Helideck Inspectors Awareness Training (HIAT)
•    Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO)
•    Helideck Assistant (HDA)

In addition, we offer:

• Helideck Emergency Response Team Leader (HERTL)
• Helideck Emergency Response Team Member (HERTM)
• Offshore Meteorological Weather Interpretation (OMWIT)
• Helicopter Refuelling

For more information please go to our Training page