Helipads can be located in extremely different places, and not all types of lights can be found in every such facility. However, of course, there are markings and lighting systems with which landing pads intended for night flight operations must be equipped.
What does such a landing pad look like? How are the landing areas marked and what do the individual lights mean? Today we will answer these questions!
Helipad markings
The main marked zone at the helipad is the so-called FATO zone (Final approach and take-off area). It is a rectangle whose size must exceed the length of the helicopter at least 1.5 times. In the center of the rectangle is TLOF (Touchdown and lift – off area). This is a square or rectangle that should be at least the size of the rotor diameter of the largest helicopter supported. The letter ‘H’ appears in the middle of the TLOF zone.
In addition, there should also be an aiming point marked as an equilateral triangle on the landing pad. Special lighting systems supporting the pilot’s work must be installed at the landing pads intended for night flight operations.
FATO zone lighting
FATO is four lights with an intensity of at least 100 candelas, glowing in white. They are placed at equal intervals, the length of which cannot exceed 50 meters. The height of the lamps used for lighting the FATO zone may not exceed 25 centimeters. In addition, if they could pose a potential threat to the landing helicopter, they must be built into the landing pad, flush with its surface.
TLOF zone lighting
TLOF is illuminated by at least four green lights on each side. They are evenly spaced at intervals not exceeding 5 meters (for above-ground landing pads) and 3 meters (for elevated landing pads). As in the case of lighting of the FATO zone, the lighting fixtures cannot be higher than 25 centimeters or must be installed flush with the landing surface.
Flood lights
A helipad may or may not be equipped with flood lights – this is auxiliary lighting. They are used when the lights in the vicinity of the landing zone are not sufficient to properly illuminate the landing field. Headlights illuminate both zones, FATO and TLOF and / or parking zone. The beam of light is directed downwards so that it does not dazzle the pilot while illuminating the landing pad.
Landing direction indicator
The landing direction indicator is five multi-directional green lights. They are located centrally on the landing / take-off line at intervals of 5 meters. Their line should be 6 to 18 meters from the TLOF border.
Aiming point
The aiming point, as we have mentioned, has the shape of an equilateral triangle in which one of the bisectors of the angle indicates the direction of landing. Aiming point lighting consists of at least 6 lamps illuminating with white light. Such lamps should allow installation in the ground. The aiming point lighting should be controlled in two ways: manual switch and wireless.
Wind direction indicator
The wind direction indicator not only shows the wind direction, of course, but also provides information on its speed. It is placed away from the approach path so that it does not pose a threat to the landing helicopter. If the landing pad is used for night operations, the indicator must be properly lit. For lighting a cone (sleeve), lighting with an intensity of at least 10 candelas is used. At the top of the post low obstacle lighting is installed.
Taxiway lighting
Two-way green flashing lights illuminate the taxiway intended for helicopter traffic. They are spaced 60 meters apart and mark the boundary of the taxi route.
Obstruction lighting
Obstruction lighting is used on buildings and structures whose construction, and above all height, may cause a collision. Low, medium and high intensity light is used to mark obstacles. Low intensity light means objects whose height does not exceed 45 meters. If the obstacle height is greater, medium intensity light is used. In contrast, high-intensity light is used instead of marking obstacles in the form of painting (for example on skyscrapers).