Wrong Deck Landing
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Up north
Saint Jack
From CAP 437
You are mixing up 2 different circumstances. The Red flashing status lights indicate an unsafe condition on the rig ie gas release. They are usually triggered automatically when such an unsafe condition exists. They are NOT used to indicate that the deck is unavailable due to the lack of HLO/firecover.
The helideck edge lights are now green in the NS so as Impress to inflate proposes a simple switch to red would indicate the deck is closed. Easy to see in the dark and usable in bright daylight.
HF
i.e. "....RED light don't land..." Already done, see CAP437, Chap. 4 Para. 3.6
A visual warning system should be installed if a condition can exist on an installation which may be hazardous for the helicopter or its occupants. The system (Status Lights) should be a flashing red light (or lights), visible to the pilot from any direction of approach and on any landing heading.
The helideck edge lights are now green in the NS so as Impress to inflate proposes a simple switch to red would indicate the deck is closed. Easy to see in the dark and usable in bright daylight.
HF
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 10
From: UK
One area that can be improved to prevent WDLs is oil companies making sure HLOs are empowered and encouraged to intervene on the radio. There have been many cases where landing clearance was passed, and acknowledged, without either the HLO having the aircraft in sight at all, or the HLO sighting the inbound aircraft and happily watching it track elsewhere to land on a rig or installation nearby. This assumes he also has his own radio.....
In some cultures (fortunately not all) its an important factor, where there might be significant ramifications if the pilot's authority was ever questioned, so only the minimum is transmitted. This is also more likely where there is poor CRM in the cockpit too, with a dominant 'leader' and a timid (un-empowered) co-pilot ?
This is a very beneficial and proactive safety-related thread chums !
pp.
In some cultures (fortunately not all) its an important factor, where there might be significant ramifications if the pilot's authority was ever questioned, so only the minimum is transmitted. This is also more likely where there is poor CRM in the cockpit too, with a dominant 'leader' and a timid (un-empowered) co-pilot ?
This is a very beneficial and proactive safety-related thread chums !
pp.
