Helidecks & Heliports

Helidecks Design Reviews (Offshore)

We have provided heliport and helideck design reviews to organisations across the globe, drawing on the multidisciplinary expertise from across the UK CAA to ensure helideck and heliports meet the highest level of aviation safety standards.

We offer helideck manufacturers and marine engineers a helideck design review service. We review helideck design drawings against the guidance in CAP437, produce a report that covers the areas identified as non-compliant and offer recommendations on how best to achieve compliance. This will help to prevent costly modifications during construction and installation.

Post Construction, we can complete a review of the helideck drawings to ensure that the final design is compliant with the standards. In particular, we help ensure  there is nothing relating to the overall design of the helideck and the obstacle environment that has the potential to compromise the safety of helicopter operations.

Helipads Design Reviews (Onshore)

Using our knowledge and expertise as authors of CAP 1264, we offer independent CAA advice and guidance on aviation matters during the design, construction and commissioning of hospital heliports to any NHS Trust in the UK.

Our aim is to ensure that the helicopters can operate safely and ensure that critically ill patients receive the very best care as quickly as possible. We provide advice and guidance on existing sites or new developments for all three types of heliport:

• Surface Level
• Raised (under 3m high)
• Elevated (typically on top of a building)

Our Services for Onshore Heliports
Our service provides an opportunity to discuss your design objectives and requirements at the concept and approval stage with one of our heliport experts, thereby reducing the potential for additional costs during the build and commissioning phase of the project due to design errors. If you have architect drawings or a site plan, we can carry out an initial assessment and advise whether your requirements are achievable.

Feasibility Study
Our experts will visit your site and/or architects office to fully review your plans or requirements. We provide a comprehensive report on our findings and recommendations and also help you focus on the important elements of operating a heliport at this early stage.

Tender Process Consultancy
Maintaining impartiality, we offer unbiased advice and guidance to your potential contractors through the bid writing stage, assisting them with the aviation knowledge they will require to submit a successful tender.

Contract Award
Once a tender is selected, we can work with the contractor and help them develop the detail around their design, ensuring they meet all necessary aviation regulations. Once construction begins, we are available to provide our advice and guidance as follows:

• A full design review report covering all applicable aviation standards
• Provide support throughout the construction stage – you can contact us at any time for clarification on physical characteristics or lighting, or to discuss operational concerns
• Provide guidance on Rescue and Fire Fighting Services covering equipment, crew resourcing, crew training and ongoing oversight
• Provide support in organising your newly commissioned heliport for inclusion in the AIDU (RAF) Helicopter Landing Sites (Hospitals in the United Kingdom) Publication
• Final regulatory compliance inspection including a document confirming your heliport is constructed and capable of operating in accordance with the CAP 1264 guidance.

In addition, we can follow this up with an ongoing inspection programme on a two-year basis to ensure that nothing has changed on or around your heliport, that could affect the safe transportation of your patients.

Approval of Offshore Helidecks and Onshore Heliport Lighting & Other Equipment

We offer a Statement of Compliance for helideck lighting systems that meet the requirements of CAP437 Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas and/or CAP 1264 Standards for Helicopter Landing Areas at Hospitals.

This process entails a detailed desk-based review of the lighting product specifications and test/verification documentation in addition to an on-site visit to inspect the lighting installed in a representative operational environment.

To view all CAA Approved Helideck lighting products, please click the CAA Approved Helideck Lighting tab on the left hand side of this page.

Helideck Monitoring Systems (HMS)

We offer a desk based advisory service along with a Statement of Compliance for helideck monitoring systems that meet the requirements of the standard referenced in CAP 437 Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas (currently Standard Helideck Monitoring Systems Rev 9b 2020 11 01, published by the Helideck Certification Agency on their website).

This includes an audit of the review required to be performed by an Independent Competent Person (ICP) covering the display designs, factory acceptance test plan and test results, and the generic site acceptance test plan. The ICP must be acceptable to the CAA.

To view all CAA Approved Helideck Monitoring Systems, please click the CAA Approved Helideck Monitoring Systems tab on the left hand side of this page.

CAA Approved Helideck Lighting

The tables below displays all CAA approved helideck lighting manufacturers.

Circle and H Lighting Systems (offshore helidecks)

Table above last updated: 23/07/24 with a new condition of approval status.

HMS Repeater Lights (offshore helidecks)

[1] The Statement of Compliance Award relates only to the lighting equipment components. It is the responsibility of the installation/vessel operator to ensure that the lighting equipment is installed, maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and CAP 437 as appropriate.

Perimeter and Obstruction lights

This table was last updated: 23/07/24

HeliHoist Light

This table was last updated: 23/07/24

CAP1264 Hospital Circle-X TDPM Lighting System

This table was last updated: 23/07/24

CAA Approved Helideck Monitoring Systems

A The table below displays all CAA approved Helideck Monitoring Systems.

Hospital Helipad – Aviation Awareness Training Course

We have launched a half-day Hospital Helipad – Aviation Awareness virtual course to help employees of the NHS, and locations who host helicopter operations on the NHS’s behalf. The course will develop understanding of how helicopters operate, and how to effectively manage your hospital helipad to enable lifesaving operations with minimal risk to staff, the public and the patient.

It is recognised worldwide the importance of Air Ambulance and Search & Rescue operations, and as a key facilitator of such lifesaving work it is vital that all hospitals with a helipad understand their obligations, and best practises whilst working within the aviation environment.

This course is delivered virtually but can be delivered in-person at your hospital facilities including an onsite element (for additional cost) or at a regional centre for geographically large NHS Trusts. Click here to find out more.