Flight Test and Evaluation of Heliport Lighting for VFR

The guidance value of heliport lighting system components was tested under VFR conditions in a joint FAA/D. S. Army effort. The overall system included lighting to identify and locate the heliport and support the approach and landing of helicopters.

Forty-six civil and military pilots flew on 11 nights at Tipton Army Airfield, Fort Meade, Maryland, producing the following conclusions: The heliport beacon, flashing green-yellow-white, had adequate range and distinctiveness but could be improved by a change in flash rate; the yellow pad perimeter lighting met all requirements; the white approach direction and yellow landing direction lighting components were satisfactory; both pad surface floodlighting and pad inset lights were used satisfactorily, and all pilots who were shown the painted maltese cross marking rated it as an aid at night; the lighted wind sock provided adequate wind direction information if overflown first, but neither the lighted wind sock nor the lighted wind tee tested were adequate to provide this information to a pilot on the approach path at one-half mile from the pad.

A minimum VFR heliport lighting system is recommended to include the beacon for location information, the perimeter lights and painted marking for pad identification, and the lighted wind sock to provide wind information. Other components are recommended for installation when required by special conditions.