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Standard Helidecks

Our XD Standard helideck is an all-aluminium helideck with all the features of the XE Enhanced Safety helideck but without its passive fire suppression system. The top surface of this helideck is flat and non-perforated and incorporates a non-slip pattern which is etched and milled into the decking. The decks are fully pre-fabricated and shipped in containers to you for local assembly under our supervision.

XD Standard Helidecks

Modular Design

Weld free, modular construction ensures faster fabrication. Bolted connections allow quick assembly, fewer inspection hold-points and easy replacement of damaged sections. We manufacture the deck, trial fit it for you and then dismantle it for shipping to wherever you like. Our supervisors will make site assembly an easy task.

Cost Effective

An aluminium helideck is a good investment. Not only will its residual value appreciate over time, it can be reused several times, as it will usually outlast the structure it is initially placed on. The purchase of an aluminium deck is also low in comparison to steel since the higher per-ton cost of aluminium is offset by the lower tonnage used and the savings in fabrication time.

Faster Installation

A typical large helideck can be assembled in approximately three weeks. Contrast this with a usual steel helideck assembly time of three months.

Easier Handling

Modular sections mean the deck is easier and lighter to transport, assemble and lift into place.

Fire Resistant

Complies with all offshore fire requirements and SOLAS 194, Ch 11-2. There are no restrictions on using aluminium helidecks on any offshore or marine location. IMO MODU Code, Section 18 contains a requirement for the fire testing of aluminium helidecks which are to be situated directly on top of living quarters, bridges and similar spaces so that they be ‘equal to steel’. Classification bodies usually prescribe specifications for this fire test. Both models of our helidecks have been live fire tested in the presence of major Classification bodies and certified ‘equal to steel’. In fire performance, to find out more about this steel equivalence fire test, please see Commentary on SOLAS Regulations.

Stay Dry, Non-slip Surface

No weld distortions on surface; the aluminium decking top is serrated and cross-milled to provide a permanent non-slip grip exceeding UK CAA CAP437 requirements. This non-slip surface is excellent and will last the lifetime of the deck. However, if you foresee the helideck working extensively in slushy or extremely slippery conditions, we recommend that an additional non-slip grit be applied to the top painted surface. We will be happy to include this as an option if you should require it.

Light Weight

The standard helideck weighs about 40% of an equivalent steel helideck

Helicopter Helideck Diameter Aluminium (Pancake) Steel (Pancake)
S-76 16m 16m 13MT 34MT
AS332l 19.5m 18MT 50MT
S-92 22.2m 24MT 70MT

Photos

I was personally Impressed by the thinking behind the fire containment properties of the helideck to provide passive safety on its own

Bernard Valois, Chairman of the Rescue Fire Fighting Working Group
ICAO

The fire demonstration was well-organized and very convincing. The design offers weight and maintainability advantages, as well as the very effective fire retardant system.

John Hannay, Area Director
United Technology Sikorsky

We are pleased to award you with a Special Recognition Award (Safety) Certificate for achievement in the field of HSE in the category “Aviation Fires Risk Downrated” for 2005.

Yousef Omair bin Yousef, CEO
ADNOC

…must say that I was impressed by the fire containment capabilities of the deck. The effectiveness of water in putting out the fire was clearly significant.

Jim Tuggey, Director
Bell Helicopter

The staff at AOPL were extremely professionall, very efficient and timely in all their dealings with us, from negotiations to design details and construction, and right through to certification.

Dr. John Gilmore, Project Director
Mater Health Services

All the pilots at our heliport have unanimously expressed praise for this new helideck, especially the fit and finish of this product, which replaces an old rust-pront deck. We trust the high standards of design and manufacture will be upheld…

Captain Raz Zoers, Head of Aircraft Services
Shell Brunei

I expect any potential improvements to what is already an excellent product will only emerge as a result of operating experience.

Simon Fraser-McKenzie, Senior Development Engineer
Shell UK
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