UFC 3-535-01
17 November 2005
touchdown phase of his approach. The floodlights provide vertical illumination on the
helipad surface that averages not less than two footcandles with the ratio of the average
value to the darkest area not greater than 4:1. An average illumination of five
footcandles is preferred. To prevent interference with or damage to an aircraft, the
helipad floodlights must be as close to grade as practical and have frangible couplings.
The floodlights must provide a uniform illumination of the helipad surface. When
installed, the fixtures must not permit any direct light to be visible above the horizontal.
The fixture emit a narrow fan-shaped illuminating beam for which the axis of the beam
must be adjustable in elevation between 1 degree up and 5 degrees from horizontal.
Another purpose is for ground operations on a helipad where access to a lighted apron
is not available for loading or unloading of equipment or personnel. A typical application
would be a helipad located near a hospital or headquarters building.
7-5.2
Configuration of Helipad Floodlights
Locate these lights a minimum of 5.0 meters (16 feet) beyond the edges of the helipad
on two opposite sides, parallel to the normal approach to the helipad. Mount the
floodlights not over 0.4 meters (16 inches) above the grade of the helipad with a small
obstruction light at each floodlight visible from any direction. The number of floodlights
installed depends on the size of the helipad and the light output of the fixtures used.
(See Figure 7-6.)
7-5.3
Helipad Refueling Floodlights
Helipad refueling floodlights are class 1, division 1, group D hazardous locations, as
defined in NFPA70 National Electrical Code. See paragraphs 8-4 and 8-6.5 for more
information.
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