UFC 3-535-01
17 November 2005
7-6.3
Configuration
The CHAPI system consists of 2 transition light units projecting red/green/white lights.
They are located forward of the helipad on the extended centerline at a distance
determined in order to project an on glide path angle (usually 6 degrees) at the helipad
hover point prior to touchdown. The units are positioned at approximately 6.6 meters
(20 feet) apart lateral (horizontal). The CHAPI system must be constructed and
mounted as low as possible and be sufficiently lightweight and frangible so as not to
constitute a hazard to helicopter operations.
7-7
HELIPAD/HELIPORT IDENTIFICATION BEACON
7-7.1
Purpose
A helipad beacon should be provided when long-range guidance is considered
necessary and not provided by other means, or helipad identification is difficult due to
surrounding lights.
7-7.2
Configuration
The beacon must contain a colored sequence of lights, double peak white flash, and a
single peak green and yellow. The flash must be 10 to 15 sequences of flashes per
minute. The time between each color should be one-third of the total sequence time.
The beacon should not be installed within 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of any existing airport
beacon or other helipad area.
7-7.3
Construction
The beacon should be visible for a distance of 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in 1.6 kilometer (1
mile) VMC visibility daylight, and 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) in 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) VMC
at night, both from an altitude of 915 meters (3,000 feet) above ground level. The
beacon should be mounted a minimum of 15 meters (50 feet) above the helipad
surface. Where a control tower or control area is utilized the beacon should be no closer
than 122 meters (400 feet), nor further than 1,067 meters (3,500 feet), from that area,
and not located between the control tower and the helipad. The beacon will be installed
so that the base is not less than 4.6 meters (15 feet) above the floor of the control tower
or operations room.
7-7.4
Luminous Features
The main beam of the light should be aimed a minimum of 5 degrees above the
horizontal and should not produce light below the horizontal in excess of 1,000
candelas. Light shields may be used in order to reduce the intensity below the
horizontal.
7-8
HELIPAD WIND DIRECTION INDICATORS
7-8.1
Purpose
When utilized they will enhance operational capabilities, increase safety and reduce
pilot workload during approach, hover and takeoff operations.
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