Friction Testing is an internationally accredited method for measuring the friction level between surfaces and ensuring that the runway or helideck conforms to the regulations and requirement of the international standards.

Maintenance schedules are assisted by
regular friction testing which enable comparisons to be made year-by-year. A friction contour map/table of each measured surface is produced, showing areas that may need attention to restore friction values.

Regular friction assessment can also eliminate the need for net coverings on helidecks, which are otherwise required in high wind and slippery conditions. The nets give “shocking” effect on helicopter wheels and are generally unpopular with flight crews for operational safety reasons. They can also cause operational problems with personnel tripping, restricting the use of wheeled equipment near the helicopter and obscuring deck markings at some approach angles.

If the helidecks can be operated safely without the use of the nets, there are clear advantages.

TEST OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this work is to develop a standard method of determining the surface friction or skid resistance of the helideck. This study addresses only the measurement of the coefficient friction on the coated surface to determine if the existing surface friction meets the requirements of CAA UK CAP 437; Part 12 of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015 and international oil & gas industry (IOGP) Aviation Recommended average surface friction values as shown in Table 2.

There is need to survey the entire surface of the helideck (as helicopter could land almost anywhere on the helideck) – this favours devices employing a continuous measurement techniques.