Micro GripTester for Helidecks

As mandatory surface friction testing for Helidecks is becoming more and more likely it will be
imperative that Helideck operators and maintenance teams have the correct equipment in order to
comply with the impending regulations. With multiple continuous fiction measuring devices
currently on the market choosing the most appropriate model will prove challenging for
maintenance managers.

Findlay Irvine has developed a continuous surface friction-measuring device, micro GripTester, mGT
for Helidecks, which meets all the criteria

A recent survey of Helidecks friction measurement techniques has concluded that the test method
should involve a friction measuring device that employs the braked wheel technique, is able to
electronically control the wetness of the deck during testing, includes electronic data collection,
storage and processing and allows the whole of the deck surface to be covered to a resolution of not
less than 1m2.

The simple to use software installed on the micro GripTester’s touch screen display guides the user
through the friction test procedure with ease and stores the data straight onto the unit’s built in
hard drive or directly onto a USB drive to allow for easy transfer of data.
The computer controlled water delivery system ensures that a controlled set of accurate data is
collected allowing friction to be monitored constantly and delivering trusted results.

The minimum average surface friction value of 0.65 should be achieved across the area inside the
touchdown/positioning marking, outside the touchdown/positioning marking and on the paint
markings themselves. This should help to ensure that suitable levels of surface friction are available
consistently at all Helidecks and allow operators to monitor levels in order to take effective action
when levels begin to drop and improve safety.

The Findlay Irvine micro GripTester can be folded away easily and weighing in at only 23kg can easily
be transported or stored making it a simple, efficient one-person operation.

With the ability to consistently measure surface friction regardless of slope or incline the micro
GripTester will give a true surface friction measurement regardless of the location from offshore Oil
rigs, mobile support shipping, to hospital Helidecks and major Heli-Airports

The Findlay Irvine micro GripTester has the potential to meet impending legislation and become an
imperative tool to operations and maintenance managers not only for Helidecks but throughout the
air industry of the world.

Contact Details

Rob Sims
Sales Director

Mobile: +44 (0)7974 680911

Office: +44 (0)1968 671206
Fax: +44 (0)1968 671237

Email: robsims@findlayirvine.com
Website: www.findlayirvine.com
Videos: www.youtube.com/user/findlayirvine