A helicopter crash and burn scenario is always a frightening possibility – the intense, fuel-based fire will quickly spread on a solid plate helideck, making passenger rescue extremely hazardous. Vital time is lost in combating the fire on the helidecks when all attention should be concentrated on the blazing helicopter instead and creating a safety path for crew and passengers to get to safety.
On unmanned platforms, this problem is even more acute as fire-fighting facilities are limited to start with; outside assistance may simply not be available. Civil Aviation Authorities around the world recognize this risk and require extensive fire-fighting and crash safety equipment to be available and positioned around the deck.
