The Pad-Star® DC Elevated Pole Mount – 2nd Generation is a state-of-the-art perimeter lighting solution engineered specifically for heliport applications. As part of FEC Heliports’ line of premium LED lighting products, this newly redesigned pole-mounted perimeter light enhances safety and operational efficiency for pilots landing in low-visibility environments, such as at night or during adverse weather. It provides precise illumination of key heliport zones—including the Final Approach and Take-Off (FATO) area, Touchdown and Lift-Off area (TLOF), and surrounding obstructions—helping pilots accurately locate landing pads and ensure secure arrivals and departures.
Officially released in November 2021, this second-generation Pad-Star® light features a hermetically sealed optical assembly to prevent condensation buildup and improve reliability over time. Each fixture is outfitted with integrated infrared (IR) diodes as standard, making it compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and ideal for military or tactical use. Designed for universal compatibility, it can be integrated seamlessly into any existing heliport lighting system and is compliant with FAA, ICAO, and UK CAP standards for light intensity and distribution.
Built for demanding environments, the housing of the Pad-Star® Pole Mount is precision-crafted from military-spec hard-anodized cast aluminum, ensuring resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and impact. The fixture is pre-wired to allow for quick installation on a variety of mounting surfaces and supports operation through renewable energy sources thanks to its low-voltage (12–24 VDC) design. It delivers energy-efficient performance with a power draw of only 6 watts and an expected LED lifespan exceeding 50,000 hours. The light source includes one high-performance Osram visible LED and three Osram IR diodes, ensuring both visibility and covert operability.
Electrical specifications include a 12/24 VDC input (typically supplied via FEC controllers), with power consumption at 6 watts and a current draw of 0.350mA. It performs reliably across a broad temperature range from -40°C to +55°C. The fixture is certified under FAA EB#87 and conforms to standards outlined in FAA AC 150/5390-2 Heliports Design Guide, ICAO Annex 14 Volume II, UK CAP 437, and UK CAP 1264.
The physical design of the fixture ensures adaptability to different mounting setups. While the overall height above surface depends on the pole used (pole not included, part number HP0270), the fixture housing itself measures 5 inches (127mm) tall with a lid diameter of 4 ¾ inches (120.65mm). It mounts via a 1-inch NPT thread. High-quality materials are used throughout the construction, including a 6061-T6 aluminum flange, 356-T6 aluminum alloy housing, a tempered borosilicate lens, and stainless steel hardware. Its exterior is finished with a durable hard anodizing treatment per MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 1, ensuring long-term performance even in harsh outdoor conditions.
With an industry-leading 10-year warranty on the fixture and a 3-year warranty on electronics, the Pad-Star® DC Elevated Pole Mount is a reliable, forward-compatible, and energy-efficient solution for any heliport lighting application seeking to meet or exceed global aviation standards.
https://fecheliports.com/helipad-lighting/pad-star-dc-elevated-pole-mount-2nd-generation/
