Richmark Arla

The Richmark ARLA 4 - Retroreflective Landing Aid ©

Specific : Recognising the benefit to GA pilots and others using 'open field' or unlicensed areas for Landing in particular, Parkinson Richmark - a company skilled in the design of Airside Safety Products since 1978 - using moulded products with Retroreflective materials conforming to ICAO, FAA, CAA and NATO requirements - have long held designs for suitable products to both substitute for PAPI and ground lighting in the recognised, powered sense.

General Comment : Although the benefits of such products are recognised in North America, especially in areas where 'powered' products are not possible, British and European regulatory authorities 'lag behind' and effectively ban the reliance on Retroreflective materials, at present.

It is encouraging that DERA with CAA appear now to be examining these materials.

The above drawing of the proposed Richmark ARLA 4 which is subject to copyright . The dimensions may alter but the principal of the design remains the same. For effective marketing, guidance from 'the authorities' on minimum dimensions and colours requirements will of course be necessary. However the performance of the Retroreflective materials is understood to be as in existing ICAO and FAA documentation.