Helipad

Helipad is a landing area or platform for helicopters. Also known as a helistop, it can be found in a variety of settings, including airports, hospitals, military bases, and large or remote industrial sites. Unlike an airport, a helipad requires a smaller land area and can be constructed on rooftops or on the ground.

Design and Construction

The design of a helipad is primarily dictated by its intended use and the size and weight of the helicopters that will be using it. The surface of a helipad is typically made of concrete, asphalt, or steel and is marked with a painted 'H' to make it easily identifiable from the air. The size of the 'H' is proportional to the size of the helipad.

Usage

Helipads are used for a variety of purposes. They are commonly found at hospitals for air ambulance services, allowing for rapid transport of critically ill or injured patients. Military helipads are used for rapid deployment and extraction of troops, while industrial helipads facilitate transport to remote locations, such as offshore oil rigs.

Regulations

In many countries, the construction and operation of helipads are regulated by national aviation authorities. These regulations may cover aspects such as the size, location, marking, lighting, and obstacle clearance of the helipad. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for these regulations.

See Also

• Heliport
• Airport
• Air Ambulance
• Federal Aviation Administration