A helicopter is a special type of airplane that finds no need of a runway for it to take off from the ground or land. This aircraft can take off from the ground without going through horizontal movements first. Therefore, they are able to take off or land on the ground with much ease and speed. A heliport is the name given to the area that is specially designated for use by helicopters to take off and land. This is what Helicopter landing lights are all about.
This area may be on land, water or on top of a structure such as a building. Similarly, the area may be constructed on a water vessel such as a ship or yacht. The term heliport is used to include any facilities and buildings included in the area if there are any. There are other names that are used to refer to heliports, that is, helistop, helideck, and helipad.
Besides helicopters, other vertical lift platforms such as drones can use heliports for takeoff and landing. A typical helipad with contain one or several liftoff and touchdown areas. It may also contain other facilities such as hangars and fuel stations. Customs facilities are also included in a heliport in cities and large towns. Helicopters make a lot of noise, a factor that has restricted the widespread adoption of heliports.
Helipads are usually oriented in any direction, but they have definitive approach and departure paths. The numbering in these facilities is not done in the same way it is done at airports. According to the recommendations of FAA and ICAO, the TLOF should have an H at the center. The H should be oriented in the preferred approach/departure direction.
The helipad as well is needed to incorporate useful information in the TLOF location. The maximum weight that can be supported by this facility should be specified in the TLOF. This implies that helicopters that weigh beyond the maximum amount should not use the helipad. The size of the largest helicopter that can land on the facility should be included in the information box as well. This information is read by pilots just before landing.
In any design of heliport, lighting is an essential part. Lighting that matches specific aeronautical standards should be installed in the facility. Usually, perimeter lights are installed near the TLOF area. These lights might be installed flush on the TLOF itself. Also, the light might be installed on metallic or concrete extensions positioned off the TLOF perimeter.
It is crucial to avoid incorporating the lighting with an obstruction which could be hit by the helicopter. The FAA requires all lighting systems of heliports not go over two inches over the TLOF or the FATO. Today, industry standards require the lights to be green.
Incandescent lighting used to dominate this industry before LEDs were invented. Today, LEDs are taking over and traditional incandescent lights are being replaced by them. LEDs are preferred because they are cheap and have lower energy consumption. These products have also been determined to be capable of remaining functional for several years compared to traditional lighting. Their durability therefore reduces operation costs for heliports.
This area may be on land, water or on top of a structure such as a building. Similarly, the area may be constructed on a water vessel such as a ship or yacht. The term heliport is used to include any facilities and buildings included in the area if there are any. There are other names that are used to refer to heliports, that is, helistop, helideck, and helipad.
Besides helicopters, other vertical lift platforms such as drones can use heliports for takeoff and landing. A typical helipad with contain one or several liftoff and touchdown areas. It may also contain other facilities such as hangars and fuel stations. Customs facilities are also included in a heliport in cities and large towns. Helicopters make a lot of noise, a factor that has restricted the widespread adoption of heliports.
Helipads are usually oriented in any direction, but they have definitive approach and departure paths. The numbering in these facilities is not done in the same way it is done at airports. According to the recommendations of FAA and ICAO, the TLOF should have an H at the center. The H should be oriented in the preferred approach/departure direction.
The helipad as well is needed to incorporate useful information in the TLOF location. The maximum weight that can be supported by this facility should be specified in the TLOF. This implies that helicopters that weigh beyond the maximum amount should not use the helipad. The size of the largest helicopter that can land on the facility should be included in the information box as well. This information is read by pilots just before landing.
In any design of heliport, lighting is an essential part. Lighting that matches specific aeronautical standards should be installed in the facility. Usually, perimeter lights are installed near the TLOF area. These lights might be installed flush on the TLOF itself. Also, the light might be installed on metallic or concrete extensions positioned off the TLOF perimeter.
It is crucial to avoid incorporating the lighting with an obstruction which could be hit by the helicopter. The FAA requires all lighting systems of heliports not go over two inches over the TLOF or the FATO. Today, industry standards require the lights to be green.
Incandescent lighting used to dominate this industry before LEDs were invented. Today, LEDs are taking over and traditional incandescent lights are being replaced by them. LEDs are preferred because they are cheap and have lower energy consumption. These products have also been determined to be capable of remaining functional for several years compared to traditional lighting. Their durability therefore reduces operation costs for heliports.
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