Helicopters are a special kind of aircraft that does not need a runway in order to land or takeoff from the ground. The aircraft can lift itself up from a landing position without having to go through horizontal movement first. As such, they can land and takeoff from locations with much speed and ease. An area that is specifically designated for the use by helicopters to land and takeoff are referred to as heliports. This is worth knowing about Helicopter landing lights.
The heliport can be located on top of structures like a building or on a water body or land. They can also be situated on water vessels like a yacht or a ship. Buildings and other facilities within the heliport can also be considered to be part of it. Helistop, helideck and helipad are alternate names for heliports.
Apart from helicopters, heliports can be used by other vertical lift platforms like drones for landing and taking off. Usually, heliports have one or multiple touchdown and lift off areas. Also, it might have other facilities like fuel stations and hangars. Custom facilities are included in heliports in large towns and cities. A lot of noise is made by helicopters. This factor has limited their adoption.
Usually, the orientation of helipads is in any direction although they have definite departure and approach paths. Numbering done in heliports is not similar to that of airports. It is recommended by ICAO and FAA that TLOF must have an H at its center. The orientation of the H should be in the preferred direction of departure and approach.
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.
Lighting is a very important part of any heliport design. The facility should be installed with lighting that meets specific aeronautical standards. Perimeter lights are usually installed around the TLOF region. The lights may be installed flush on the TLOF itself. Alternatively, they may be installed on metallic or concrete extensions placed off the perimeter of the TLOF.
The lighting should be installed in such a way that it cannot be obstructive to cause helicopter collision. To avoid this, all helistop lighting systems should not extend above the FATO or TLOF by two inches as required by FAA. The industry standard currently requires the light used 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.
The heliport can be located on top of structures like a building or on a water body or land. They can also be situated on water vessels like a yacht or a ship. Buildings and other facilities within the heliport can also be considered to be part of it. Helistop, helideck and helipad are alternate names for heliports.
Apart from helicopters, heliports can be used by other vertical lift platforms like drones for landing and taking off. Usually, heliports have one or multiple touchdown and lift off areas. Also, it might have other facilities like fuel stations and hangars. Custom facilities are included in heliports in large towns and cities. A lot of noise is made by helicopters. This factor has limited their adoption.
Usually, the orientation of helipads is in any direction although they have definite departure and approach paths. Numbering done in heliports is not similar to that of airports. It is recommended by ICAO and FAA that TLOF must have an H at its center. The orientation of the H should be in the preferred direction of departure and approach.
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.
Lighting is a very important part of any heliport design. The facility should be installed with lighting that meets specific aeronautical standards. Perimeter lights are usually installed around the TLOF region. The lights may be installed flush on the TLOF itself. Alternatively, they may be installed on metallic or concrete extensions placed off the perimeter of the TLOF.
The lighting should be installed in such a way that it cannot be obstructive to cause helicopter collision. To avoid this, all helistop lighting systems should not extend above the FATO or TLOF by two inches as required by FAA. The industry standard currently requires the light used 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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