Information on the Design of Helipads

As your professional partner, DeWiTec implements projects worldwide in the field of helipad equipment and helipad construction.

From the initial idea to the first landing, DeWiTec takes care of the coordination. We design ground-level and rooftop helipads with the same level of expertise and in full compliance with regulations as helipads on ships and yachts or on offshore platforms.

The synergy of our experience and expertise in planning the entire facility guarantees the reliable operation of your future or modernized helipad, thereby ensuring its long-term viability. DeWiTec supports you with the

• Handling of the aviation approval procedure

• Flight operational fundamentals

• Support with building regulations

• Assessment of the local situation with regard to obstacle clearance of approach and departure paths in accordance with AVV. We provide you with competent and independent advice at all times to help you implement the most economical concept.

Rooftop Helipads
Rooftop helipads are space-saving solutions built on the roofs of hotels, hospitals or high-rise buildings. Enhanced comfort and functionality are combined with improved safety during approach and departure.

Ground-Level Helipads
Ground-level helipads are often combined with helicopter stations that also provide refuelling and maintenance facilities as well as a hangar for shelter and storage.

Helipads on Offshore Platforms
Lighting systems on offshore platforms are subject to particular challenges due to extreme environmental conditions.

Helidecks on Yachts / Cruise Ships
Yachts and cruise ships with integrated helicopter landing decks offer maximum flexibility for passengers and crew. To ensure safe flight operations, supportive lighting for pilots is particularly important.

Lighting System Layout
DeWiTec helipad lighting systems can be designed and installed as completely solar-powered solutions. This minimizes installation costs and reduces dependence on mains power. At the same time, the system is portable and can be put into operation quickly.

• The use of solar energy results in significant savings in operating costs

• Radio control using the globally accepted 2.4GHz network enables the operator to control the system remotely using a portable controller. Light intensities, operating modes and other settings can therefore be adjusted easily.

• DeWiTec’s battery-/solar-powered perimeter lights are the only ones of their kind that meet the requirements of ICAO Annex 14 regarding photometry and installation height.

• Clear identification of the heliport enables safe flight operations

• Increased visibility of the heliport in poor visibility conditions and at night

Final Approach and Take-off (FATO)
FATO lights should be white, steady-burning and omnidirectional. They are installed along the final approach and take-off area. They should be arranged at uniform intervals.
Square and rectangular arrangements: spacing of no more than 50m and at least 4 lights, including one in each corner.

Other arrangements, including circular configurations: spacing of no more than 5m and at least 10 lights.

Touchdown and Lift-off area lighting system (TLOF)
TLOF lights should be green, steady-burning and omnidirectional. They are installed at uniform intervals along the designated touchdown area. For ground-level helipads, the spacing should be no more than 5m, and for elevated helipads and helidecks no more than 3m. At least 4 lights are required, including one in each corner. For circular TLOF lighting, at least 14 lights are required.

The FATO and TLOF frequently coincide, in which case only the TLOF is illuminated (green).

Landing Area Lighting
Where required, floodlights should be installed on the ground and around the TLOF.

Aiming Point Lighting
Aiming point lights consist of an arrangement of at least 6 white, omnidirectional lights.

Wind Direction Indicator
A helipad requires at least one wind direction indicator ("windsock"), which should be installed in a position where it is not affected by airflow from the helicopter. It provides information about wind direction and wind speed. For night-time operations, it should be illuminated.

Approach Lighting System
An approach lighting system should be installed at helipads where it is necessary to indicate a preferred approach direction.
It should be installed in a straight line along the approach direction. It consists of three lights spaced uniformly at 30m intervals as well as a crossbar (lights spaced 4.5m apart, 18m wide) located 90m from the FATO. These lights should be white, steady-burning and omnidirectional.

To further increase conspicuity, additional lights may be installed at uniform intervals of 30m beyond the crossbar. Depending on the surrounding environment, these white, omnidirectional lights should be either steady-burning or sequentially flashing.

For a non-precision FATO, the total length of the approach lighting system should not be less than 210m.