HELIPORTS & HELISTOPS

HELIPORTS & HELISTOPSPRESENTER: BASIL HLATSHWAYO

OBJECTIVE:To provide the delegates with guidelines that must beconsidered for the planning and esign of Heliports andHelistops and further to describe the minimumrequirements for licensing and approval.FOCUS:The main focus will be on the following items: Differences between Helistops and Heliports. Types of Heliports and Helistops. Design requirements.

Definitions Heliport – An area either at ground level or elevatedon a structure that is used for landing and take-off ofhelicopters and includes some or all of the variousfacilities such as helicopter parking bays, waitingroom, fixed fuel installations and maintenanceorganisations. Helistop - An area either at ground level orelevated on a structure for the landing and takeoff of helicopters but without auxiliary facilities.

Definitions cont. Final Approach and Takeoff area (FATO)A defined area over which the pilot completes thefinal phase of the approach to a hover or a landingand from which the pilot initiates takeoff. Touchdown and liftoff area (TLOF)A load-bearing, generally paved area, normallycentred in the FATO, on which the helicopterlands and/or takes off.

Physical RequirementsThe physical requirements for Heliports and Helistops areidentical regarding the following: Landing and take-off areas Touchdown areas Transitional surfaces Approach surfaces Safety or peripheral areas

Types of Heliports & Helistops Surface/Ground level Elevated structure Commercial use Private use Public use Emergency use (Air Ambulances)

RestrictionsRestrictions can be imposed as follows: For emergency use only VFR daylight operations only VFR day and night operations Mass and/or rotor diameter of helicopter A restriction during certain hours of the day

Heliport Licensing RequirementsThe SACAA will only license a Heliport to come intoexistence if the following requirements are met: SA CARS Part 139 SA CATS Part 139 Letter of no objection from the Local Municipality Letter of no objection from ATNS* Approval from NASCOM* Publish for public comments*Air Traffic & Navigation Services*National Airspace Committee

Helistop Approval RequirementsThe SACAA will only approve a Helistop to comeinto existence if the following requirements can bemet: The minimum Helistop design standards can becomplied with. Letter of no objection from the Local Municipality. Letter of no objection from ATNS. Approval from NASCOM (controlled airspace)

Wind direction Indicator The windsock, at least one (1), shall provide the bestpossible colour contrast to its background. To avoid presenting a hazard, the windsock shall belocated outside the safety area. If night operations are intended, the windsock shallbe illuminated. The length of the windsock shall be 2.4m for surfacelevel Heliports and 1.2m for elevated structures.

Requirements for Elevated Structures Only performance class 1 (twin turbine)helicopters are permitted on elevated structures. A safety net extending between 1.5m - 2m for fallprotection and complying to local standards andregulations is a requirement. Design the safety net to have a load carryingcapability of 122 kg/square metre. Make sure the net does not project above thelevel of the Touchdown and Liftoff area.

Emergency HeliportAn emergency heliport is a facility whichaccommodates helicopters that are limited toserving traffic engaged in air ambulance operationsor other hospital-related functions. An emergency heliport shall be identifiable by aletter H, white in colour and a red cross, bothpositioned at the centre of the touchdown and liftoff area. The white ‘H’ shall be superimposed over the redcross and the stems of the ‘H’ shall be placed sothat they are orientated with the most desirabledirection for take-off and landing.

Helicopter facilities ataerodromes To facilitate the operation of helicopters ataerodromes, provision should be made for a FATOto be separate from aeroplane take-off, landing andparking areas. The FATO should be so located as to:a)provide adequate separation between aeroplaneand helicopter traffic so as to avoid conflict in take-offand landing operations,b) avoid areas where vortex wake generated bylanding aeroplanes is likely to affect helicopters in thefinal approach phase or in a hover adjacent to arunway,

Helicopter facilities ataerodromesc) avoid the risk of debris being ingested into theengines of other aircraft as a result of the debris beingblown about by rotor downwash,d) avoid the mixing of aeroplanes and helicopters onaprons or on taxiways,e) avoid the rotor downwash from large and heavyhelicopters affecting light aeroplanes parked on anapron or taxiway during the approach or departure ofthe helicopter.

Cautionary Signs & Security Provide a Heliport with appropriate means ofkeeping the operational areas clear of people,animals and vehicles. Control access, depending upon the location ofthe Heliport and types of potential intruders. Display cautionary signs at strategic positions towarn the public of helicopter operations.

References SA CARS 139SA CATS 139ICAO Annex 14, Vol 2ICAO Doc 9261- AN/903SANSOHS Act 85 of 1993 and supportingRegulations.

Questions/Comments

Contact DetailsBasil HlatshwayoInspector: Cat Z and HeliportsAviation InfrastructureTel: 011 545 1060Fax: 086 641 o.za

ICAO Annex 14, Vol 2 ICAO Doc 9261- AN/903 SANS OHS Act 85 of 1993 and supporting Regulations. Questions/Comments. Contact Details Basil Hlatshwayo Inspector: Cat Z and Heliports Aviation Infrastructure Tel: 011 545 1060 Fax: 086 641 2743 Cell:0834616340 .