If you’ve been considering building a private heliport for your business, there is a lot you need to consider before you get started. Not only do you have to consider the costs involved and potential regulations, but it also requires detailed planning and execution of the actual construction.
This is no small task—a heliport can be a considerable investment, and therefore you will want to make sure your construction is carried out with finesse. In this article, we are going to take you through five critical factors that should be taken into account if you’re looking to build a private heliport.
From the most important elements of the engineering process to what essential criteria your location needs, we will break down every angle of this major project so that you’re prepared for success as soon as possible. Let’s get started!
Important Locations Considerations for Businesses
If you’re looking to build a private heliport for your business, locating the right spot is of utmost importance. The purpose of a heliport should be the main consideration when it comes to the ideal location for your business: Is it for the transport of passengers, cargo, or simply for pleasure flights?
Depending on what you plan on using your heliport for, there are other critical factors that should also be taken into account before building it.
Here are 5 major ones that all businesses should think about:
- Weather Patterns: Before constructing a private heliport, businesses need to understand the seasonal changes in weather and wind conditions in their local proximity. This will ensure that pilots can safely land and take off in all types of weather.
- Flood Risk: Heliports should be built away from unpredictable flooding zones that can create dangerous and hazardous conditions while pilots are trying to land their aircraft during inclement weather.
- Noise Regulations: Take care to avoid locations where helicopters will disturb residents or other businesses nearby due to excessive noise levels generated from flights taking off and landing.
- Proximity Requirements: Heliports must be within a certain distance of fuel outlets and emergency services for safety reasons, so make sure to confirm these requirements with your local aviation authority before selecting the perfect spot to build your private heliport.
- Visible Flight Paths: Lastly, when selecting a location for your private heliport, try to pick one that provides clear visibility from any perspectives along the flight path – this will be critical during ideal times as well
Planning the Design of Your Private Heliport
So you want to build a private heliport? Designing the layout is important, because you need a place for your helicopter to safely land and take-off. You don’t want to be caught off-guard when it comes to designing your private heliport. Here are some key considerations for you to think about:
Size and Space
You will need to consider how much space you’re willing to dedicate for the heliport—or if you even have enough land or roof space for a heliport at all.
According to the FAA’s regulations, heliports need to have, at a minimum, a 100 foot radius with no obstacles (such as trees) within this radius. So make sure this is something you can accommodate!
Landing Pads & Markings
For your helicopter, you’ll need a landing pad and appropriate markings so it knows where it can land safely. According to Helicopter Association International, there are various considerations related to the shape of your landing area depending on what type of helicopter will use it – turbine helicopters use round landing areas, while piston engines use square ones — and typically the landing pads should be 150 feet long and 65 feet wide for these types of helicopters.
Lighting System & Signage
It’s important that your heliport has an easy-to-understand lighting system and signage in place so that pilots know where they can land safely in low visibility conditions like fog or poor light levels
Ensuring Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are absolutely critical when it comes to building a private heliport, because many regulations require them on an annual or semi-annual basis. This is to ensure that the heliport remains up to safety standards and complies with state and federal laws and regulations.
Here’s what maintenance and inspections typically involve:
- Regularly checking for signs of wear and tear or damage, such as cracks, missing components, and other defects
- Ensuring proper lighting conditions in line with FAA regulations
- Checking the integrity of runway markings, taxiways, exits, entrances, and other areas that can be impacted by wind or deterioration over time
- Updating records to remain in compliance with the latest local laws and regulations
It’s also important that you have a team of experienced professionals on hand who are capable of performing repairs if needed. After all, you want your heliport to be an asset, not a liability. A qualified team can assess damage quickly to ensure that everything is always operating at optimal functionality.
Develop an Emergency Response Plan
Before you build a private heliport, there’s one more important step you need to factor in: emergency response planning. No matter how well-maintained and secure your heliport may be, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong.
Having a well thought-out emergency response plan can help you quickly respond to any problems or dangers that may arise at your private heliport. Taking the time now to consider potential risks and make a plan will help you ensure the safety of your passengers and crew, as well as minimize any risk of liability or damages.
Conclusion
Building a private heliport for your business requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. Don’t let the complexity of the process overwhelm you; consider the location of your heliport, familiarize yourself with local regulations and aviation rules, plan the design, and consider necessary maintenance and inspections as well as emergency response plans.
The added convenience of having your own private heliport is worth the effort. Maximizing safety while considering the many legal and regulatory factors is paramount to the success of your new heliport, and it’s important to double-check that all these considerations have been addressed before taking to the skies.
