black hawk

Leverton Associates International

Heliport Design AC Workshop - HeliExpo 2012

HELIPORT DESIGN with particular reference to

PPR and Hospital Heliports WORKSHOP #2

Dr John Leverton

HAI Heliport Design AC Focal Point

Advisor - Infrastructure Development, AHS


HELIPORT DESIGN

ADVISORY CIRCULAR 150/5390-2B / DRAFT 150/5390-2C

Leverton Associates, International

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SAFETY AREAS




HELIPORT TERMINOLOGY

FATO: Final Approach and Takeoff Area

TLOF: Touchdown and Liftoff Area

Safety

Area

FATO –

TLOF




SAFETY AREA REQUIREMENTS

Table 2-1. Minimum VFR Safety Area Width as a Function

of GA and PPR Heliport Markings

TLOF perimeter marked:

FATO edge marked:

Std. H marking:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

GA heliports:

1/3 RD but

not less than

20‟ (6.1 m)

1/3 RD but

not less than

30‟ (9.1 m)

½ OL but

not less than

20‟ (6.1 m)

½ OL but

not less than

30‟ (9.1 m)

PPR heliports:

1/3 RD but

not less than

10‟ (3 m) **

1/3 RD but

not less than

20‟ (6.1 m) **

½ OL but

not less than

20‟ (6.1 m)

½ OL but

not less than

30‟ (9.1 m)

OL: overall length of the design helicopter RD: rotor diameter of the design helicopter

** Also applies to PPR heliports when the FATO is NOT marked. The FATO should not be marked

if (a) the FATO (or part of the FATO) is a non-load bearing surface and (b) the TLOF is elevated

above the level of a surrounding load bearing area.




TLOF NOT Marked

TLOF Marked.

TLOF MARKING IMPACT PPR GROUND LEVEL HELIPORT

„SAFETY AREA‟ IS INCREASED

IF TLOF NOT MAARKED

1/3 RD or 10 ft (3 m)

½ D or 20 ft (6 m)

1/3 RD=0.25D




Logo Used „H‟ Marked.

TLOF MARKING IMPACT PPR GROUND LEVEL HELIPORT

„LOGO‟ CAN BE USED IN PLACE OF „H‟

… BUT SAFETY AREA IS INCREASED

1/3 RD or 10 ft 1/3 RD or 20 ft




SAFETY AREA

HOSPITAL HELIPORT

TLOF perimeter

marked:

FATO perimeter

marked:

Standard

Hospital marking

symbol:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Hospital

heliports:

1/3 RD but

not less than

10 ft (3 m)**

1/3 RD but

not less than

20 ft (6 m)**

½ OL but

not less than

20 ft (6 m)

½ OL but

not less than

30 ft (9 m)

Table 4-1. Minimum VFR Safety Area Width as a Function Hospital Heliport Markings

OL: overall length of the design helicopter RD: rotor diameter of the design helicopter

** Also applies when the FATO is NOT marked. The FATO should not be marked if (a)

the FATO (or part of the FATO) is a non-load bearing surface and (b) the TLOF is elevated

above the level of a surrounding load bearing area.




HELIPORT LAYOUT

FATO – 1.5 D [1.5 OL]

TLOF –1RD Safety

Area

1/3 RD

[0.25 D]




SAFETY AREA

FATO – 1.5 OL

TLOF –1RD Safety

Area

1/3 RD




SAFETY AREA

FATO – 1.5 OL

TLOF –1RD Safety

Area

1/3 RD

√




SAFETY AREA

FATO – 1.5 OL

TLOF –1RD Safety

Area

1/3 RD

X




SAFETY AREA

FATO – 1.5 OL

TLOF –1RD Safety

Area

½ OL √

√


Leverton Associates International Heliport Design AC Workshop - HeliExpo 2012

MARKINGS




‘Touchdown/Positioning Circle’ Marking TDPC marking **

** Often referenced as TDP or TD/P marking or TDPM




Not in AC-2B … but included in the „DRAFT AC-2B‟: required to be used

on the TLOF… optional for “turn-around” Parking Positions. Not

required if TLOF is less than 16 ft (4.9 m)!!

Not practical on Unpaved/turf TLOFs [Not stated in Draft AC-2C]

Not used on „taxi through‟ or „back-out‟ parking positions – „shoulder

lines‟ used for these parking positions. [Not stated, but implied in Draft AC-2C]

In Annex 14 Vol II 3rd Edition issued in 2009 (tranche 1), this marking is required

for the TLOF and in the „Tranche 2‟ changes, nominally agreed in 2010, it will be a

requirement for parking stands (areas).

In Annex 14 Vol II it is called a Touchdown/positioning marking – the FAA are

calling it a Touchdown/Positioning Circle marking to avoid any confusion with other

markings and make it clear it is a „circle‟.

TOUCHDOWN/POSITIONING CIRCLE (TDPC) MARKING




A TDP „circle‟ marking is a circle of 0.5 D (0.5 OL) inner

diameter of the design helicopters with a line width of 18 in (0.5

m) „positioned‟ in the center of the TLOF or Parking Position.

TOUCHDOWN/POSITIONING

CIRCLE (TDPC) MARKING

What is it?

AC-2C Definition:-

Touchdown/Positioning Circle (TDPC) Marking. A circular marking located in the center of a TLOF or a

parking position. Note: When the pilot's seat is over the touchdown/positioning circle marking and the fuselage is

over the heliport identification making, the whole of the helicopter undercarriage will be within the TLOF or

parking position and all parts of the helicopter rotor system will be clear of any obstacle by a safe margin.

Used world wide – used on helidecks in GOM –Concept/use supported by

HAI: some EMS operators have questioned its use!




Touchdown/Positioning

Circle Marking

FATO - 1.5 D/1.5OL

TLOF - 1RD

Safety Area – 1/3RD

1D/1OL




Perimeter markings and the „H‟ (heliport designation

marking) provides the pilot with visual cues on the

location of the heliport and information on the rate-of-

closure on approach etc., but does not provide

information on where to touchdown on the TLOF or

position the helicopter during maneuvers on the TLOF

or parking area. A Touchdown/Positioning Circle

marking – TDPC marking – provides such information.

TDPC markings are widely used by the offshore (oil)

industry on helidecks and on heliports in many nations.

It is a requirement in ICAO Annex 14 Vol II - Heliports

WHY USE A „TDPC‟ MARKING ?




A TDP marking provides the pilot with information on where

to position the helicopter and ensures:

(i) the rotor system, and in particular the tail rotor, is clear of

obstacles in the vicinity of the heliport/helideck or parking

area (helicopter stand),

(ii) the undercarriage is positioned within the load bearing

area (TLOF) or helicopter parking area by an adequate safe

margin, and

(iii) the rotor system and undercarriage are stay well with the

safety and load bearing area (TLOF) during air (hover)

turning maneuvers.

„TDPC‟ MARKING – WHAT DOES IT DO?‟











margin, and



turning maneuvers.

„TDPC MARKING‟ – WHAT DOES IT DO?











margin, and



turning maneuvers.

It is of major importance when the

helicopter using the heliport is of the

maximum size for which the heliport

was designed.

„TDPC‟ MARKING – WHAT DOES IT DO?




S-76

RD = 44 ft (13.4 m)

D = 52.5 ft (16 m)

D = 1.19 RD




S-76: Landing/Parked Forward of „H‟

1RD TLOF




S-76: Landing/Parked aft of „H‟

1RD TLOF




S-76: Arc of Tail

Rotor turning about

the rotor hub

1RD TLOF


turning about the rotor hub





turning about the rotor hub

1RD TLOF




Bell 427:Turning around the „Rotor Hub‟

Arc of Tail Rotor

“size of arc” 1.4 D (1.4 OL)

Approx. 1.7 RD

Helicopter in „true center‟ of TLOF **

** Unlikely in practice!




1RD TLOF

S-76: Turning about

„the pilot‟

Arc of Tail Rotor




Bell 427:Turning about „the pilot‟

Arc of Tail Rotor

RD = 37 ft (11.3 m)

D = 42.6 ft (13 m)

D = 1.15




Bell 427:Turning about „the pilot‟

FATO Safety Area

TLOF

Arc of Tail Rotor




S-76: Arc of Tail Rotor using TDPC marking

1RD TLOF

Diameter

1D (1 OL)




S-76

S-76 Parked over TDPC marking

1RD TLOF




S-76: Arc of Tail Rotor using TDP „circle‟ marking

1RD TLOF

Diameter

1D




S-76: Parked over TDPC Marking …

Turning about the rotor hub

1RD TLOF

Arc of Tail Rotor




1RD TLOF

Diameter 1D

Bell 427: Arc of Tail Rotor using

TDPC marking




Black Hawk/S-70 Fire Hawk Study

OL (1D) = 64.83 ft (19.76 m)

1RD = 53.67 ft

(16.36 m)

UC = 29.00

ft (8.84 m)

34.48 ft (10.54 m)




TDPC marking 0.5OL (0.5D) inner diameter

[32.42 ft/9.88 m]

1RD [53.67 ft/16.36 m]

Tail Wheel Position (arc)

Main Rotor ‘Tip Path’

Tail Wheel Location

Black Hawk turning using the ‘TDPC’ marking




TDPC marking 0.5OL (0.5D) inner diameter

[32.42 ft/9.88 m]

1RD [53.67 ft/16.36 m]

Tail Wheel Position (arc)


Tail Wheel Location

Tail Wheel Position - turning using the ‘TD/P circle’




1D [64.80 ft/19.75m]

Tail Wheel Position (arc) [Outside 1RD

TLOF – just inside 1D TLOF]


Tail Wheel Location

1RD [53.67 ft/16.36 m]

Black Hawk turning around the rotor axis




TD/P (Circle) marking 0.5OL (0.5D) inner diameter

[32.42 ft/9.88 m]

1RD [53.67 ft/16.36 m]


Tail Wheel Location

Black Hawk/S-70 (LAI) Study Results




TD/P (Circle) marking 0.5OL (0.5D) inner diameter

[32.42 ft/9.88 m]

1RD [53.67 ft/16.36 m]


Tail Wheel Location

(i) with TDPC marking + education program ….. TLOF of 1RD just OK ** ..… but use of ‘2UC length’ better. .…. Use of 1D (1 OL) even better. (ii) With NO TDPC markings – TLOF required 1.5RD ** just meets safety margin target. [Based on safety margin of 8 ft (2.5 m) ]

Black Hawk/S-70 (LAI) Study Results



TLOF „H‟ MARKING

AC-2B: „Height‟ of „H‟ for GA Heliports – lesser of:-

0.6 TLOF length, 1.2 TLOF width

i.e. for 50 ft (15 m) square TLOF, height of „H‟ = 30 ft (9 m).

Maximum value: General Aviation - 60 ft (18.3 m)

PPR - 10 ft (3 m)

Transport – 75 ft (22.9 m)

Hospital Heliports require 10 ft (3 m) „H‟ – it is part of hospital standard marking.

AC-2C: „H‟ standardize on 10 ft (3m) i.e. „H‟ for GA is same as

for PPR heliports and Hospital Heliports.





AC-2B / AC-2C

Text in AC-2B and AC-2C state “Lines/markings may be outlined with a 6-inch wide (15

cm) line of a contrasting color to enhance conspicuity.” – some mark „white H‟ with 6 in

(15 cm) border: 3 in (7.5 cm) „inside border‟ shown on figure in AC-2C

9 ft / 9 ft 6 in !!




AC-2A (1994)





SIZE LIMITATION MARKING

AC-2B Requires the Design „Rotor Diameter‟ (TLOF)

Size)‟ to be marked on the TLOF. *

AC-2C Requires design „D – value‟ (length of design helicopter) to be marked on the TLOF. *

NEW REQUIREMENT

* OPTIONAL FOR TURF TLOFs AND FOR PPR HELIPORTS. REQUIRED FOR HOSPITAL HELIPORTS.

This is the same markings used world wide and in the

GOM for helidecks: HAI supports this change.



HELIPORT WEIGHT LIMITATION

AC-2B Requires maximum design weight in terms of number of “1000 lbs” to be added if TLOF has a weight limitation*:

3 ft (0.9 m) high numbers to be used. Value indicated to be rounded to nearest

number of 1000lbs. [METRIC VALUES NOT TO BE USED.]

AC-2C – Same requirements: Use of smaller „number/letter‟ allowed –

Dimensions for 18 in (45.7 cm) high numbers/letters introduced.

* NOT REQUIRED FOR PPR HELIPORTS – see Note:

Note: At PPR heliports, this marking is not required. However, the PPR heliport operator should ensure that all pilots using the facility are thoroughly knowledgeable with this and any other facility limitations

* REQUIRED FOR HOSPITAL HELIPORTS.



HELIPORT DESIGN AC-2B TLOF SIZE MARKING

• AC-2B REQUIRES DESIGN „ROTOR DIAMETER (TLOF SIZE)‟ TO BE MARKED ON HELIPORT *

….. AND MAXIMUM DESIGN WEIGHT IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF “1000LBS” TO BE ADDED IF TLOF HAS A WEIGHT LIMITATION**.

*OPTIONAL FOR TURF TLOFs AND FOR PPR HELIPORTS.

*REQUIRED FOR HOSPITAL HELIPORTS.

** NOT REQUIRED FOR PPR HELIPORTS – see Note (following209 g): Note: At PPR heliports, this marking is not required. However, the PPR heliport operator should

ensure that all pilots using the facility are thoroughly knowledgeable with this and any other facility limitations

* *REQUIRED FOR HOSPITAL HELIPORTS. [Problem if Turf heliport]




WEIGHT (MASS) / (TLOF?)SIZE MARKINGS

„Size marking‟ is NOT the actual TLOF size – TLOF is 1RD: D

value is maximum length of helicopter on which design is based

or in other words the „overall length‟ of the largest helicopter

which can use the heliport. Termed “D-value” marking in

Annex 14 Vol II – in AC-2C it is still called „TLOF size‟: not

clear if FAA will change this!




3 ft (0.9 m) High Numbers/Letter

18 in (0.45 m) High Numbers/Letter

Black Numbers – White Background

No Weight (Mass) Limit

Weight (mass) in 1000‟s of lbs

D- value (overall length) in ft.

WEIGHT (MASS) / SIZE MARKINGS

AC-2C




Figure 4-21

from AC-2C

9 ft.(2.7 m) „Box‟

TLOF MARKINGS

40 ft. TLOF

TDPC Marking (color

should be yellow)




Figure 4-21

from AC-2C

9 ft.(2.7 m) „Box‟

TLOF MARKINGS




30 ft. TLOF

AC-2C

Weight (mass)/Size

Limit Marking

Located in lower

right-hand corner

5 ft. „Box



TLOF MARKINGS

AC-2C

Weight (mass)/ Size

Limit Marking

Located on

right-hand side

12 in (30 cm)

30 ft. TLOF

5 ft. „Box‟



TLOF MARKINGS

AC-2C

Weight (mass)/ Size

Limit Marking

Located on

right-hand side

12 in (30 cm) TLOF

5 ft. „Box‟

AC-2C States: . “The numbers are 3 feet (0.9 m) high or,

for smaller heliports, no less than 20 18 inches (51 46 cm).

If necessary, this marking may interrupt the

Touchdown/Positioning Circle marking but may not

extend to within the circle, except for circular TLOFs.”

Even so markings are „tight‟! HAI requested further study

of this aspect and offered to „work‟ on this topic … to date

FAA have NOT responded.




TLOF NOT Marked TLOF Marked.

MARKING PROBLEM PPR GROUND LEVEL HELIPORT

Problem: If „Paved Area‟ of 2U/C is used than H (10 ft)

could be similar size to the Paved Area!!

No FAA guidance but size will need to be adjusted.




TLOF 2UC DLB Area if 30 inches (76 cm) or LESS above

“Surrounding Area” of 1RD [Surrounding Area - GEA ]

MARKING PROBLEM PPR ELEVATED HELIPORT

Where can/should the

„WEIGHT (MASS) -ROTOR

SIZE LIMIT BOX‟ ** be

located if required by STATE

or my User.?

– it is required on the „TLOF‟

but there is no space!!

** OPTIONAL FOR PPR



FATO/TLOF PERIMETER

MARKINGS

- TLOF: 12 in (30 cm) wide white line or „closely spaced‟ in-ground makers *.

- FATO: 12 in (30 cm) wide white dashed line or in-ground markers*.

• „White lines‟ may be outlined with a 6 in (15 cm) wide line of contrasting color.

• In-ground makers 1ft (30 cm) x 5 ft (1.5 m).

Note : Markings are placed inside the TLOF and FATO areas




Safety

Area

FATO

TLOF

DIMENSIONS

TLOF Size



PROTECTION ZONE

Heliport Design Workshop - HeliExpo 2008

General Aviation Heliport - Required

PPR – Optional

Hospital Heliport - Recommended

280 ft (85 m)

The heliport proponent should own or control the property containing the protection zone.

AC-2C




HOSPITAL HELIPORT AC-2B

REQUIREMENTS

HOSPITAL HELIPORTS

AC-2B Chapter 4

One (1) Flight Allowed.

Protection Zone not required.

GENERAL AVIATION

HELIPORTS

AC-2B Chapter 2 [GA Heliports]

Two (2) Flight paths

separation based on wind

direction or 135° or more

apart.

Protection Zone (280 ft/85 m)

required.

Chapter 4

Chapter 2

HOSPITAL HELIPORTS

WITH „FEDERAL FUNDS‟




TOTAL LENGTH

AC-2B / AC-2C

• TWO FLIGHT PATHS: RECOMMENDED FOR PRIVATE USE/PPR

AND HOSPITAL HELIPORTS, REQUIRED FOR GENERAL AVIATION

AND TRANSPORT HELIPORTS.

•PROTECTION ZONE: - PRIVATE USE/PPR OPTIONAL (NOT REQUIRED)

- HOSPITAL HELIPORTS RECOMMENDED

- 280 FT. GENERAL AVIATION

- 400 FT. TRANSPORT

TOTAL LENGTH (ASSUMING FLIGHT PATHS IN STRAIGHT LINE)

- FATO + 2 x SAFETY ZONE WIDTH + 2 x PROTECTION ZONE




APPROXIMATE

RELATIONSHIPS

•BASIC SIZE: FATO + 2 x SAFETY ZONE WIDTH

•FATO = 1.5 D [1.5 X OVERALL LENGTH (OL)]

• TAIL ROTOR SIZE: 1/6 TO 1/5 RD

• D = 1.16 RD TO 1.2 RD

• ASSUME „D‟ = 1.2 RD

THAN 1.5 D FATO = 1.8 RD and 1 RD = 0.83 D

• FATO + 2 x SAFETY ZONE* = 1.5D (1.8 RD) + 2 x 1/3 RD *

= 2.46 [2.5 RD Approx.]

= 2D (2OL) **

* Safety Zone of minimum value

** Same „size‟ as in Annex 14 Vol II for Performance Class 2 and 3 Heliports.




APPROX. TOTAL SIZE

•APPROX. TOTAL LENGTH OF HELIPORT

PRIVATE USE/PPR – 2D (2.4 RD)

HOSPITAL – 2D (2.4RD) … …+ 560 ft. if HPZ used

GENERAL AVIATION – 2D (2.5 RD) + 560 ft;

TRANSPORT - 2.5 RD + 800 ft [Minimum 1060 ft];

•APPROX. TOTAL WIDTH OF HELIPORT

PRIVATE USE/PPR - 2.5 RD

HOSPITAL – 2D (2.5 RD)

GENERAL AVIATION – 2D (2.5 RD)

TRANSPORT - 2D (2.5 RD) [Minimum 160 ft ]



MINIMUM HELIPORT

DIMENSIONS

PPR +

Hospital



LIGHTING




Remember ……. „standards‟ for the intensity

of perimeter lights are defined in new

Engineering Brief (EB) # 87 (Jan 2011)




Engineering Brief # 87




AC-2C 215. HELIPORT LIGHTING. For night operations, the heliport

must be lighted with FATO and/or TLOF perimeter lights as described below.

This means ‘FATO and TLOF perimeter lights’ or ‘TLOF perimeter light’s only.

AC -2B 210. HELIPORT LIGHTING. For night operations, the TLOF, the

FATO, taxiways, taxi routes, and the windsock need to be lighted, as described

within this paragraph.

LIGHTING

Significant Change – however floodlights can still be used: i.e.

215. c. Floodlights. If ambient light does not adequately illuminate markings for

night operations, floodlights should be used to illuminate the TLOF, the FATO,

and/or the parking area.

Industry/HAI proposed text change to: 215. HELIPORT LIGHTING. For

night operations, the heliport must should be lighted with FATO and/or TLOF

perimeter lights with FATO and/or TLOF perimeter lights, and/or floodlights, as

described below.

“Same requirements in Chapter 4”




AC-2B 210 c/ 410 c. Load-bearing FATO-Perimeter Lights. Green lights should define the

perimeter of the load bearing FATO.

AC-2C 215 b /413 b. Load-bearing FATO Perimeter FATO Lights. Green flush or raised

lights meeting the requirements of EB 87 may be used to define the perimeter of a load

bearing FATO. The FATO perimeter is not lighted if any portion of the FATO is not a

load-bearing surface.

Extract – AC-2B / AC-2C Table 2-1

“** ……. . The FATO should not be marked if (a) the FATO (or part of the

FATO) is a non-load bearing surface and (b) the TLOF is elevated above the

level of a surrounding load bearing area.”

FATO LIGHTS

The text is some what confusing: the FATO can be solid (i.e. technically load

bearing) but if the FATO is not designated as a „load bearing area‟ which could

be used by the helicopter, it is assumed to be „non-load bearing‟ and only TLOF

lights required: „raised TLOF lights‟ can be used! Still confusing in AC-2C!!



PERIMETER LIGHTING

• COLOR: “GREEN”.* [Previously Yellow in AC-2A]

• GROUND LEVEL - FATO OR TLOF

FATO – Raised or Flush **

TLOF – PPR and HOSPITAL : Flush or Raised depending on FATO load bearing characteristics.

TLOF – GA: Flush

– FLOODLIGHTS ALLOWED

• ELEVATED - FATO OR TLOF

*UNLESS NEAR AIRPORT RUNWAY LIGHTS WHEN YELLOW LIGHTS CAN STILL BE USED.

** Flush and Raised Lights are terms used in AC-2B and AC-2C: Flush lights are often referred to as „in-set‟ lights – new term „semi-flushed lights‟ used in EB # 87



PERIMETER LIGHTING

• COLOR: “GREEN”.* [Previously yellow in AC-2A]

• GROUND LEVEL - FATO OR TLOF

FATO – Raised or Flush **

TLOF – PPR and HOSPITAL : Flush or Raised depending on FATO load bearing characteristics.

TLOF – GA: Flush

– FLOODLIGHTS ALLOWED

• ELEVATED - FATO OR TLOF

*UNLESS NEAR AIRPORT RUNWAY LIGHTS WHEN YELLOW LIGHTS CAN STILL BE USED.

** Flush and Raised Lights are terms used in AC-2B Flush lights are often referred to as „in-set‟ lights




Requirements for both FATO and TLOF PRIVATE USE/PPR and HOSPITAL HELIPORTS Square or Rectangular 3 per side - one at each corner: 25 ft (7.6 m) max. interval. Circular Evenly spaced: at least 8 lights - 25 ft (7.6 m) max. interval

GENERAL AVIATION/GA HELIPORTS Square or Rectangular 4 per side - one at each corner: 25ft (7.6 m) max. interval. Circular Evenly spaced: at least 8 lights - 25 ft (7.6 m) max. interval Note: In case of TLOF 7.6 m is quoted as 8 m in 410 a. (Hospital Heliports)!

NUMBER OF LIGHTS



TLOF PERIMETER LIGHTS PPR and HOSPITAL –GROUND LEVEL

Flush or Raised depending on the FATO characteristics

If FATO „load bearing‟ – FLUSH TLOF perimeter lights

If FATO „non load bearing‟ (i.e. when only TLOF Load Bearing), **

TLOF perimeter lights can be:-

(i) Flush lights (Recommended in AC-2B and AC-2C)

or (ii) „Raised lights‟ limited to 2 in (5cm) penetration above TLOF

surface height



PERIMETER LIGHT LOCATION

FATO – Flush lights within 1 ft (30 cm) [inside or outside] of FATO edge or raised lights, no more than 8 in (20 cm) in height, located 10 fit (3 m) out from the FATO edge.

TLOF - Flush lights with 1 ft (30 cm) [inside or outside] of TLOF edge or raised lights (2 inch above the TLOF surface height) located:-

- PPR/Hospital Ground Level Heliports: outside the TLOF edge and within 10 ft (3m) out from the TLOF edge.

- PPR/Hospital Elevated Heliports: outside of the TLOF edge, inner edge ot outer egde of the safety net.



HELIPORT LIGHTING

• HELIPORT LIGHTING. For night operations, the TLOF, the FATO, taxiways, taxi routes, and the windsock need to be lighted, as described within this paragraph.

• a. Ground-level TLOF–Perimeter Lights. Flush green lights should define the TLOF perimeter.

• b. Elevated TLOF - Perimeter Lights. The TLOF perimeter should be lit with green lights

• c. Load-bearing FATO-Perimeter Lights. Green lights should define the perimeter of the load bearing FATO. ….



PERIMETER LIGHTING

GROUND LEVEL GA HELIPORTS

NOT TO SCALE

TLOF

AC-2B TLOF -Flush ONLY

FATO

FATO - Flush OR Raised

Perimeter Lights: TLOF and ‘load bearing FATO’

8 in (20 cm) **

10 ft (3 m)

** Height not defined relate to TLOF or FATO

surface! Issue being address by HAI with FAA



TLOF PERIMETER LIGHTING

PPR +HOSPITAL HELIPORTS

2 in (5 cm)

10 ft (3 m)

TLOF

FATO - Non-Load Bearing

NOT TO SCALE

TLOF - Flush OR Raised




„FATO Surface‟ (Grass)

Ground area sunken so that light

can be seen from distance.

Suggested angle (at least) ± 30°

TLOF

(Helipad)

„Light‟

Concrete Pad

(Sloped to aid

drainage)

TLOF PERIMETER LIGHTS





2 inches

TLOF (Helipad)

Concrete „pad‟ for mounting

light fixture – slope pad to

provide drainage

FATO surface

Slope „grass‟ (soil) away from TLOF

(helipad)

Decrease height of „grass‟

(soil) so full „light‟ area

can be seen from distance





Photo provided by Ray Syms, Raymond A.Syms & Associates Heliport Design Consultants



PERIMETER LIGHTS

ELEVATED HELIPORT

Note: AC-2C Par 215 b states the Par 215 a also applies to FATO if ‘Elevated FATO’ is load bearing with safety net.

Figure for TLOF




Square FATO and TLOF

Location of Lights

Preferred Flight Direction

Interpretation of AC-2B Para 210/410 by some, including

some within the FAA, is that, if FATO is load bearing, both

FATO and TLOF perimeter lights are required.





Location of Lights


Interpretation of AC-2B Para 210/410 by some, including

some in FAA, is that both FATO and TLOF perimeter lights are

required. Not correct: If FATO load bearing both can be used but Para 210/410 states “ the FATO, the TLOF ... need to be lighted” and Para 210/410 g states “Floodlights may be used to illuminate the TLOF, the FATO...” – hence both NOT required!!





Location of Lights






Location of Lights


OR





Location of Lights


Remember: It is assumed that there is adequate „ambient light‟ for

FATO and TLOF perimeter lines to be clearly visible.





Location of Lights


GA Heliport

Load Bearing FATO - Min number 4 *

TLOF – Ground Level – Min Number 4 *

TLOF – Elevated – Number/Separation not

stated: assume same as for Ground Level

PPR Heliport





-----------------

All cases: Max separation – 25 ft (7.6 m) [also

stated as 8 m]

* On square or rectangular heliports one (1) light is required

at each corner




GA Heliport





PPR Heliport





-----------------

All cases: Max separation – 25 ft (7.6 m) [also

stated as 8 m]

* On square or rectangular heliports one (1) light is required

at each corner Preferred Flight Direction


LAI Recommendation –

Use more than minimum

number …

… use at least 4 - ideally 5

“since 3 does not define a

„line‟ very well”




A minimum of four flush or raised light fixtures is

required per side of a square or rectangular FATO,

except at PPR facilities, for which the minimum

recommended number is three. A light is located at each

corner, with additional lights uniformly spaced between

the corner lights. It is recommended each side comprise

an odd number of lights, thereby including lights along

the centerline of the approach. To define a circular

FATO, an even number of lights, with a minimum of

eight, are uniformly spaced. The maximum spacing of

lights is 25 feet (7.6 m).

AC-2C 215 b Load-bearing FATO-Perimeter Lights.

FATO Perimeter Lights.




Circular FATO and TLOF

Location of Lights


To define a circular

TOLF (and FATO), an

even number of lights,

with a minimum of

eight, are uniformly

spaced.





Location of Lights


LAI Recommendation

Use more than minimum

number

...unless very small heliport




Lights on located on

“straight lines”

Circular FATO

Total 16 ~ 5 /side

Location of Lights


LAI Position: There is merit of mounting lights in ‘straight

lines’, since this provide better visual cues and

information to pilots on drift displacement, closure rate,

etc.

Note: This is also stated in Annex14 Volume II - Heliports




Lights on located on

“straight lines”

Circular FATO

Total 16 ~ 5 /side

Location of Lights


LAI Position: There is merit of mounting lights in ‘straight

lines’, since this provide better visual cues and

information to pilots on drift displacement, closure rate,

etc.

Note: This is also stated in Annex14 Volume II - Heliports

…. but currant wording limits FATO ‘flush perimeter light’ to with 1 ft (30 cm) of FATO perimeter or ‘raised perimeter lights’ at a

fixed distance of 10 ft (3 m) from FATO perimeter. HAI have asked FAA to clarify text in AC-2C update as it relates to this aspect






LOCATION OF LIGHTS

FATO Perimeter lights should

NOT be used if FATO is non-

load bearing. This will

normally be the case for PPR

ground level heliport's and

often the case for „ground level

hospital heliport‟ … it will also

normally be the case for

„elevated PPR and hospital

heliports‟





Location of Lights


No mention ‘of use of straight lines’ for TLOF if the TLOF is circular or if only TLOF has

perimeter lights Some disagreement in this

case: some say it is better to put the lights on the perimeter

of the TLOF – others support having lights on ‘straight lines’.

.





Location of Lights


FAA said they

would be looking

at this aspect!!

LAI supports the latter view - the edge(s) of the TLOF must be clearly marked and visible





Location of Lights


Raymond A, Syms & Associates, Inc

Use of flight path alignment

lights will provide some

additional visual cues






LOCATION OF LIGHTS

Some say two sets of lights are confusing and reduce visual cues and

information to pilots on drift displacement, closure

rate, etc.





LOCATION OF LIGHTS


Some say two sets of lights (ie FATO and TLOF) are

confusing and reduce visual cues and information to

pilots on drift displacement, closure rate, etc. … some say “particularly true if

minimum number of lights is used.”






LOCATION OF LIGHTS

Some say two sets of lights are confusing and reduce visual cues and

information to pilots on drift displacement, closure rate, etc.

LAI does NOT support this view: thus use FATO and/or

TLOF perimeter lights .. more lights per side .. and there is

advantages in using the perimeter of the FATO since the FATO size is ‘larger’ and it can

be seen from a greater distance.

[FATO is 1.8 times larger than TLOF]






LOCATION OF LIGHTS

Only „load bearing Perimeter

lights‟ addressed in AC-2B.

Implied that FATO Perimeter

lights should NOT be used if

FATO is non-load bearing.

[Load bearing FATO required

for GA Heliports.]





Location of Lights


For GA ‘circular heliports’ – difference of opinion …..

Some support the case that TLOF should have ‘perimeter lights in a circle’ since FATO lights provide necessary .





Location of Lights


Thus use FATO or TLOF

perimeter lights .. and more lights than min per side

The raised lights should be

located outside and within 10

foot (3m) of the edge of the

TLOF and should not

penetrate a horizontal plane

at the TLOF elevation by

more than 2 inches (5 cm).



OTHER LIGHTS

• HELIPORT INDENTIFICATION BEACON: AC-2C –Optional for General Aviation (including PPR) and Hospital Heliports . [Required for Transport Heliports]

• TAXIWAY LIGHTS: AC-2C - no real change from AC-2B but text revised/simplified.

• LANDING DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS – Optional but defined in AC-2B and AC-2C.



HELIPORT IDENTIFICATION

BEACON

Heliport Identification Beacon. A heliport identification beacon is optional equipment. It should be installed when it is needed to aid the pilot in visually locating the heliport. When installed, the beacon, flashing white/green/yellow at the rate of 30 to 45 flashes per minute, should be located on or close to the heliport. Guidance on heliport beacons is found in AC 150/5345-12, Specification for Airport and Heliport Beacon. There may be merit in making operation of the beacon controllable from the approaching helicopter to ensure that it is “on” only when required.

AC-2B Par 210 b – slightly revised wording in AC-2C



LANDING DIRECTION LIGHTS

15 ft (4.6 m)

Not less than

20 ft (6 m)

or more than

60 ft (18 m)

TLOF

FATO

15 ft (4.6 m)

15 ft (4.6 m)

15 ft (4.6 m)

Very useful/helpful at some locations – LAI recommends if space not available - consider reduced ‘separation distance’ down to 5 ft (1.5 m)



FLIGHT PATH ALIGNMENT MARKINGS (ARROWS) AND LIGHTS




FLIGHT PATH ALIGNMENT ARROWS AND LIGHTS




Raymond A, Syms & Associates, Inc






Siemens Airfield Solutions/ADB




Markings

(Arrows)

Only

FLIGHT PATH ALIGNMENT GUIDANCE

MARKING AND LIGHTING




Lights

Only






Markings

(Arrows)

and Lights

Lights






Note: ICAO HDWG Accepted US/FAA proposal and it will to be in (new) Tranche 2 ICAO Annex 14 Vol II

HAI supports the introduction of flight path alignment guidance marking and lighting.



Color of Arrows: “The markings must be in a color which provides good contrast

against the background color of the surface on which they are marked.




TURBULENCE

6ft (1,8 m) is considered by many to be an absolute minimum - in Tranche 2 of ICAO Annex 14 Vol II it will state “As a general rule, except for shallow

superstructures of three stories or less, a sufficient air-gap will be at-least 3m” (i.e. 10 ft).

FAA Technical Report FAA/RD-84/25, Evaluating Wind Flow Around Buildings on Heliport Placement addresses the wind‟s effect on helicopter operations.

AC-2C 204 /403 c. Turbulence. Air flowing around and over buildings, stands of trees, terrain irregularities, etc.

can create turbulence on ground-level and roof-top heliports that may affect helicopter operations. Where the FATO is

located near the edge and top of a building or structure, or within the influence of turbulent wakes from other

buildings or structures, the turbulence and airflow characteristics in the vicinity of, and across the surface of the

FATO should be assessed to determine if an air-gap between the roof, roof parapet or supporting structure,

and/or some other turbulence mitigating design measure is necessary. FAA Technical Report FAA/RD-84/25,

Evaluating Wind Flow Around Buildings on Heliport Placement addresses the wind‟s effect on helicopter operations.

The following actions may be taken in selecting a site to minimize the effects of turbulence.

(1) Ground-Level Heliports. Helicopter operations from sites immediately adjacent to buildings, trees, and other

large objects are subjected to air turbulence effects caused by such features. Therefore, locate the landing and

takeoff area away from such objects in order to minimize air turbulence in the vicinity of the FATO and the

approach/departure paths.

(2) Elevated Heliports. Establishing a 6 foot (1.8 m) or more air gap above the level of the roof will generally

minimize the turbulent effect of air flowing over the roof edge. If an air gap or some other turbulence mitigating

design measure is warranted but not practical, operational limitations may need to be considered under certain wind

conditions. If an air gap is included in the design it should be kept free at all times of significant objects that would

obstruct the airflow.




TLOF

High level of turbulence

over TLOF „Clean‟ air flow

over TLOF

NO Airgap

TLOF on top of building

Airgap

TLOF above top of building

ELEVATED HELIPORTS - TURBULENCE




End of this section ….

…… MORE TO COME


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