Table of contents:
Table of contents:
Intro ∙ Why Proper Design Matters ∙ Requirements & Regulations ∙ Construction Process ∙ Rooftop Helipads ∙ FAQs ∙ Why Choose FEC
Everything You Should Know Before Building a Helipad
A helipad is far more than just a flat surface for helicopters to land. It’s a carefully engineered structure designed with safety, durability, and regulatory compliance in mind. Whether you’re considering a ground-level helicopter landing pad, a rooftop helipad or any of our other solutions, understanding the fundamentals of helipad construction, design, and regulatory standards is essential.
Whether you’re a hospital administrator, architect, property owner, general contractor, or just curious about how helicopters land safely, this guide will walk you through the basics. This guide covers everything you need to know about helipads—from their purpose and requirements to the step-by-step construction process—giving you the confidence to plan your next helicopter landing site with FEC Heliports, America’s trusted helipad expert.
What Is a Helipad?
A helipad is a designated area where helicopters can safely take off and land. Unlike a heliport (which often includes additional infrastructure such as fueling stations, maintenance facilities, and passenger terminals) a helipad is typically a single landing surface.
Helipads vary greatly in size and complexity. They can be as simple as a concrete slab on private property or as complex as a fully engineered rooftop helipad on a hospital or commercial building. Regardless of scale, all helipads should be designed to meet or exceed FAA guidelines to ensure pilot and passenger safety.
Why Proper Helipad Design Matters
The design of a helipad is critical because it affects everything from the safety of helicopter operations to the longevity of the landing surface. When we talk about helipad design, FEC is considering:
Size and Shape
The size and shape of your helipad aren’t one-size-fits-all—they depend on the type of helicopter, how often it will land, and where the pad is located. The landing surface must be large enough to handle the rotor diameter of the helicopter, with extra clearance on all sides for safety.
This clearance ensures the helicopter’s blades don’t get too close to nearby structures, trees, fences, or other potential hazards. FAA guidelines help define this buffer zone, especially for rooftops or tight spaces. Learn more about helipad sizing here.
Load-Bearing Capacity
A helipad needs more than just a strong surface—it needs one built to carry serious weight. Between the helicopter itself, onboard passengers, cargo, and fuel, the landing area must be engineered to handle heavy, dynamic loads without shifting, cracking, or wearing down over time. For rooftop helipads, this also means accounting for how the weight transfers through the building structure.
Surface Material
The material you choose for your helipad plays a big role in its safety, durability, and performance. It needs to hold up against the elements, resist corrosion, and provide grip for both pilots and equipment—even in rain, snow, or high winds.
Markings and Lighting
Standardized visual aids (such as the letter “H,” perimeter lines, and approach lighting) help pilots identify the pad and land safely, especially at night or in poor visibility. At FEC, our engineering teams incorporate these elements in every project, ensuring our helipads always exceed industry standards.
Understanding Helipad Requirements and FAA Guidelines Regulations
Meeting helipad requirements means complying with local building codes, aviation regulations, and international safety standards. In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes specific FAA helipad Advisory Circulars designed to ensure the safety of helicopter operations. Ensuring full compliance with both local and international criteria is essential to operating a safe and legally approved landing site. These guidelines typically cover:
Clear Approach Paths
No obstacles such as trees, towers, or power lines should impede the helicopter’s approach or departure routes.
Safety Zones
Buffer areas around the pad to prevent injury or damage in case of an accident.
Structural Standards
Engineering requirements to withstand the helicopter’s weight and forces during landing and takeoff.
Lighting and Markings
Compliance with FAA helipad requirements ensures visibility and operational safety in all types of conditions.
Navigating these recommendations can be complex, which is why partnering with experts like FEC Heliports ensures your helipad will be fully compliant, safe, and functional.
The Process of Helipad Construction
Building a helipad goes far beyond laying down concrete—it’s a multi-step process requiring expert planning and execution. Here’s how a professional helipad construction project typically unfolds:
1) Site Evaluation and Planning
Every successful helipad starts with a thorough site evaluation. This includes assessing the terrain, soil stability, environmental factors, and proximity to obstacles. The evaluation also considers operational needs such as frequency of use and types of helicopters expected.
2) Design and Engineering
Once the site is confirmed, our engineers at FEC begin the helipad design process, which includes detailed structural plans, material selection, support equipment options and adherence to FAA guidelines and local regulations.
3) Permitting and Approvals
Before construction begins, securing the necessary permits is critical. This involves submitting plans to aviation authorities, local municipalities, and other regulatory bodies. FEC’s in-house team includes assistance with FAA filing as part of their design and planning services.
4) Construction
With permits in place, construction begins. Using high-grade materials and experienced crews, the helipad’s foundation and surface are built to exact specifications. This phase also includes installing lighting, markings, safety netting, and any additional features.
5) Final Inspection
After construction, the helipad may be subject to local inspections and permitting. FEC’s submittal to the FAA will typically include a visit from an FAA representative to ensure clear airspace has been achieved in the design and construction phase. They will then issue an airspace determination letter for the owner to keep on file, and the helipad will be entered into the national database utilized by pilots.
Rooftop Helipads: Unique Challenges and Expert Solutions
Constructing a rooftop helipad comes with its own unique set of challenges compared to ground-level pads. Roof load capacity, vibration control, noise mitigation, and integration with existing building systems must all be carefully managed.
At FEC, our engineers specialize in rooftop helipad solutions that ensure:
- The building structure can safely support the helicopter’s weight and dynamic forces
- Vibration and noise are minimized to protect occupants and equipment inside the building
- The guidelines set forth in the FAA Advisory circular 150/5390-2D are met
Our custom rooftop helipads are engineered for maximum safety and operational efficiency without compromising the building’s structural integrity or aesthetics.
FAQs about Helipad Basics
What materials are typically used in helipad construction?
Helipad construction materials must be durable, weather-resistant, and capable of supporting dynamic loads. Common materials include reinforced concrete, aluminum decking systems, and non-slip surface coatings.
Do you need FAA approval to build a helipad?
Yes, in most cases, FAA notification is required—especially for rooftop helipads, commercial installations, or facilities near flight paths. The FAA helipad Advisory Circular provides guidelines on approach and departure clearances, safety zones, and lighting and marking standards.
What are the basic requirements to build a helipad?
Basic helipad requirements include adequate size to accommodate the helicopter, a strong load-bearing surface, clear approach and departure paths, and proper lighting and markings as per the FAA Advisory Circular. Materials used must also be durable and weather-resistant to ensure safety.
Can a rooftop helipad be constructed on any building?
Not all buildings are suitable for a rooftop helipad, depending on the material utilized for the helipad and the amount of clear airspace available for operations. Structural integrity must be assessed to ensure the roof can support the weight and vibration of helicopter operations. Additionally, compliance with local zoning laws and the FAA Advisory Circular is necessary before construction. Our Aluminum Solutions have been a viable option structurally for every building ever proposed by our customers.
Can I build a private helipad on my property?
Yes, it is possible to build a private helipad, but it requires careful site evaluation, permitting, and compliance with local zoning laws, and should meet FAA helipad safety guidelines. FEC Heliports works with private landowners to design and construct safe, legal, and fully functional helicopter landing pads tailored to their property and use case.
How long does helipad construction typically take?
The timeline for helipad construction varies depending on complexity and permitting. Design development, local permitting, FAA submittals, material procurement and installation schedules can result in timelines from a couple of months to a couple of years. As your turnkey partner, FEC works with our customers to develop and maintain schedules and timelines that work within your overall project parameters.
Why Choose FEC for Your Helipad Project?
FEC Heliports stands out as an industry leader by combining American-made craftsmanship with deep expertise in helipad construction and FAA helipad safety guidelines. Every helipad is designed and built in-house at our U.S. facilities, ensuring strict quality control and personalized solutions—whether it’s a ground-level helipad, an elevated helipad, a rooftop helipad, or a portable helipad system.
Our turnkey approach covers everything from the initial design to the manufacturing and installation with our in-house crew, delivering safe, durable, and fully compliant helipads tailored to each project’s needs. This commitment to quality and safety has made FEC a trusted partner for hospitals, commercial developers, private landowners, and government agencies alike.
Ready to start your helipad project? Contact FEC today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with quality and confidence.