Table of contents:
Table of contents:
About Helipads ∙ About Heliports ∙ Helipads vs. Heliports ∙ Key Considerations ∙ Real-World Applications ∙ Looking Forward ∙ FAQs ∙ Get Started
Designing for Helicopters: Helipad vs. Heliport Explained
In aviation infrastructure, clarity is critical. When designing or upgrading a landing site for helicopters, the distinction between a helipad and a heliport is more than just semantics. It impacts everything from permitting and planning to compliance and long-term maintenance.
At FEC Heliports, potential clients come to us asking: “Do I need a helipad, a heliport, or both?” It’s a smart question, and the answer depends on your use case, site conditions, and regulatory environment. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can move forward with confidence.
First, let’s talk helipads
A helipad is the actual landing surface used by helicopters for vertical takeoff and landing. It may be installed on a hospital rooftop, an industrial site, a floating platform, or a private estate. Whether fixed or portable, ground-level or elevated, the helipad is where operations begin and end.
Helipads typically include:
- Surface markings (like the touchdown and lift-off area, or “TLOF”)
- Perimeter lighting or floodlighting
- Non-slip surface treatments
- Load-tested structural systems (especially for rooftops)
What helipads do not include are refueling stations, hangars, or terminal buildings. They are purpose-built for efficient, compliant landings—not for extended operations or maintenance.
At FEC Heliports, we design helipads with modular aluminum structures, engineered to meet FAA and ICAO standards while keeping installation simple and scalable.
Learn more about helipad fundamentals.
Now, let’s talk heliports
A heliport is a more comprehensive aviation facility that includes at least one helipad, but also offers additional infrastructure to support full helicopter operations. This might include:
- Fueling systems
- Hangars or storage facilities
- Maintenance equipment
- Passenger terminals or lounges
- Air traffic coordination
Heliports are typically found at commercial centers, offshore rigs, regional medical facilities, and government installations. They support frequent or scheduled traffic and must meet stricter regulatory oversight. Think of it like this: a helipad is a front door and the heliport is the whole building.
Helipad vs. Heliport: Key Differences
To help clarify the differences between helipads and heliports, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key features, typical uses, regulatory requirements, and design considerations:
Feature | Helipad | Heliport |
|---|---|---|
Landing Surface | Yes | Yes |
Support Infrastructure | None or Minimal | Full Services (fuel, terminals, hangars, etc.) |
Typical Use | Hospitals, private sites, temporary or emergency setups | Commercial transport, urban air mobility, ongoing operations |
FAA Standards | Recommended, but more flexible depending on use | Strict compliance with FAA/ICAO guidelines |
Construction Scope | Compact, modular | Larger footprint, multi-function |
Cost & Complexity | Lower | Higher |
Helicopter Landing Engineering, Safety & Compliance
Safety is at the core of any aviation project, and both helipads and heliports must meet design and engineering benchmarks to ensure safe takeoff and landing.
Key considerations include:
- Load-bearing calculations (especially for rooftop systems)
- Lighting and visibility (including perimeter lighting, approach lights, and identification beacons)
- Wind and weather tolerance
- Obstacle-free approach and departure paths
- Drainage and surface durability for varying conditions
- Fire suppression and emergency access
At FEC Heliports, we engineer every system with modular flexibility and compliance in mind, whether it’s a single-pad private installation or a larger-scale commercial operation.
Real-World Applications For Helipads & Heliports
Knowing which solution fits your needs depends on your site and operational goals. Here are a few real-world use cases:
Hospital Helipad:
A hospital helipad is typically a rooftop aluminum system equipped with integrated lighting and fire suppression. It is used exclusively for emergency medical transport and does not include fueling or maintenance facilities. Its primary function is to provide a safe and reliable landing area.
Corporate Heliport:
A corporate heliport is a ground-level facility that features multiple landing pads, a passenger lounge, a fueling station, and a secure hangar for fleet storage. It supports frequent business travel as well as scheduled charter operations.
Offshore Platform:
An offshore platform helipad is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It utilizes anti-corrosion materials, has a compact design, and includes precision perimeter lighting to ensure safe landings in even the most demanding environments.
Each scenario comes with different design needs, and we work closely with clients to customize solutions that align with FAA/ICAO guidance and their long-term operational plans.
The Future of Aviation: Urban Air Mobility
As aviation continues to evolve, so do the terms and technologies surrounding it. One of the fastest-growing concepts in aerospace is Urban Air Mobility (UAM)—a system of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles providing fast, low-noise transport within and around cities.
These aircraft will rely on infrastructure similar to heliports but tailored to electric operations. Think vertiports with charging stations, passenger handling, and advanced airspace management.
What does this mean for helipads and heliports?
Many existing heliports could serve as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) launch hubs, but rooftop helipads may require retrofitting with electrical systems, and site designs must adapt to support quick turnaround and low-emission vehicles.
FEC Heliports is actively working with partners to explore modular systems that scale with this future-facing technology. If you’re thinking about tomorrow’s infrastructure today, we’re ready to help.
FAQs
What’s the key difference between a helipad and a heliport?
A helipad is only the landing area itself, while a heliport includes supporting infrastructure like fuel, terminals, or maintenance.
Can I install a helipad on my building?
Possibly—but it depends on your location, building type, and zoning restrictions. If you need help answering this question, feel free to reach out to our helipad experts. We help our clients assess feasibility and walk through design code compliance.
Are heliports regulated differently than helipads?
Yes. Heliports are subject to more comprehensive FAA and ICAO regulations, especially when open to the public or used commercially.
What does a basic helipad require?
At minimum a helipad requires a non-slip surface, safety markings, perimeter lighting, and appropriate load capacity. Additional features depend on use and location.
Is urban air mobility just a trend, or is it real?
It’s real, and coming fast! As electric aircraft development progresses, heliport infrastructure will evolve to support this next wave of aviation. For companies planning heliports and helipads today, this means considering flexible, scalable designs that can adapt to emerging technologies and future operational demands.
Future-Ready Helipad and Heliport Systems Start Here
Whether you’re planning a rooftop helipad or exploring a multi-pad heliport, precision matters. At FEC Heliports, we combine U.S.-based engineering with proven aviation standards to deliver trusted solutions worldwide.
Our modular helipad systems are designed for performance, longevity, and compliance, backed by decades of experience in complex environments. From initial planning to final installation, we’re your partner in safe, efficient vertical flight infrastructure.
Ready to take the next step in building safe, compliant, and future-ready helicopter landing facilities? Contact us today to explore our solutions.