Ground

Innovative Ground Helipad Solutions

Ground helipads are the most common types of helipads, but they also require significant real estate. If a rooftop helipad is not an option, our ground solutions may provide an opportunity to reclaim lost real estate. We also offer solutions to make use of uneven terrain or build over existing infrastructure.
Ground helipads have historically been built with a concrete landing surface, but that surface will inevitably require maintenance as the concrete will deteriorate over time. FEC Heliports has designed our own low-maintenance and easy to install aluminum solution that will never deteriorate. Our HELOMAT is specifically designed for new ground helipad installations or retrofitting an existing, or even crumbling, concrete surface by placing it right on top. It’s also compatible with our state-of-the-art snowmelt equipment; no need to tear up the surface to repair a failed snow melting system. And, as an added bonus, it’s portable.
Whether you choose concrete or aluminum, we can help make sure your existing or planned helipad meets FAA criteria. We can also recommend and install the necessary lighting, fire suppression, and paint markings to ensure a safe landing area.

Solution Types

Free-Standing / Tabletop

Buy back the most real estate. Next best option after rooftop when real estate is at a premium.

A free-standing, or tabletop, helipad offers the same advantages as the berm solution, but offers even more benefits by taking up even less room. This normally consists of a steel structure supporting an aluminum helideck. Because the sides are vertical rather than sloped and the landing surface is raised even higher, usable space is created closer to and even underneath the helipad. This solution is versatile, but is especially useful for parking lots.

Cantilever

Buy back real estate and/or make use of uneven terrain.

Cantilevering a helipad over the side of a hill is a more expensive option but is sometimes the only answer when real estate is scarce and the rooftop is not an option. This option is typically executed with ramp access at helipad level, a retaining wall or a steel structure supporting the helipad out over the hill, and safety netting for fall protection.

Berm

Buy back real estate otherwise lost with at-grade solutions.

Elevating a helipad on a berm is a strategy of buying back some of the real estate lost with an at-grade helipad. When properly designed, the berm is an inexpensive option that raises the landing surface, which raises the basis for the obstruction-clearance surfaces, and therefore allows the area closer to the helipad to be reclaimed. This option is typically executed with a concrete ramp descending from the landing pad to grade and aesthetic landscaping or hardscaping. Berm helipads are a great solution in and around parking lots where parkings spaces are at a premium.

At-Grade

Inexpensive but obstruction-clearance requires significant real estate.

An at-grade helistop requires that significant space surrounding it be maintained clear of vehicles, signs, power poles, light standards, etc. within defined obstruction-clearance boundaries. In general, the requirements consume a lot of real estate that is then not available for other uses. For this reason, especially at hospitals without excess parking capacity or vacant ground, at-grade heliports may be a challenge. The flight path must also be taken into great consideration.

Helomat

For retrofitting an existing concrete surface and new ground installations

FEC Heliports’ HELOMAT aluminum surface is a robust alternative to traditional concrete helipads, tailored for ground or retrofit applications. Made from 6000 Series aluminum, these 1″ tall x 1′ wide extruded panels interlock seamlessly, providing a sturdy, low-maintenance surface that surpasses the durability of concrete. For new ground helipads preparation is as simple as the same compacted aggregate base that you would use for a concrete pad. For retrofitting an existing concrete surface, we place it right on top.

Helislat

For new rooftop installations on an existing or planned facility.

Our aluminum rooftop system was designed from experience for any rooftop application. Whether designing a helipad for an existing facility or for a new building, our HELISLAT aluminum rooftop system is your best solution. It offers the strength of concrete while remaining lightweight, typically eliminating the need for structural reinforcements. This allows for minimal interruptions to daily operations during installation. HELISLAT can be installed on any building or parking deck, even in challenging locations, maximizing parking space and broadening the options for establishing a safe helipad.