A heliport is a dedicated airfield for helicopters, with helipads, hangars, and service stations. It is usually located near a conventional airport and may include car rental agents, flight schools, and even a restaurant. Rural heliports may be used for agricultural spraying or by law enforcement and search and rescue teams.
A heliport is a type of airfield dedicated to the exclusive use of helicopters. Consisting of many helipads and hangers used to protect helicopters from the elements, helicopters can avoid the confined and crowded airspace typically associated with a typical airport. Due to a helicopter’s ability to take off and land without the requirements of a long runway, a heliport can be located on a much smaller piece of land.
The typical heliport contains several heliports. Heliports are smooth, flat areas dedicated to the landing and takeoff of helicopters. The heliport consists of a control tower in most cases, a radio station, as well as identification and emergency lighting. The heliport is also home to service stations and repair facilities for the helicopters that use it.
The heliport is usually in an area close to a conventional airport, but is usually in a less used area. The relationship with the airport is critical to the heliport in order to properly receive and transfer people and supplies from one type of aircraft to another, such as from an airplane to a helicopter.
Many helipad locations also include car rental agents, as well as private limo stables to serve customers. Several of the more recent heliport designs also include a dedicated restaurant to accommodate couples who want to use a helicopter tour of the particular city in which it is located. Often in larger metropolitan areas, a small jail or lockup facility is also located on the grounds to house inmates who will be transferred to other districts or states.
Many heliports are also home to various flight schools and repair colleges. Those who want to learn how to fly a helicopter or repair one can take courses at these schools. Area universities also lease space at heliports where courses on helicopter and heliport flying, maintenance and operation are taught. The students were exposed to real operations in these schools.
Rural heliports often house helicopters used to spray agricultural fields where a standard spray plane may not be able to operate. County sheriff’s police as well as search and rescue teams may also place helicopters at one of these locations. Some of the rural locations also have ground crew scheduled throughout the day to prepare a helicopter for flight in an emergency and even have quarters for pilots to relax during the shift.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
