Heliport Planning and Design
ClassroomVirtual

Heliport Planning and Design

Language: English, French
Duration:
4 days
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About the course

The Heliport Planning and Design course delivers comprehensive training on international heliport standards and infrastructure design. Over five intensive days, participants gain practical and regulatory knowledge aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements. In particular, the course focuses on the direct application of ICAO Annex 14, Volume II and the ICAO Heliport Manual Doc 9261.

First, instructors explain the regulatory framework and its operational implications. Then, they guide participants through the planning and dimensioning of surface-level and elevated heliports. In addition, the course covers helidecks and shipboard heliports. As a result, participants understand how to apply standards in real-world projects. Moreover, the program connects infrastructure design with operational requirements from ICAO Annex 6 Part III and safety principles from ICAO Annex 19.

Throughout the training, participants analyze key components such as FATO, TLOF, safety areas, and taxiways. Furthermore, they evaluate obstacle limitation surfaces and declared distances. At the same time, instructors clarify how helicopter performance classes influence design decisions. Consequently, attendees develop a performance-based approach to heliport planning.

In addition, the course addresses visual aids, markings, and lighting systems for day and night operations. Subsequently, participants examine heliport emergency response planning and rescue and fire-fighting requirements. Finally, the program explores offshore helidecks and instrument heliports, including precision and non-precision approaches.

Overall, this course enhances technical competence and regulatory confidence. Therefore, aviation authorities, airport operators, engineers, and inspectors can design, assess, and manage heliport infrastructure in full compliance with international aviation standards.

Key Topics

Module 1 – Regulatory Framework & Certification
  • Overview of ICAO Annex 14, Volume II
  • Structure and application of ICAO Heliport Manual Doc 9261
  • Relationship with Annex 14 Volume I
  • Applicability and certification principles
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) under ICAO Annex 19
  • Heliport data and AIS requirements (Annex 15 / PANS-AIM)
  • Helicopter characteristics and performance classes
Module 2 – Physical Characteristics of Heliports
  • Surface-level vs. elevated (rooftop) heliports
  • Final Approach and Take-Off Area (FATO)
  • Touchdown and Lift-Off Area (TLOF)
  • Safety areas and separation criteria
  • Ground and air taxiways, taxi-routes
  • Aprons, stands, and declared distances
  • Load-bearing capacity considerations
Module 3 – Obstacle Environment & Performance Integration
  • Approach, transitional, and take-off climb surfaces
  • Curved approach and departure surfaces
  • Obstacle Free Sector (OFS) and limitation sectors
  • Standard vs. recommended configurations
  • Link between obstacle surfaces and performance classes
  • Operational considerations under ICAO Annex 6 Part III
Module 4 – Visual Aids, Markings & Lighting Systems
  • Heliport identification and mass/D-value markings
  • FATO and TLOF perimeter markings
  • Taxiway and stand markings
  • Wind direction indicators
  • Heliport beacon and approach lighting systems
  • Alignment guidance and slope indicator systems
  • Night operation lighting requirements
Module 5 – Heliport Services & Emergency Response
  • Heliport Emergency Response Planning
  • Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) requirements
  • Level of protection and response times
  • Extinguishing agents (surface-level & elevated)
  • Communication systems and personnel requirements
  • Means of escape and safety provisions
Module 6 – Offshore Helidecks & Instrument Heliports
  • Helideck FATO and TLOF dimensions
  • Structural and load-bearing requirements
  • Helideck markings and lighting
  • Fixed foam systems (Monitors, DIFFS, Ring-main systems)
  • Instrument heliport characteristics
  • Precision and non-precision approach requirements

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Interpret and apply ICAO heliport design standards.
  • Design and dimension heliport infrastructure elements (FATO, TLOF, taxiways).
  • Evaluate obstacle limitation surfaces and performance constraints.
  • Implement compliant visual aids and lighting systems.
  • Develop heliport emergency response and ARFF frameworks.
  • Apply mitigation measures in cases of non-compliance.

Targe Audience

  • Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) managers and inspectors
  • Aerodrome infrastructure and maintenance personnel
  • Airport managers and ground operations leaders
  • Civil engineers, architects and aviation contractors
  • ARFF officers and emergency coordinators
  • Aviation regulatory and compliance professionals

Certificate

Upon completion, participants receive
a certificate of achievement.

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