Helipads vs. heliports: Uses and differences – The Peninsula

Helipads vs. heliports: Uses and differences – The Peninsula

Have you ever flown a helicopter? The experience is remarkably different from that of an airplane voyage. For one, it is much more rapid and, in a way, personal. This is why helicopters are used for a variety of purposes, including leisure, but also emergency use for medical and security purposes, private transport and military use.

As you can imagine, all of these tasks require rapid displacement, something that the helicopters are specialized in. But in order for that to happen, takeoff and landing of the craft – the two most important parts of the flight – must be performed smoothly. Contrary to the planes, helicopters take off without a runway maneuver, in a much more instantaneous manner. In order to do this, these crafts require helipads.

You may already have seen them as your carrier helicopter was approaching the ground.

Helipads function in a similar manner as runways, one adapted for helicopters. They are spaces specifically designated for landings of this type of aircrafts, ensuring that the latter not intervene with the passersby or other vehicles and vessels in the vicinity.

They constitute a safe zone, made of specific markings, with a letter ‘H’, that act as a visual guide for the pilots.