Benefits and Applications of Portable Helipads for Emergency Services

An Introduction to Portable Helipads

Helipads allow helicopters to land and take off safely. While permanent helipads made of concrete are common, portable helipads provide flexibility in allowing helicopters to land in remote areas or in places where a permanent helipad isn't feasible. Portable helipads can be transported to disaster sites or other locations in need of helicopter access.

Benefits of Portable Helipads

There are several key benefits that portable helipads provide over fixed helipads made of concrete or asphalt:

• They can be transported to and set up in remote locations in a short period of time
• They allow helicopter access in locations where constructing a permanent helipad would be impractical
• They can be reused multiple times and transported to different sites
• They are generally more affordable than poured concrete helipads

Helipad Surface Materials

There are a few common surface materials used to construct portable helipads:

• Aluminum: Aluminum platforms provide a flat, stable surface for helicopters to land. Aluminum helipads are durable but still relatively lightweight for transport.
• Composite Fiber: Some portable helipads are constructed from composite materials like fiberglass that provide strength while limiting weight.
• Interlocking Plastic: Some portable landing pads are made of interlocking polypropylene plastic tiles. These tiles connect together to form a firm surface.

Design Considerations for Portable Helipads

When selecting and setting up a portable helipad, there are some important design factors to consider:

Size Requirements

Helipads need to provide adequate room for different helicopter types to safely land and takeoff. Large helicopters like Sikorsky S-61s require a wider helipad than small helicopters. The FAA recommends portable helipads be at least 2.5 times the overall length of the longest helicopter type expected to use it.

Weight Bearing Capacity

Portable helipad ground pressure loads can range from 55 PSF for light helicopters up to approximately 100 PSF for medium and heavy helicopters. The helipad materials must be able to handle these static loads without sinking or deforming.

Anchoring and Securing

Portable helipads should be firmly anchored once positioned for use. Detachable anchors with stakes are common to secure helipads and prevent them shifting.

Markings and Lighting

Helipads also need clear perimeter markings and lighting so they can be used safely in daytime or nighttime conditions.

Common Providers of Portable Helipads

There are a several major companies manufacturing portable helipads globally:

Heliplat

Heliplat is a UK-based manufacturer of portable helipads made from aluminum or composite materials. They offer helipads that can be interconnected like puzzle pieces to form larger platforms.

Reid Lifting

Reid Lifting offers the BIGFOOT helipad system, which uses interlocking polypropylene tiles to create landing surfaces for helicopters. The plastic tiles are also non-conductive.

Alulite

Alulite from New Zealand manufactures portable aluminum helidecks called AliDecks that are used globally. Their systems come with all the deck securing equipment needed for rapid setup.

Case Study: Deploying a Portable Helipad for Emergency Response

When major storms, floods or other disasters occur, quickly deploying a helipad can accelerate emergency response efforts. Portable helipads can be transported by truck or aircraft and placed strategically to allow access for helicopters.

Helipad Positioning

Identifying safe level ground areas for helipad installation is key. Geographic information system (GIS) data can identify candidate sites located nearby impacted areas that meet space requirements.

Surface Preparation

Preparing surfaces may involve clearing brush or debris and grading surfaces. Anchoring spikes can secure helipads in grass or dirt areas.

Refueling Capability

It is beneficial to locate portable helipads near fuel stations to support sustained helicopter operations. This avoids the need for helicopters to leave the site for refueling as frequently.

Rapid deployment of portable helipads leverages the speed and accessibility advantages helicopters provide for responding to disasters or remote access needs. When air access is essential, portable helipads enable safe helicopter landings in a wide range of locations.

FAQs

What are the key benefits of portable helipads compared to permanent concrete helipads?

Portable helipads provide flexibility to set up temporary air access as needed. They are reusable, transportable to remote sites, quicker to deploy, and more affordable than poured concrete helipads.

What kind of helicopters can use portable helipads?

Portable helipads are designed to handle light to medium helicopters including Bell 206s, Airbus H125s, and similar sized helicopters. The weight bearing capacity ranges from 55 PSF to 100 PSF.

How are portable helipads anchored securely?

Helipads come equipped with detachable anchoring systems to prevent movement during takeoffs and landings. This includes ground stakes and spike systems to secure platforms to grass or soil.

Can portable helipads be used at night?

Yes, portable helidecks come equipped with built-in lighting systems or lighting can be added once positioned. This allows round-the-clock access as needed in emergency situations.