The 4 - 1 - 8 on Heliport Design

A heliport is defined as, "an identifiable area...used or intended to be used for landing and takeoff of helicopters."   NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars  applies to all ground-level based aviation structures and facilities. Aviation facilities not at ground-level, meeting the definition of a heliport, must comply with the provisions of NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports.

"Heliport Monaco" by Neil Howard

NFPA 418 addresses the following heliport design and safety considerations:

• Rooftop landing facilities
• Rooftop hangars
• Offshore heliports
• Water supply
• Emergency operations

Chapter 4 of this standard identifies the basic requirements for these facilities.  When reviewing plans for heliport facilities, the plans must meet the requirements of NFPA 418. Additionally, the facility must be designed in accordance with FAA A/C 150/5390-2B (this advisory circular has been updated to 150/5390-2C), Heliport Design Advisory Circular.   As a consultant, or design professional, these documents should be utilized together to create a complete fire protection, life safety, and code compliance strategy.  As a fire plans reviewer, the primary concern is NFPA 418 compliance. The local fire official should place the responsibility for FAA compliance on the structure's owner/engineer and can require an FAA special expert to ensure the proper design criteria is met.

In addition to meeting the requirements of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, tanks should be located per the requirements of NFPA 418. Flammable liquid, compressed gas, fuel storage, and liquefied gas storage tanks are not permitted to be installed within 50' of the FATO (final approach and takeoff area).  The required dimensions and space for the FATO are defined in FAA A/C 150/5390-2C.

Access for emergency response must be accessible, no fence or barrier that could prevent access is allowed to be installed.  A minimum of 2 access points to the landing pad are to be provided for fire department access.

All fueling systems are required to be installed in accordance with NFPA 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing.  Fuel equipment cannot interfere with the FATO and safety obstruction clearances required by the FAA Advisory Circular. Additionally, the fueling equipment cannot be installed within 25' of a hangar or fixed fire protection equipment, or obstruct egress or emergency access points.

For emergency egress from the landing pad, two ways are to be provided.  These two means of egress are to be remotely located from each other and on different sides of the pad. A proper egress configuration is shown below:

image source: NFPA 418:A.4.8.1(b)

This is a brief outline of the basic protection requirements for heliport design.  Individual configurations are addressed by the NFPA 418 standard.  Each configuration will have additional requirements to be reviewed.

How to Write an Airport Emergency Plan

The FAA requires airports to develop and maintain emergency plans. Clear guidance is provided within  Advisory Circular 150/5200-31C as to how to plan for this. This is the guiding document or airports.  However, in conjunction with this Fire Departments and communities should utilize NFPA 424, Guide for Airport/Community Emergency Planning.  

"We've got a problem down here..." by [AndreasS]

As airport emergency planning covers a wide range of planning, preparedness, and response considerations, this post will serve as a resource guide and brief overview of the airport emergency plan (AEP).

The following resources answer these questions, “Why does my airport need an emergency plan? Where does it state that this is required? How can I create this? What must it contain?”

• 14 CFR 139.325 - sets the requirement that an AEP must be place. It also lays out what items must be included, and what types of emergencies must be planned for. This provides the basic framework.
• FAA AC 150/5200-31C, Airport Emergency Plan - provides all the details necessary to meet the requirements stated in 14 CFR 139.325.
• NFPA 424, Guide for Airport/Community Emergency Planning - gives guidance and direction on aircraft/airport emergency incidents and planning considerations, for local fire officials and community leaders.  For a complete and effective plan this should be utilized in conjunction with the aforementioned FAA Advisory Circular.

Within these documents you have a complete “toolkit” to creating an effective and compliant AEP. To start your AEP creation process, you must first develop your “Table of Contents” - what items must be in the plan?

At a minimum your AEP must include the following sections:

1. Basic Plan
2. Functional Annexes
3. Hazard Specific Sections
4. Procedures and Checklists

The Basic Plan should include an overview of the AEP, what is covered, a general overview of the airport operations, and statements of authority and responsibility.

Functional Annexes outline the specific roles and responsibilities for each airport department, community resources, and emergency responders.  This section of the AEP will also state the necessary resources, and what group is responsible for what part of the the emergency incident.

Aircraft accidents, bomb incidents, structural fires, natural disasters, hazardous materials releases, sabotage, power failures, and water rescue should each have their own “stand alone” operational guidance. These, and any other potential incidents, are to be included in the Hazard Specific Sections of the AEP.

In times of emergency it is easy to become overwhelmed by the many components that must work together to affect a positive outcome.  Standard Operating Procedures and Checklists ensure that nothing is overlooked, all issues are addressed, and all agencies and individuals fulfill their responsibilities and assigned tasks.

Each of the documents mentioned include multiple checklists and annexes for direction through this process. The AEP, properly established, will give you clarity on what actions to take before, during, and after an incident.  

For guidance on maintaining operations and essential functions, and getting back to full operational capacity the information in NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, should be consulted.

If you have questions or would like further guidance and assistance with your emergency or business continuity planning feel free to contact me at, thecodecoach@gmail.com.