helideck

A helideck is a designated landing and takeoff area for helicopters located on ships, offshore platforms, or other structures. It serves to transfer personnel, equipment, and supplies between the supporting facility and helicopters.

Helidecks are engineered to support loads of typical helicopters plus safety margins, with a rigid, non-slip deck surface, edge protection, and tie-down points for securing aircraft. Facilities commonly include access stairs, guard rails, firefighting equipment, and weather-resistant markings and lighting. The deck must have sufficient clearance around the touchdown point to accommodate rotor wash and debris risk. Night operations require adequate lighting and obstruction lighting.

Landing operations depend on weather, sea state, wind limits, and pilot visibility. Procedures address pre-flight checks, securing loose items, foreign-object damage prevention, and emergency rescue. Regular inspections, corrosion protection, and maintenance are required to ensure ongoing structural integrity and safety.

Helidecks are subject to national aviation authority regulations and applicable international and industry standards. These standards cover dimensional requirements, load ratings, firefighting and safety equipment, navigation and communication aids, marking and lighting, and routine certification and auditing.

Offshore oil and gas platforms are a common setting for helidecks, as are ships and facilities such as hospitals with rooftop helipads and land-based heliports. They facilitate rapid personnel transfer, standby medical evacuation, and remote cargo delivery, making them integral to operations in remote or offshore environments.