- (1) For the purposes of this chapter, the following
definitions, terms, words, and phrases shall have the meanings
given. These definitions are in addition to the definitions
found in the Code of Alabama 1975, 23-1-353.
a. Air Tour. Any sightseeing flight conducted under visual
flight rules in a helicopter for compensation or hire.
b. Air Tour Operator. Any person who conducts an air tour.
(c) Airway. A route in the navigable airspace over and
above the lands or waters of this state, designated by ALDOT, or
the United States Government, as a route suitable for air
navigation.
(d) Approach and Departure Path. An area of navigable
airspace defined by the rules and regulations of the Alabama
Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau that ensures safe
ingress and egress of a helicopter to and from a heliport.
(e) Bureau. The Aeronautics Bureau of the Alabama
Department of Transportation.
(f) Department. The Alabama Department of Transportation.
(g) FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration.
(h) CFR. Code of Federal Regulations.- (i) Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO). A defined area
over which the final phase of the approach to a hover, or
landing, is completed and from which the takeoff is initiated.
(j) Helicopter. Any aircraft now known, or hereafter
invented, used or designed for navigation of or flight in the
air, which derives its flight characteristics from blades that
rotate about an approximately vertical central axis.
(k) Heliport. An area of land or structure specifically
prepared for the landing or taking off of helicopters.
(l) Heliport Hazard. Any structure, object of natural
growth, or use of land which obstructs the airspace required for
the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at a heliport or
is otherwise hazardous to a landing or taking off.
(m) Helicopter Operations Area. That portion of heliport
property consisting of the landing area, parking pad, and
associated imaginary surfaces.
(n) Imaginary Surfaces, Heliports. The imaginary surfaces
associated with helicopter operation areas, and airspace
surrounding heliports that is used to identify obstructions to
helicopter navigation and operation.
(o) Inspector. An employee of the Aeronautics Bureau
charged with the physical inspection of landing areas within the
State and enforcement of all rules and regulations of ALDOT.
(p) Instrument Approach. An approach to a heliport using an
electronic aid providing directional guidance.- (q) Landing Area. Any site that has been specifically
prepared for the landing of helicopters or aircraft.
(r) License. Permit for operation of heliport or any other
designated landing area issued by the Alabama Department of
Transportation Aeronautics Bureau.
(s) NOTAM. Notice to Air Missions.
(t) Notice. Written or electronic communication between two
parties.
(u) Obstruction. Any penetration of the airport imaginary
surfaces described in the Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR Part
77.
(v) Person. A human being or organization with legal
rights and duties.
(w) Personal Use Heliport. A restricted heliport on private
property, designated for the use of the property owner and his or
her immediate family.
(x) Safety Area. A defined area on a heliport surrounding
the FATO, which is free of objects, other than those required for
air navigation purposes, and intended to reduce the risk of
damage to helicopters accidentally diverging from the FATO.
(y) Taxi Route. A defined path established for the ground
taxi of helicopters from one part of a heliport to another.- (t) (TLOF) Touchdown and Liftoff Area. A load bearing area
on which the helicopter lands or takes off.
Author: William F. Patty, Chief Counsel
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, 23-1-357(c).
History: New Rule: Published April 30, 2026; effective June 14, 2026.