1.APPROACH AND DEPARTURE PATH

All heliports are required to maintain at least one (1) approach and departure path, free of obstructions, for the safe operation of aircraft during landings and take offs.

1. a. The Approach and Departure Path begins at the edge of the FATO and expands to a width of 125 feet at a distance of 400 feet beyond. The approach and departure path slopes up a rate of one (1) foot in vertical rise for every eight (8) feet in horizontal distance (8:1 ratio). Approach and Departure Paths may be straight or curved. Curved Approach and Departure Paths should comply with standards of the most recent publication of the FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design.
2. (2) TLOF
3. (a) Public Use – Meet requirements of the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design.
4. (b) Private Use – Minimum of 30 feet in regard to its least dimension, i.e., length, width, or diameter for all Private-Use heliports constructed after March 6, 2026.
5. (c) Hospital - Minimum of 30 feet in regard to its least dimension, i.e., length, width, or diameter for all Hospital heliports constructed after March 6, 2026.
6. (d) Special Event –Dimensions shall be as approved by the Bureau.
   
   (3) FATO
7. (a) Public Use – – Meet requirements of the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design.
8. (b) Private Use – Not less than 14 foot width shall surround the TLOF.
9. (c) Hospital - Not less than 14 foot width shall surround the TLOF.
10. (d) Special Event - The FATO shall be as approved by the Bureau.
11. (4) HELIPORT SAFETY AREA
12. (a) Public Use – Meet requirements of the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular
    150/5390-2, Heliport Design.
13. (b) Private Use –Not less than 10 feet shall surround the
    FATO.
14. (c) Hospital –Not less than 10 feet shall surround the FATO.
15. (d) Special Event – The safety area size shall be as required by the Bureau.

16. (5) HELIPORT MARKING

    All licensed heliports are required to maintain surface markings to identify the facility as a heliport and meet the requirements found in the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design for the TLOT and FATO.

17. (6) WIND DIRECTION INDICATORS
18. a. Operational wind direction indicator.
19. b. Installed in a highly visible area.
20. c. Night operations require that the indicator be lighted.

21. (7) HELIPORT LIGHTING

    Heliports conducting night operations shall meet the requirements of the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2 Heliport Design. This provision should not be interpreted as
    requiring FAA approval for specific manufacturers or voltage requirements.

22. (8) HELIPORT BEACONS

    A heliport beacon has green/white/yellow lens and should not be obstructed by objects of natural growth or manmade structures. A heliport beacon is not required.

23. 
    (9) HELIPORT CONDITIONS

    (a)The TLOF, FATO, safety area, and taxi lane surfaces must be kept free of any defect or obstruction.

    (b)The TLOF, FATO, and taxi lane surfaces of turf heliports shall be graded. Grass surfaces shall not exceed a height of more than twelve (12) inches above the graded surface.

24. (10) HELICOPTER PARKING AREA REQUIREMENTS

    Parking areas should meet requirements found in the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design. Aircraft should not be parked within the TLOF, FATO or RSA at
    hospital heliports except for loading or unloading the aircraft for the intended purposes of the mission.

25. (11) FUELING AREA REQUIREMENTS
26. (1) Legible and clearly placed sign(s) posted to prohibit open flames or smoking in the fueling
    area.
27. (2) Grounding cables in good and safe operating condition.
28. (3) Accessible fire extinguisher approved for the purpose of extinguishing petroleum product(s) and meet the local Fire Marshal requirements.
29. (4) Hoses for the dispensing of fuel shall not be frayed, cracked, or subjected to any condition that could cause a rupture or leaking of fuel.
30. (5) Fuel tanks should have clear and legible labels for fuel type and flow direction.
31. (6) Fuel system should have no fuel leaks.
32. (7) Fuel system emergency shut-off should be clearly marked and available.

33. 
    (12) TRANSITIONAL SURFACES

    A transitional plane surrounds the FATO for the purpose of identifying obstructions as defined in Rule 450-9-6.05.
    Obstructions should be removed where practical. Obstructions unable to be removed should be marked or lighted in accordance with FAA guidance found in the most recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1 Obstruction Marking and Lighting.

Author: William F. Patty, Chief Counsel

Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, 23-1-357(c), 23-1-359.

History: New Rule: Published April 30, 2026; effective June 14, 2026.