- 1. Closed heliports should be marked in accordance with the most
recent publication of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2,
Heliport Design. - 2. Any heliport may be closed by the Bureau in one of the
following ways: - (a) License Revocation – The Chief is authorized to issue a
written “Mandatory Closure Notice” to any heliport owner that
fails to maintain the licensed heliport within the requirements
prescribed by this chapter. The notice will contain a specific
description of the violations and the action that must be taken
by the heliport owner. The mandatory closure is effective
immediately upon the issuance of the “Mandatory Closure Notice”.
(b) Emergency Closure – In consultation with the Chief, an
Inspector is authorized to issue an “Emergency Closure Notice”
when it is determined, by an on-site visit, that conditions exist
that constitute a threat to the safety of helicopters operating
to, from or on a licensed heliport. An emergency closure shall
take effect immediately. The Inspector will notify the heliport
owner of the observed safety violation(s). It will be the
heliport owner’s responsibility to notify all heliport tenants
and users of the closure and issue any required NOTAMs. Within
twenty-four (24) hours of the emergency closure, the Inspector
shall provide the heliport owner with written verification of the
closure action. The written verification will contain a specific
description of the safety violations giving cause for the
emergency closure and actions to be taken by the heliport owner.
The emergency closure will be rescinded only when the corrective
actions have been taken by the heliport owner and verified by the
Bureau.- (c) Voluntary Closure - Any heliport licensed by the Bureau may
be closed by the licensee in one of the following ways: - 3. License Surrender – A voluntary closure is an action
initiated by the heliport owner to permanently close a heliport. The heliport owner’s written notification of voluntary closure should set forth the reasons for closure and the proposed date of closure.
4. Maintenance/Construction Closure - A heliport may be
temporarily closed by the heliport owner for the purpose of
performing maintenance or construction work. It is the
responsibility of the heliport owner to contact the FAA for
the purpose of issuing a NOTAM. The heliport owner shall
notify the Bureau in writing about the work to be performed
and the anticipated beginning and ending dates of the
closure.
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.