Helistop vs. Helipad: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
A helistop is a designated area for helicopters to land and take off without refueling facilities, while a helipad is a prepared area, often with fueling and maintenance facilities, for helicopters to land, take off, and receive services.
Key Differences
Helistops are basic landing and takeoff points without additional services. Helipads are equipped areas, often providing refueling, maintenance, and longer-term parking.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistops are typically found in locations for temporary or emergency use. Helipads are commonly located at airports, hospitals, or heliports for regular use.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistops are minimal in design, sometimes just a cleared area. Helipads are more deliberately constructed, with clear markings and safety features.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistops may have fewer regulatory requirements due to their temporary nature. Helipads, especially at public facilities, adhere to strict aviation and safety regulations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistops generally lack support services beyond the landing space. Helipads offer a range of services like air traffic control, emergency response, and hangar space.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Facilities
Minimal, no refueling or maintenance
Often includes refueling, maintenance, parking
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Dec 26, 2023
Location
Typically for temporary or emergency use
Located at airports, hospitals, heliports
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Dec 26, 2023
Regulatory Compliance
Fewer requirements
Strict aviation and safety standards
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Services Provided
Limited to landing and takeoff
Range of services including air traffic control
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Helistop and Helipad Definitions
Helistop
A landing spot without refueling or maintenance facilities.
The remote village had a helistop for medical emergencies.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helipad
A designated area for helicopters to land, often with support facilities.
The hospital's helipad is equipped for air ambulance services.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistop
A basic area designated for helicopters to land and take off.
The emergency team used a helistop near the accident site.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helipad
A prepared landing space for helicopters, with markings and safety features.
The airport's helipad is used for private helicopter landings.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistop
A temporary landing site for helicopters.
The company established a temporary helistop for the event.
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Helipad
A permanent structure for helicopter operations.
The helipad on the building's roof is regularly used by executives.
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Helistop
Minimal facilities, primarily for landing purposes.
A helistop was set up on the rooftop for urgent evacuations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helipad
Includes facilities for refueling and maintenance.
The helipad on the offshore platform provides refueling services.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistop
Often used for quick landings and departures.
The CEO's helicopter landed at a helistop close to the meeting venue.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helipad
May be part of a larger heliport with multiple services.
The helipad at the heliport offers comprehensive services including hangars.
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Dec 26, 2023
Helistop
A location designated for helicopters to land and take off, usually without facilities for refueling or repair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Helipad
(aviation) A small landing place for helicopters, denoted by a large "H".
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are helistops permanent structures?
Helistops are not always permanent; they can be temporary or established for specific needs.
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Dec 26, 2023
What facilities does a helipad offer?
A helipad offers facilities like refueling, maintenance, and sometimes air traffic control.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is a helipad always part of an airport?
No, helipads can be located at hospitals, heliports, or other suitable locations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do helipads require specific safety features?
Yes, helipads require specific safety features and markings.
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Dec 26, 2023
How is a helipad identified?
A helipad is often identified by a marked 'H' and safety perimeter on a flat surface.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is a helistop?
A helistop is a basic area for helicopters to land and take off.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can a helistop be used for emergency landings?
Yes, helistops are often used for emergency landings.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can anyone land at a helistop?
Landing at a helistop usually requires permission and coordination, especially in emergency situations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are there weight limits for helicopters on helipads?
Yes, helipads have weight limits based on their construction and location.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are there size requirements for helistops?
Helistops must be large enough to safely accommodate the helicopter's landing and takeoff.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the primary use of a helistop?
The primary use of a helistop is for quick landings and takeoffs, often in remote or temporary locations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do helipads have lighting for night operations?
Yes, many helipads are equipped with lighting for night operations.
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Dec 26, 2023
How are helipads maintained?
Helipads are maintained through regular inspections, cleaning, and ensuring safety equipment is functional.
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Do helistops require special permissions to construct?
Constructing a helistop may require permissions, depending on local regulations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can helistops provide refueling services?
No, helistops typically do not provide refueling or maintenance services.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is a helistop suitable for long-term parking?
No, helistops are not designed for long-term helicopter parking.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are helistops commonly found in urban areas?
Helistops in urban areas are less common and are subject to strict regulations and space limitations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can helipads accommodate multiple helicopters?
Larger helipads can accommodate multiple helicopters, depending on their size and layout.
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Can a helipad be located on a building?
Yes, helipads can be constructed on top of buildings.
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Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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