How is the approach to a heliport lit?
A row of white lights leads out from the FATO along the approach path, with a crossbar to show distance.
Heliport approach lighting is a short line of lights that extends outwards from the FATO, in line with the preferred approach direction. At night it gives the pilot the line to fly and a cue for how far out the heliport is.
The arrangement in ICAO Annex 14 Volume II is a straight row of three lights, 30 m apart, with a crossbar 18 m long at 90 m from the FATO edge, the crossbar lights spaced 4.5 m apart. The lights are white and fixed, and are kept low so they stay clear of the approach surface. FAA practice uses flight path alignment lighting instead, so confirm which standard applies.
Lie outside the FATO along the approach path and guide the pilot in.
Mark the edge of the area itself (white under ICAO, with green also permitted; green under FAA). See Entry 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is heliport approach lighting?
A line of lights that extends outwards from the final approach and take-off area (FATO), in line with the preferred approach direction. At night it shows the pilot the line to fly and how far out the heliport is.
Q2What does the arrangement look like?
A common arrangement quoted in ICAO Annex 14 Volume II is a straight row of three lights spaced 30 m apart, with a crossbar of lights 18 m long at 90 m from the FATO edge. The crossbar lights are spaced 4.5 m apart. Confirm the arrangement against the edition in force.
Q3What colour and type are the lights?
They are fixed white lights. The crossbar gives the pilot a cue for the horizontal, so the line of lights and the bar together show both alignment and distance.
Q4Is approach lighting always provided?
No. It is provided where a visual approach needs more guidance than the FATO and TLOF lights give, and where the site allows the lights to be installed. Many heliports have none, so it depends on the heliport and the standard in force.
Q5How is it different from FATO perimeter lighting?
FATO perimeter lights (Entry 1) mark the edge of the area itself. Approach lights lie outside it, along the approach path, and guide the pilot towards it. The two are used together.
Q6Which standards apply?
ICAO Annex 14 Volume II covers heliports, and national regulators publish their own requirements, such as the FAA heliport design advisory circular. Number, spacing, intensity and mounting height differ between them, so confirm against the standard in force and the project specification.
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