How are the H and aiming point lit?
Lights along the markings tell the pilot what the heliport is and where to aim the approach.
Two markings on the surface are made visible at night. The heliport identification marking, the H, shows that this is a heliport. The aiming point marking, a triangle, shows the point to aim the approach at, lined up with the preferred approach direction.
ICAO Annex 14 Volume II defines aiming point lights, white lights placed with the aiming point marking. The H has no light type of its own: it is made visible by floodlighting over the surface (Entry 3), or by lights set along its lines where the standard in force allows. Either way the lit shape must be read correctly, and the lights must stay low or inset so they are not a hazard to the helicopter on the surface.
Show what the heliport is and where to aim the approach.
Show the edge (Entry 2) and where to position the helicopter (Entry 4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is heliport identification and aiming point lighting?
Lighting that makes two markings on the surface visible at night: the heliport identification marking, the H, and the aiming point marking, a triangle. Aiming point lights and floodlights over the surface show the shapes so the pilot can read them.
Q2What does the identification marking do?
It tells the pilot this is a heliport and shows the direction of the preferred approach. The usual form is a white H, and a hospital heliport adds a red H on a white cross. The lights must show that shape clearly.
Q3What is the aiming point marking?
A white triangle on the surface that shows the point the pilot aims the approach at. It is lined up with the preferred approach direction, and at night aiming point lights or floodlighting let the pilot see it. It is provided where the pilot has to approach a point above the FATO before moving on to the TLOF.
Q4How is the marking lit?
The aiming point is shown by white aiming point lights placed with the marking. The H is made visible by floodlights over the surface (Entry 3), or by lights along its lines where the standard in force allows. The choice depends on the heliport type and the standard in force. Whichever is used, the shape must read correctly and the lights must not become a hazard on the surface.
Q5How is this different from the other TLOF lighting?
Perimeter lights (Entry 2) show the edge, and the TDPM lights (Entry 4) show where to position the helicopter. These lights show what the heliport is and where to aim the approach. Together they give a complete night picture of the TLOF.
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. Which markings are required and how they are lit differ between them, so confirm against the standard in force and the project specification.
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