§ 471.17. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 471.17 adopted October 1, 1968, effective October 1, 1968; reserved October 3, 1986, effective October 4, 1986, 16 Pa.B. 3693. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (62163).
APPENDIX A
Public Airport Scheduled Service/General Aviation Criteria A Basic Utility Criteria B Sport/Ultralight Criteria C Seaplane Criteria D Private Airport Group Criteria E Individual Criteria F Private Airport Sport/Ultralight Criteria G Seaplane Criteria H Public Heliport Criteria I Private Heliport Criteria J
CRITERIA A
Public Airport—Scheduled Service/General Aviation
(a) The minimum runway length is 2,200 feet plus a 7% additional length factor for each 1,000 feet of elevation that the runway is above mean sea level, rounded up to the nearest 5 foot increment. Example: An airport at 500 feet above mean sea level would require a minimum length of 2280 feet.
(b) The minimum runway primary surface width is 250 feet or 125 feet either side of the runway centerline. The landing surface shall be centered within the primary surface. The minimum width of a turf runway is 100 feet. The minimum width of a paved runway surface is 50 feet.
(c) A paved runway shall have an obstacle free zone, extending 200 feet beyond the end of each visual utility runway, the same width as the primary surface.
(d) A runway end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are approach surface dimensions:
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward 5,000 feet along the runway extended centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 125 feet on each side of the centerline of the runway approach threshold and shall increase uniformly in width to 625 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 5,000 feet from the end of the primary surface.
(3) The approach surface shall begin at the runway end for a turf runway and 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway.
(e) A runway other than visual shall conform to applicable FAR Part 77 Civil Airport Runway Approach Surfaces. The Bureau will acknowledge and consider mitigation factors as determined by the FAA when determining compliance with this criterion.
(f) A runway shall have an obstruction free transitional surface with a slope of 7 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical extending from the side of the runway primary surface and the sides of the approach surface to an elevation 150 feet above the airport elevation.
(g) Runway thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from airport property line as measured along the runway extended centerline.
(h) A runway shall be marked.
(1) Turf runway. Turf runway ends and displaced thresholds shall be marked. Edge markers shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along each side of the runway for its entire length.
(2) Paved runway. A paved runway shall be marked. For the dimensions and spacing of the markings see the current edition of the FAA Advisory Circular relating to runway markings.
(i) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing winds. Runway alignment other than into the prevailing winds, may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(j) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity. The wind indicator shall be lighted where night operations are to be conducted.
(k) The runway surface longitudinal and transverse grade may not exceed 2.0%. It is desirable that a line-of-sight standard exist along the entire length of the runway. Runway grade changes should be such that any 2 points 5 feet above the runway centerline will be mutually visible for the entire length of the runway.
(l) If night operations are to be conducted at the airport, runway edge lighting shall be installed to define the lateral and longitudinal limits of the useable landing area. Lights shall be installed in accordance with the current edition of the FAA Advisory Circular related to runway lighting.
(m) A rotating beacon shall be installed for night operations at public airports.
(n) Telephone service shall be available during hours of operation. Emergency contact information shall be posted near the telephone.
(o) A first aid kit shall be available.
(p) A traffic pattern diagram with altitudes shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(q) A favorable airspace determination by the FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(r) The airport license must be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(s) Fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for emergency fire protection. See NFPA Codes and local fire codes for appropriate guidelines.
(t) Where public fueling services are provided use NFPA Codes for guidelines for storage and distribution of fuels.
(u) Issuance of a license does not preempt other State, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA B
Public Airport—Basic Utility(a) The minimum runway length is 1,600 feet.
(1) The minimum required runway length will be increased where required to accommodate a family of airplanes having similar performance characteristics or a specific airplane needing the longest runway and will be based on the performance data obtained from the aircraft flight manuals.
(2) Runway length will be that length needed for take-off ground run or landing ground run whichever is greater, factored for density altitude (85°F day; runway elevation above sea level); plus a factor for grass. The grass factor may be that required by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer requires no grass factor, a factor of 10% for conventional landing gear or 15% for tricycle landing gear will be used. An additional safety factor of 20% shall also be applied.
(3) If the aircraft performance data is not available from the aircraft flight manual, due to its vintage or modifications, the Bureau may accept a written statement by the applicant-aircraft owner-as to aircraft performance and runway length needed. Performance data may be considered, using less than maximum certificated takeoff weight-down loaded condition, if requested in writing by the applicant, to meet minimum runway length requirements.
(4) Displacement of runway thresholds may be used to reduce or eliminate approach slope obstructions as long as sufficient effective runway length remains.
(b) The minimum runway primary surface width is 180 feet or 90 feet either side of the runway centerline. The landing surface shall be centered within the primary surface. The minimum width of a paved runway is 50 feet. The minimum width of a turf runway is 100 feet. The runway primary surface shall extend 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway and to the end of a turf runway.
(c) A runway end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are approach surface dimensions for a visual runway.
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward 5,000 feet along the runway extended centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally from each edge of the primary surface at the runway approach threshold and increase uniformly in width to 625 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 5,000 feet from the end of the primary surface.
(3) The approach surface shall begin at the runway end for an unpaved runway and at a point 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway.
(d) A runway shall have an obstruction free transitional surface with a slope of 7 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical extending from the side of the runway primary surface and the sides of the approach surface to an elevation 150 feet above the airport elevation.
(e) Runway landing thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from the airport property line along the runway extended centerline.
(f) A runway shall be marked.
(1) Turf runways. Runway ends shall be marked. Edge markers shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along each side of the runway for its entire length.
(2) Paved runway. Runway numbers shall be marked at each end.
(3) Runway threshold displacements shall be marked.
(g) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing wind. Runway alignment, other than into the prevailing wind, may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(h) Operations are intended for day, visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
(i) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates surface wind direction and velocity. The wind indicator shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(j) The runway longitudinal and transverse gradient should not exceed 4.0%.
(k) Telephone service should be available during hours of operation. Emergency contact information should be posted near the telephone.
(l) Fire extinguishing equipment should be available for emergency fire protection. See NFPA Codes and local fire codes for appropriate guidelines.
(m) A traffic pattern diagram with altitudes shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(n) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to license.
(o) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA C
Public Airport—Sport/Ultralight(a) The minimum runway length shall be 1,000 feet. The runway should be aligned within 40° of the prevailing wind. Longitudinal and transverse gradients should not exceed 4%.
(b) A runway end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 15 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are approach surface dimensions:
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward 1,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 50 feet on each side of the centerline of the runway approach threshold and increase uniformly in width to 100 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 1,000 feet from the runway end.
(3) The approach surface shall begin at the runway end.
(c) The minimum runway width shall be 100 feet.
(d) A runway shall have an obstruction free transitional surface with a slope of 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical extending from the side of the runway surface and the sides of the approach surface.
(e) Runway landing thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from the airport property line as measured along the extended runway centerline.
(f) Runway ends shall be marked. Edge markers shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along each side of the runway for its entire length.
(g) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing wind. Runway alignment, other than into the prevailing winds may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(h) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity.
(i) Night operations are not authorized.
(j) Telephone service should be available during hours of operation. Emergency contact information should be posted near the telephone.
(k) A traffic pattern diagram with altitudes shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(l) The airport license shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(m) The airport operator should provide fire extinguishing equipment for emergency fire protection.
(n) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(o) Issuance of a license does not preempt other State, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA D
Public Airport—Seaplane(a) The minimum landing lane length is 2,500 feet. The length of the landing lane shall be increased by 7% per 1,000 feet of elevation above sea level. The additional length factor is calculated proportionately using a ratio of 7% for each 1000 feet of elevation that the runway is above mean sea level, rounded up to the nearest 5-foot increment. (i.e. An airport at 500 feet above mean sea level would require a minimum length of 2,590 feet.)
(b) The minimum primary surface width is 200 feet or 100 feet each side of the landing lane centerline. The landing lane minimum width is at least 100 feet and centered within the primary surface.
(c) A minimum water depth of 3 feet is required at all points within the primary surface.
(d) A landing lane shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are the approach slope dimensions:
(1) The centerline shall extend outward and upward for 5,000 feet along the landing lane extended centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 100 feet each side of the centerline, beginning at the landing lane threshold and increase uniformly to 625 feet each side of the centerline at a point 5,000 feet from the end of the landing lane.
(e) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity. The wind indicator shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(f) Documentation of ownership or lease of suitable docking facilities and written authorization or permit to use the waterway shall be submitted with the application.
(g) If night operations are to be conducted at the airport, landing lane edge lighting shall be installed to define the lateral and longitudinal limits of the useable landing area.
(h) A public telephone should be available during airport operating hours. Emergency contact information telephone numbers shall be posted.
(i) The airport license shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(j) A traffic pattern diagram with altitudes shall be posted at the docking facility and visible to the aviation public.
(k) A powerboat shall be readily available for emergencies during normal operating hours.
(l) The airport operator should provide fire extinguishing equipment for emergency fire protection.
(m) Final airspace determination by FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(n) Issuance of a license does not preempt other State, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA E
Private Airport—Group(a) The minimum runway length is 1,200 feet.
(1) The minimum required runway length will be adjusted where required to accommodate the aircraft to be operated from the airport and will be based upon the performance data obtained from the aircraft flight manuals.
(2) Runway length will be that length needed for take-off ground run or landing ground run, whichever is greater, factored for density altitude temperature (85°F day; runway elevation above sea level); plus a factor for grass. The grass factor may be that required by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer requires no grass factor, a factor of 10% for conventional landing gear or 15% for tricycle landing gear will be used. An additional safety factor of 20% shall also be applied.
(3) If the aircraft performance data is not available from the aircraft flight manual, due to its vintage, a statement by the applicant/aircraft owner as to aircraft performance and runway needed may be accepted by the Bureau.
(4) Performance data may be considered, using less than gross weight down loaded condition, if requested by the applicant, to meet minimum runway length requirements.
(5) Displacement of runway thresholds may be used to reduce or eliminate approach slope obstructions as long as sufficient effective runway length remains.
(6) The minimum runway primary surface width shall be 180 feet or 90 feet each side of the runway centerline. The landing surface shall be centered within the primary surface. The minimum width of a turf landing surface shall be 100 feet. The minimum width of a paved landing surface shall be 50 feet. A paved runway primary surface shall extend 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway and to the end of a turf runway.
(b) A runway end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are the approach slope dimensions:
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward for 5,000 feet along the runway extended centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 90 feet on each side of the centerline of the runway approach threshold and shall increase uniformly in width to 625 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 5,000 feet from the end of the primary surface.
(c) Runway thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from airport property line as measured along the runway extended centerline.
(d) A runway shall be marked.
(1) Turf runways. Runway ends shall be marked. Markers shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along each side of the runway for its entire length.
(2) Paved runways. Runway numbers shall be marked at each end.
(3) Marked threshold displacement. Runway threshold displacements shall be marked.
(4) Displacements shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(e) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing wind. Runway alignment, other than into the prevailing wind, may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(f) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates surface wind direction and velocity. It shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(g) The runway longitudinal and transverse gradient should not exceed 4%.
(h) If night operations are to be conducted at the airport, runway edge lighting shall be installed to define the lateral and longitudinal limits of the useable landing area. Lights will be installed in accordance with current applicable standards.
(i) Fire extinguishing equipment and first aid kits are recommended.
(j) Standard traffic patterns shall be established. Where a nonstandard traffic pattern is necessary, the information shall be made available to those authorized by the owners to use the airport.
(k) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to license.
(l) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA F
Private Airport—Individual(a) The minimum Runway length is 1,200 feet.
(1) The minimum required runway length will be increased where required to accommodate the aircraft to be operated from the airport and will be based upon the performance data obtained from the aircraft flight manuals.
(2) Runway length will be that length needed for take-off ground run or landing ground run, whichever is greater, factored for density altitude (temperature - 85°F day; runway elevation above MSL); plus a factor for grass. The grass factor may be that required by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer requires no grass factor, a factor of 10% for conventional gear or 15% for tricycle gear aircraft will be used. An additional safety factor of 20% shall also be applied.
(3) If the aircraft performance data is not available from the aircraft flight manual, due to its vintage or modifications, a statement by the applicant/aircraft owner as to the performance and runway needed may be accepted by the Bureau.
(4) Performance data may be considered, using less than maximum certificated takeoff weight down loaded condition, if requested by the applicant, to meet runway length requirements.
(5) Displacement of runway thresholds may be used to reduce or eliminate approach slope obstructions as long as sufficient effective runway minimum length remains.
(b) The minimum primary surface shall be 100 feet or 50 feet either side of the runway centerline. The landing surface shall be centered within the primary surface. The minimum width of a paved landing surface shall be 50 feet. The minimum width of a turf landing surface shall be 100 feet. The runway primary surface shall extend 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway and to the end of a turf runway.
(c) A runway end will have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are approach surface dimensions for a runway:
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward 1,500 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 50 feet each side of the centerline at the runway approach threshold and increase uniformly in width to 150 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 1,500 feet from the end of the primary surface.
(3) The approach surface shall begin at the runway end for an unpaved runway and at a point 200 feet beyond the end of a paved runway.
(d) The runway landing thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from airport property line along the runway extended centerline.
(e) A runway shall be marked.
(1) Turf runways. Runway ends shall be marked. Edge markers shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along each side of the runway for its entire length.
(2) Paved runways. Runway numbers shall be marked at each end.
(3) Marked threshold displacement. Runway threshold displacements shall be marked.
(f) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing wind. Runway alignment, other than into the prevailing wind, may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(g) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates surface wind direction and velocity.
(h) The runway longitudinal and transverse gradient should not exceed 4%.
(j) Operations are intended for day, visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
(k) Fire extinguishing equipment and first aid kits are recommended.
(l) Standard traffic patterns shall be established. Where a non-standard pattern is necessary, the information shall be made available to those authorized by the owner to use the airport.
(m) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to license.
(n) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA G
Private Airport—Sport/Ultralight(a) Minimum runway dimensions of 500 feet in length x 100 feet in width aligned within 40° of the prevailing wind are required. Longitudinal and transverse gradients should not exceed 4.0%.
(b) The minimum runway length will be increased to accommodate sport aircraft where applicable and will be based on the performance data obtained from the aircraft flight manuals. Runway length will be that length needed for take-off ground run or landing ground run, whichever is greater, factored for density altitude (temperature 85 degrees F, runway elevation above MSL), plus a factor for grass. The grass factor may be that required by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer requires no grass factor, a factor of 10% for conventional gear of 15% for tricycle gear will be used. An additional safety factor of 20% shall also be applied.
(c) A runway end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 15 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are approach surface dimensions:
(1) The centerline of this surface shall extend outward and upward 1,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(2) The surface shall extend laterally 50 feet on each side of the centerline of the runway approach threshold and increase uniformly in width to 100 feet on each side of the centerline at a point 1,000 feet from the runway end.
(3) The approach surface shall begin at the runway end.
(d) Runway landing thresholds shall be a minimum of 200 feet from the airport property line as measured along the extended runway centerline.
(e) Runway ends shall be marked. Runway edges shall be marked at intervals necessary to define the lateral runway limits.
(f) For planning purposes, principal runway alignment for new airports should be in the direction of the prevailing wind. Runway alignment, other than into the prevailing winds may restrict use of the airport during conditions where crosswind velocities exceed the crosswind component of the aircraft.
(g) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity.
(h) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to license.
(i) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA H
Private Airport—Seaplane(a) The minimum landing lane length is 2,500 feet. Landing lane length may be reduced if performance data is provided which indicates required take-off and landing distances of less than 2,500 feet.
(b) The minimum primary surface and landing lane width is 100 feet or 50 feet each side of the landing lane centerline. The landing lane minimum width is at least 100 feet and centered within the primary surface.
(c) A minimum water depth of 3 feet is required at all points within the primary surface.
(d) A landing lane end shall have an obstruction free approach surface with a slope of 20 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The following are the approach surface dimensions:
(1) The centerline shall extend outward and upward for 1,500 feet along the landing lane extended centerline.
(2) The approach surface shall extend laterally 50 feet on each side of the centerline of the landing area, beginning at the landing lane threshold and increase uniformly in width to 300 feet at 1,500 feet from the end of the landing area.
(e) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity. The wind indicator shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(f) Documentation of ownership or lease of suitable docking facilities and written authorization or permit to use the waterway shall be submitted with the license application.
(g) If night operations are to be conducted at the airport, landing lane edge lighting shall be installed to define the lateral and longitudinal limits of the useable landing area.
(h) A favorable airspace approval from the FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(i) Standard traffic patterns shall be established. Where a nonstandard traffic pattern is necessary, the information shall be made available to those authorized by the owner to use the airport.
(j) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA I
Public Heliport—General Aviation(a) The least dimension (i.e. length, width, or diameter) of the final approach and take off area (FATO) shall be at least 1.5 times the overall length of the design helicopter rounded up to the next 5 foot increment, but not less than 60 feet.
(1) Helicopters located on raised platforms, piers, docks or buildings may have outer portions of the FATO extend beyond the platform.
(2) The FATO should be graded to provide a smooth surface. A slope gradient of no more than 2% is allowed for any part of the FATO on which a helicopter is expected to land.
(3) The FATO shall be free of objects.
(b) When the entire FATO is not load bearing, a paved or stabilized touch down and lift off area (TLOF) is recommended. The least dimension of the TLOF is recommended to be not less than the rotor diameter of the design helicopter.
(c) A safety area shall be provided around the FATO.
(1) The width of the safety area shall be 1/3 of the rotor diameter of the design helicopter, but not less than 20 feet.
(2) The safety area shall be free of objects.
(d) The heliport shall have two approach/take off paths separated by an arc of at least 90° and shall have unobstructed approach/take off surfaces with a slope of 8 feet horizontal to one foot vertical.
(1) The approach/take off paths may curve to avoid objects and/or noise sensitive areas and to use airspace above public lands.
(2) The approach/take off surface shall begin at the threshold, at the same width as the FATO, and shall extend outward and upward for 4,000 feet where its width is 500 feet.
(3) One approach/take off path may be acceptable if the approaches and take offs can be conducted safely and if it is unobstructed and crosswind to the prevailing winds.
(e) Transitional surfaces shall be unobstructed. Transitional surfaces shall extend outward and upward with a slope of two feet horizontal to one foot vertical from the edge of the approach/take off surfaces and the FATO for a distance of 250 feet from the center of the FATO and from the centerline of the approach/departure path.
(f) The FATO shall be marked with FAA standard markings for heliports.
(1) The FATO shall be designated by marking the outer perimeter boundary.
(2) If applicable, the TLOF shall also be marked. An H marking will identify the heliport as a public facility as well as mark the intended landing position. The H is oriented on the axis of the dominant approach/take off path. A bar may be placed under the H when it is necessary to distinguish the preferred approach direction.
(3) In ground or surface markings may be used to define either or both the FATO and TLOF.
(4) Unpaved surfaces. The perimeter of a turf FATO shall be identified with in ground markers that will not catch helicopter skids or create barriers to helicopter maneuvering. If raised markings are used, they shall be located at the outer boundary of the safety area and be no more than 8 inches in height. Markers are placed at the corners, and as needed along the edges of the FATO.
(5) Paved surfaces. A 12-inch dashed white line defines the limits of the FATO when the entire surface is paved.
(6) A 12-inch solid white line is used to define the limits of the TLOF.
(g) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity. The indicator shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(h) Night operations.
(1) The perimeter of the FATO and the TLOF shall be defined with lights colored in accordance with the current FAA Advisory Circular pertaining to heliport lighting. The lights may not penetrate the approach or transitional surface slopes.
(2) A minimum of four flush or raised fixtures is required per side of a square or rectangular FATO or TLOF. A light is located at each corner, with additional lights spaced uniformly between the corner lights with a maximum interval of 25 feet between lights.
(3) An even number of lights, at least 8, evenly spaced, is required to define a circular FATO or TLOF, with a maximum interval of 25 feet between lights.
(4) Raised light fixtures, modified to be not more than 8 inches in height, should be located 10 feet out from the FATO edge.
(5) Flush lights may be located on the TLOF edge or within 1 foot of the TLOF edge.
(6) When nonflush lights are used on a raised TLOF, light fixtures modified to no more than 8 inches in height may be used to define the TLOF. They must be located 10 feet out from the TLOF edge and must not penetrate a horizontal plane at the TLOF’s elevation by more than 2 inches.
(7) Flood lighting may also be used in lieu of, or to supplement, perimeter lights. The flood lights shall be installed so they do not interfere with helicopter operations or interfere with pilot vision.
(8) Obstruction lights should be installed on objects near the approach surfaces or where deemed necessary by the Bureau.
(i) A rotating beacon is recommended to be installed for night operations at public heliports.
(j) When the TLOF is on a platform elevated more than 30 inches above its surroundings, a five foot wide safety net or shelf shall be provided. The safety net shall have a load carrying capability of at least 25 pounds per square foot. The net or shelf may not project above the level of the TLOF.
(k) Rooftop heliports.
(1) The size of the FATO and the TLOF for a rooftop or elevated heliport shall be the same as for ground level.
(2) When the TLOF is less than the rotor diameter of the design helicopter, additional nonload bearing surface is required for support of the main rotor downwash ground effect. Load bearing surface size and designed load capacity shall be in accordance with the current edition of the FAA heliport design guide.
(l) Where practicable, wires within 500 feet of the FATO are recommended to be marked.
(m) A telephone shall be available to the public 24 hours a day. Emergency and aviation information telephone numbers shall be posted near the telephone.
(n) A traffic pattern diagram with altitudes shall be posted and visible to the aviation public.
(o) The heliport operator will provide fire extinguishing equipment for emergency fire protection.
(p) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(q) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
CRITERIA J
Private Heliport(a) The least dimension (i.e. length, width, or diameter) of the final approach and take off area (FATO) shall be 1.5 times the overall length of the design helicopter rounded up to the nearest 5 foot increment, but not less than 60 feet.
(1) Helicopters located on raised platforms, piers, docks or buildings may have outer portions of the FATO extend beyond the platform.
(2) The FATO should be graded to provide a smooth surface. A slope gradient of no more than 2% is allowed for any part of the FATO on which a helicopter is expected to land.
(3) The FATO shall be free of objects.
(b) When the entire FATO is not load bearing, a paved or stabilized touch down and lift off area (TLOF) is recommended. The least dimension of the TLOF is recommended to be not less than the rotor diameter of the design helicopter.
(c) A safety area will be provided around the FATO.
(1) The width of the safety area shall be 1/3 of the rotor diameter of the design helicopter, but not less than 10 feet.
(2) The safety area shall be free of objects.
(d) The heliport shall have two approach/take off paths separated by an arc of at least 90° and shall have unobstructed approach/take off surfaces with a slope of 8 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical.
(1) Approach/take off paths may curve to avoid objects and/or noise sensitive areas and to use airspace above public lands. Approach surface requirements are applicable for the entire route.
(2) The approach/take off surface shall begin at the threshold, at the same width as the FATO, and shall extend upward and outward for a distance of 1,000 feet where its width is 200 feet.
(3) One approach/take off path may be acceptable if approaches can be conducted safely and if it is unobstructed and crosswind to the prevailing winds.
(e) The FATO shall be marked with FAA standard markings for heliports.
(1) The FATO shall be designated by marking the outer perimeter boundary.
(2) If applicable, the TLOF shall also be marked.
(3) The FATO or TLOF may be marked with company logo or name.
(4) A hospital heliport shall be identified by a red capital H centered on a white cross. The dimensions of the cross and H are described in the current edition of the FAA Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
(5) In ground or surface markings may be used to define either or both the FATO and TLOF.
(6) Unpaved surfaces. The perimeter of a turf FATO shall be identified with in ground markers that will not catch helicopter skids or create barriers to helicopter maneuvering. If raised markings are used, they shall be located at the outer boundary of the safety area and be no more than 8 inches in height.
(7) Paved surfaces. A 12-inch dashed white line defines the limits of the FATO when the entire surface is paved.
(8) A 12-inch solid white line is used to define the limits of the TLOF.
(f) A wind indicator shall be installed at a location that adequately indicates the surface wind direction and velocity. The wind indicator shall be lighted if night operations are to be conducted.
(g) Night operations.
(1) The perimeter of the FATO or the TLOF (but not both) shall be defined with lights colored in accordance with the current FAA Advisory Circular pertaining to heliport lighting.
(2) At least 8 evenly spaced lights are required to define a circular FATO or TLOF, with a maximum interval of 25 feet between lights.
(3) A minimum of three flush or raised fixtures is required per side of a square or rectangular FATO or TLOF. A light is located at each corner, with additional lights spaced uniformly between the corner lights with a maximum interval of 25 feet between lights.
(4) Raised light fixtures, modified to be not more than 8 inches in height, should be located 10 feet out from the FATO edge.
(5) Flush lights may be located on the TLOF edge or within 1 foot of the TLOF edge.
(6) When nonflush lights are used on a raised TLOF, light fixtures modified to no more than 8 inches in height may be used to define the TLOF. They must be located no more than 10 feet out from the TLOF edge and must not penetrate a horizontal plane at the TLOF’s elevation by more than 2 inches.
(7) Flood lighting may also be used in lieu of, or to supplement, perimeter lights. The flood lights shall be installed so as not to interfere with helicopter operations or interfere with pilot vision.
(8) Obstruction lights should to be installed on objects near the approach surfaces or where deemed necessary by the Bureau.
(h) When the TLOF is on a platform elevated more than 30 inches above its surroundings, a five foot wide safety net or shelf shall be provided. The safety net shall have a load carrying capability of at least 25 pounds per square foot. The net or shelf may not project above the level of the TLOF.
(i) Rooftop heliports
(1) The size of the FATO and TLOF for a rooftop or elevated heliport shall be the same as for ground level.
(2) When the TLOF is less than the rotor diameter of the design helicopter, additional non load bearing surface is required for support of the main rotor downwash ground effect. Load bearing surface size and designed load capacity shall be in accordance with the current edition of the FAA heliport design guide.
(j) Where practicable, wires within 500 feet of the FATO are recommended to be marked.
(k) The heliport operator will provide fire extinguishing equipment for emergency fire protection.
(l) A favorable airspace determination from the FAA shall be required prior to final licensing.
(m) Issuance of a license does not preempt other state, federal or local zoning or permitting requirements.
Source The provisions of this Appendix A adopted October 3, 1986, effective October 4, 1986, 16 Pa.B. 3693; readopted July 20, 1990, effective July 21, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3981; amended October 29, 2010, effective October 30, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 6273. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (226967) to (226980).
Cross References This Appendix A, Criteria E cited in 67 Pa. Code § 471.3 (relating to airport licensing). This Appendix A cited in 67 Pa. Code § 471.7 (relating to licensing criteria and requirements).
APPENDIX B Section 471.3(d) allows the Bureau to waive, for ‘‘good cause,’’ compliance with the licensing criteria and related requirements. No waivers will be granted for conditions which are inconsistent with FAA Grant Assurance obligations or other applicable FAA regulation unless permission is granted by the FAA.
The following is a nonexhaustive illustrative list of potential waiverable conditions:
(1) Runway Length.
(2) Runway Width.
(3) Runway Obstacle Free Zone.
(4) Approach Surface Penetrations.
(5) Runway Markings.
(6) Runway Alignment.
(7) Longitudinal and Transverse Grades.
(8) Telephone Requirements.
When evaluating any nonstandard condition for a waiver, the following will be considered in determining ‘‘good cause:’’
(1) Type and performance characteristics of the critical aircraft operating at the facility.
(2) History of incidents attributable to the non-standard conditions as determined by the FAA and/or NTSB.
(3) Operational limitations, such as VFR-day only.
(4) Physical constraints.
(5) Financial feasibility of undertaking improvements to meet airport licensing criteria.
(6) How similar issues have been handled with respect to other airports.
(7) Facility preservation.
(8) Availability of visual guidance systems.
Source The provisions of this Appendix B adopted October 29, 2010, effective October 30, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 6273.
Cross References This Appendix B cited in 67 Pa. Code § 471.3 (relating to airport licensing).
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