assigning, maintaining, and enhancing safety regulating air commerce in a way that best encouraging and developing civil controlling the use of the navigable airspace consolidating research and development for developing and operating a common system prov

movement of helicopters from one part of a heliportairport to another. A taxi route includes the taxiway plus the appropriate clearances on both sides. hh. Taxiways. A taxiway is the central portion of a taxi route. This AC defines two types of helicopter taxiways: 1 Ground Taxiway. A ground taxiway is an obstruction-free corridor intended to permit the surface movement of a wheeled helicopter under its own power with wheels on the ground. NOTE: The minimum dimensions defined for a ground taxiway may NOT be adequate for use by skid-equipped helicopters or for hover taxi use by wheeled helicopters. 2 Hover Taxiway. A hover taxiway is an obstruction-free corridor intended to permit the hover taxiing of a helicopter. [In Annex 14 - Aerodromes, to the Convention on International Civil Aviation ICAO uses the term Air Taxiway to describe a very similar heliport component.] ii. Touchdown and Lift-off Area TLOF. A load bearing, generally paved area, normally centered in the FATO, on which the helicopter lands or takes off. jj. Transport Heliport. A heliport intended to accommodate air carrier operators providing scheduled or unscheduled service with large helicopters. kk. Unshielded Obstruction. A proposed or existing obstruction that may need to be marked or lighted since it is NOT in close proximity to another marked and lighted obstruction whose highest point is at the same or higher elevation. ll. Visual Segment Reference Line. A line measured perpendicular to the final course at a distance of 75 feet 22.9 m from the helipoint. It extends 75 feet 22.9 m on each side of the final course centerline. 102. BASIS. This AC implements the objectives set forth in Section 40101 of Title 49 United States Code USC. The statute states, in part: Safety Considerations in Public Interest… the Administrator shall consider the following matters, among others, as being in the public interest:

a. assigning, maintaining, and enhancing safety

and security as the highest priorities in air commerce.

b. regulating air commerce in a way that best

promotes safety and fulfills national defense requirements.

c. encouraging and developing civil

aeronautics, including new aviation technology.

d. controlling the use of the navigable airspace

and regulating civil and military operations in that airspace in the interest of the safety and efficiency of both of those operations.

e. consolidating research and development for

air navigation facilities and the installation and operation of those facilities.

f. developing and operating a common system

of air traffic control and navigation for military and civil aircraft.

g. providing assistance to law enforcement

agencies in the enforcement of laws related to regulation of controlled substances, the extent consistent with aviation safety. 103. SELECTION OF APPROACH DEPARTURE PATHS. Heliports should be designed so pilots can choose the safest approach departure path.

a. Consideration of wind. Approach

departure paths should permit pilots to avoid downwind conditions and minimize crosswind operations. The preferred flight approach departure path should, to the extent feasible, be aligned with the predominate wind direction. Other approach departure paths should be based on the assessment of the prevailing winds or when this information is not available the separation between such flight paths and the preferred flight path should be at least 135 degrees.

b. Consideration of Obstructions. In

determining approach departure paths it will also be necessary to take into account the obstructions in the vicinity of the heliport and in particular those likely to be a hazard to air navigation see Paragraph 107.

c. Environmental Considerations. In