Helipad Operations Safety Walk

Inspection template for a helipad safety walk covering foreign object debris, lighting, fire suppression, communications, and weather minimums.

Helipad Surface and Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

• Landing surface free of foreign object debris
  No loose tools, trash, gravel, packaging, tie-downs, or other debris present on the pad or within the rotor wash area.
• Surface condition free of cracks, spalling, or trip hazards
  Inspect for surface damage, uneven transitions, or protrusions that could affect personnel or aircraft operations.
• Perimeter and access points secured
  Access gates, barriers, and controlled entry points are in place and functioning to prevent unauthorized access during operations.
• Tie-downs, covers, and loose equipment removed or secured
  Any items that could become airborne in rotor wash are removed from the pad area or properly secured.

Lighting, Markings, and Visual Aids

• Helipad lighting operational
  All required perimeter, flood, or approach lights are illuminated and functioning as intended.
• Landing markings visible and legible
  H, touchdown, boundary, and directional markings are visible, not faded, and not obstructed.
• Obstruction lights and warning indicators functioning
  Any required obstruction lights, beacons, or warning signs are present and operating.
• Night-operations lighting level adequate
  If night operations are planned, lighting provides sufficient visibility for safe approach, landing, and egress per site minimums.

Fire Suppression and Emergency Readiness

• Fire extinguisher(s) present, accessible, and in service
  Required extinguishers are mounted or staged in the designated location, unobstructed, and within inspection date.
• Fixed or portable fire suppression system ready for use
  Any required foam, dry chemical, or other suppression system is charged, sealed, and available for immediate deployment.
• Emergency access route clear for responders
  Fire department or emergency response access to the helipad is unobstructed and clearly marked.

Communications and Operational Coordination

• Primary communications device functional
  Radio, phone, or other designated primary communication method is operational and available to the helipad coordinator.
• Backup communications method available
  Secondary communication method is available in case the primary system fails.
• Arrival/departure coordination contacts verified
  Required contact list, radio frequencies, or dispatch numbers are current and accessible to the operator.

Weather Minimums and Go/No-Go Conditions

• Visibility meets site minimum
  Current visibility is at or above the minimum required by the site helipad SOP for planned operations.
• Wind speed within site limits
  Observed or reported wind speed is within the approved operating limit, including gusts if applicable.
• No active precipitation, lightning, or other weather hold condition
  Weather conditions do not include rain, snow, fog, lightning, or other hazards that trigger a site hold or no-go decision.