Description
What is TLOF
The Touchdown and Lift-Off Area (TLOF) is a crucial part of a heliport. It serves as the designated landing and take-off zone for helicopters. Furthermore, the TLOF is built and marked to provide a stable and predictable surface, helping to ensure safe and efficient helicopter operations. Typically, the TLOF is centrally located within the Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO) and surrounded by a clear zone free of obstacles.
The TLOF surface can vary. For example, it might be a concrete pad, a marked rooftop area, or an offshore platform. Moreover, lighting, particularly perimeter lights, significantly enhances safety. These lights are vital during nighttime or poor weather. Specifically, they clearly define the TLOF’s boundaries, helping pilots see where to land or take off. Thus, by lighting the area, they reduce the risk of errors and ensure precise operations.
Additionally, international aviation authorities, like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), set standards for the TLOF. These include requirements for size, surface characteristics, and lighting. Consequently, meeting these standards is key to maintaining safety and efficiency at heliports, whether on land or offshore.
Difference between ELD and ILD
