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Take-Off from Helipads: What is the minimum rate of climb for an IFR take-off?

Asked by: 7935 views FAA Regulations

The AIM, 5-2-8, talks about Instrument DP, you must climb to 400' prior to turning unless the DP is different.  But what if I'm taking off from a helipad, I still climb to 400' then turn as required but what is my minimum rate of climb?  Is it a minimum of 400 FPM?  I need a reference.  Thanks.

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2 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Wesley Beard on Nov 22, 2010

    The TERPS requirement for both airplanes and helicopters are the same in this regard and is 200 feet per NM.  So if you are climbing straight up, there is no minimum climb rate.  If you are traveling forward at 60kts the minimum climb rate is 200’… at 90kts, 300 ft/min and so on.

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  2. rotorwng1 on Feb 14, 2016

    Departing a heliport requires a 400’\NM rate of climb up to 400′ prior to turning. The ratio for heliports, not helicopters, is doubled, requiring a doubled rate of ascent. You can verify this rate by comparing any helicopter approach to a “heliport” to the angle and rate of descent for the approach. It’s not the airframe that makes the difference here as much as it is the type of airfield you are departing. There are VERY few actual heliports in the world, therefore everyone thinks that the standard answer is 200’/NM. Departing from any airport, weather you are a helicopter or an airplane or taking off from a runway or a heliPAD at an airport, you must only maintain 200\’/NM. The reference is the terps, specifically for heliports. PLEASE DON”T use 200’/NM from a heliport unless you can depart visually, up to 400′ and then maintain the standard minimum rate of climb until you are on the route structure.

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