🏥✈️ Heliport Design for the Buenaventura Hospital: A Strategic Project Led by Okicam

As part of the development of the new hospital in Buenaventura, Colombia, Okicam was commissioned to design a heliport that would not only comply with current aeronautical regulations but also optimize the hospital’s operational capacity.

From the outset, the project presented strategic challenges, which were addressed through a comprehensive technical approach. In addition to the structural requirements, a detailed analysis of the potential aircraft fleet was conducted, determining that the Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter—due to its operational capacity and prevalence in emergency missions—should serve as the primary reference for the heliport’s design.

Critical aircraft design, UH-60

A multidisciplinary team of specialists in aeronautical design, helicopter operations, and structural civil engineering was assembled. Although the scope focused on the conceptual phase and the calculation of live and dead loads, every stage was executed under strict international standards of quality and safety.

In the absence of a specific national guide, the following reference standards were employed:

• Heliport Manual (Doc 9261) – ICAO

• Annex 14, Volume II – ICAO

• Annex 14 RAC – Colombian Civil Aviation Authority

• FAA AC 150/5390-2C – Heliport Design

• NFPA 418 – Standard for Heliports (NFPA, USA)

The conceptual design included the delineation of approach and departure surfaces, a 3D model of the heliport, and the definition of operational safety zones. Additionally, recognizing that the hospital is located in a residential area, a specialized acoustic modeling study was conducted to assess the environmental noise impact. This analysis ensured that heliport operations would be compatible with the surrounding urban environment and provided technical recommendations to minimize disturbances to the local community.

Helipad dimensions

Caption of the noise simulation.

The project concluded with the delivery of a comprehensive technical report, covering structural aspects, environmental acoustic impact analysis, and emergency response plans for fire and fuel spill incidents, all coordinated with local emergency services.

The client’s full satisfaction confirmed the strength of the methodology applied and the quality of the services provided. This project stands as a testament to Okicam’s commitment to integrating specialized knowledge, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering effective solutions in highly complex projects.

Render of the heliport for BlackHawk UH-60