Approach guidance for a safe helicopter glide path.
A Helicopter Approach Path Indicator (HAPI) sits at the edge of the landing area and shows the pilot one simple signal: too high, on slope, or too low. Move the helicopter below to see what the pilot sees.
Steady green. Hold this descent.
Illustration only. Angles are exaggerated for clarity; the real approach angle is set on site, typically between 5 and 10 degrees, so the flashing red band keeps the aircraft above obstacles.
See it from the cockpit
Flight-test footage of the Point HAPI and VAGS systems, filmed from the approach. Watch the signal change as the helicopter moves through each band.
When does a heliport need one?
Approach guidance is standard practice at heliports around the world. In the US, the FAA recommends it in specific conditions, and those conditions describe a lot of real helipads.
What the FAA says
FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2C, paragraph 418, says to provide a visual glideslope indicator when obstacle clearance, noise abatement or traffic procedures require a particular slope to be flown, or when the heliport offers few visual surface cues, especially at night.
Transport Canada (Standard 325) and ICAO Annex 14, Volume II also define the HAPI as an approach aid.
- Hospital helipads with trees, buildings or parking structures under the approach, flown at night by EMS crews.
- Rooftop and elevated heliports in cities, where the safe path down is narrow.
- Offshore helidecks with few visual references over open water.
- Government, military and corporate heliports with a fixed approach that must be flown the same way every time.
- Temporary and emergency landing zones, using the portable HAPI.
Why the Point HAPI
Designed and built in Bloomfield, Connecticut, using solid-state LED arrays in place of the lamps and moving parts of older approach indicators.
Sharp, readable signal
Green and red, steady and flashing, with crisp transitions between bands at the angle set for your site.
Fits the tightest pads
Compact enough to meet the ICAO 25 cm height limit at the edge of the final approach area.
Digital aiming
A handheld programmer levels the unit and sets the approach angle on site. No guesswork with a protractor.
Alarms built in
Flasher, LED array and alignment alarms, plus three brightness steps for day and night.
Hazardous-area rated
The fixed HAPI is listed for Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2, for helidecks and industrial sites.
Pairs with VAGS
Add the Point VAGS alignment system and the pilot gets left-right guidance too, on the same approach.
Two versions
One HAPI serves one approach path. It is installed on the far side of the landing area, facing the incoming aircraft.
Fixed HAPI
HAPI-89001-1-F
- Permanent installation for heliports and helidecks
- Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous-location listing
- ETL listed for marine use, IP66 and IP67
- Operates from −40°C to +55°C
Portable HAPI
HAPI-89001-3-C082-RF
- Ships assembled in a wheeled hard case, ready to deploy
- Internal battery: up to eight 15-minute landing cycles per charge
- Wireless on/off activation, plus AC operation while charging
- ABS type approved; for temporary, emergency and field landing zones
Common questions
Can a HAPI be added to an existing helipad?
Yes. The HAPI mounts on a single baseplate at the edge of the landing area and needs only a power connection. It does not require changes to the pad surface, drainage or existing lighting. Point’s team will review your site layout and recommend placement at no charge.
How is the approach angle set?
On site, with the handheld programmer. Point recommends an on-slope angle between 5 and 10 degrees, set so that the transition to flashing red still keeps the aircraft clear of any obstacles in the approach.
What is the difference between HAPI and VAGS?
HAPI gives vertical guidance: too high, on slope, or too low. VAGS gives horizontal guidance: left or right of the approach centerline. Together they keep the pilot on one precise path.
Does it replace pilot judgment?
No. The HAPI is a visual aid that helps the pilot align the approach. Responsibility for landing safely stays with the pilot.
Add approach guidance to your heliport
Point’s team will help with siting, approach angle and specifications at no charge.
