key facts
01
Information about the helipad
- Landing pad name: Burj Al Arab Resort Helipad
- ICAO code: AE-0002
- Helipad diameter: 27m
- Touchdown area: 7m from the edge
- Landing and take-off distance available: 20m
- Load-bearing capacity: 7.5 tonnes
- Height above the ground level: 212m
- Height above the sea level: 222m
- Floor: above the last 56th hotel floor
02
challenges
Over 10-12 knots, there will be intense turbulence, so the wind can’t be too strong. Ideally, it should be 8-10 knots.
The 27m diameter of the helipad is not a big problem. The real challenge is to minimise the risk of hitting the edge of it with the tail – I can’t touch down at the beginning, but rather the fuselage length in, which is about 7m further. We do have a special tail shield, but it doesn’t mean we want to use it
Fun fact
The helipad is often used for different projects
In 2005, it hosted a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy also played golf here. In 2013, David Coulthard did some doughnuts with an F1 car up there – the attempt required consultation with the building engineer. In 2017, a ring was set up there for a sparring match featuring British boxer Anthony Joshua. On different occasions, the spot has hosted kiteboard, BMX and even BASE jumps. For the right fee, anyone can have a private party up there. Finally, a 'happy birthday' message was painted on the pad, that could be seen from a helicopter while landing for a 50th birthday party.
