Helipad & Heliport Windsocks for Hospitals & Helicopter Operations
FAA-Compliant Lighted & Non-Lighted Helipad Windsock Systems
Trusted for over 50 years
Why Hospitals & Heliport Facilities Choose BDS Windsocks
BDS helipad windsock systems are engineered for hospitals, rooftop heliports, medevac operations, and commercial helicopter facilities requiring reliable wind direction visibility during day, night, and low-visibility operations.
FAA & ICAO Compliant
Commercial-grade windsock systems engineered in accordance with FAA and ICAO guidance for hospitals, heliports, rooftop landing areas, offshore helidecks, and commercial aviation facilities.
Corrosion-Resistant Design
Powder-coated commercial-grade stainless steel construction engineered for corrosion resistance and long-term outdoor durability in rooftop, coastal, and demanding weather environments.
Maintenance-Free Bearings
Proprietary Delrin-type bearing assemblies provide smooth, low-friction rotation without lubrication while minimizing maintenance requirements in continuous outdoor operation.
Low-Glare LED Visibility
Internally illuminated LED windsock systems provide clear wind direction visibility during night operations and low-visibility helicopter approaches while minimizing pilot glare.
BDS Helipad & Heliport Windsock Systems
BDS windsock systems are engineered in accordance with FAA guidance and ICAO standards for helipad, heliport, rooftop, and aviation environments.
Heliport and helipad windsock systems are configured using separately sold components—including windsock frame assemblies, windsocks, extensions, and windsock poles—to match specific installation requirements.
Windsock Frames
Lighted Windsock Frame Assemblies
Commercial aviation lighted windsock frame assemblies engineered for reliable wind direction visibility during night operations, rooftop landings, and low-visibility helicopter approaches.
120-Volt Helipad & Heliport Windsock Frame Assemblies
Designed for standard U.S. electrical infrastructure for use at helipads, heliports, hospitals, and rooftop landing areas.
- 751 Series single-light internally lighted windsock frames →
- 752 Series double-light internally lighted windsock frames →
- 754 Series externally lighted windsock frames (quad-light) →
International 12-Volt Windsock Frame Assemblies
Designed for international aviation facilities and installations with varying voltage requirements.
Solar-Powered Windsock Frame Assemblies
Self-contained solar-powered windsock frame assemblies for remote helipads and heliports where electrical service is unavailable.
Non-Lighted Windsock Frames
Commercial-grade non-lighted stainless steel windsock frame assemblies designed for continuous outdoor aviation and industrial use.
Windsock Extension / Cage
12-inch extension keeps the windsock partially extended for improved visibility in low- or no-wind conditions.
Windsocks
Commercial-grade UV- and water-resistant high-visibility nylon windsocks available in standard aviation colors and sizes.
Windsock Poles
Commercial-grade 304/316 powder-coated stainless steel hinged poles for ground, roof, or wall-mounted installations.
Helipad & Heliport Windsock Applications
- Hospital helipads, medical centers, and trauma facilities
- Medevac helipads and emergency medical vertiports
- Corporate and private heliports
- Industrial and energy-sector helicopter landing facilities
- Government and military helicopter installations
- Rural and remote helicopter landing zones
For fixed-wing airport and airfield windsock systems, see Airport & Airfield Windsock Systems
FAA & ICAO Windsock Guidance References
FAA and ICAO guidance documents provide widely referenced recommendations for aviation wind direction indicators used at heliports, rooftop landing areas, hospitals, offshore helidecks, and commercial helicopter facilities. BDS windsock systems are engineered for reliable operational visibility across these demanding environments.
- FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27 outlines performance guidance for airport and heliport wind cone assemblies, including visibility, illumination, sizing, and operational considerations.
- FAA heliport design guidance also addresses wind cone placement, operational visibility, and helicopter approach considerations for helipad and heliport environments.
- ICAO Annex 14 establishes corresponding international standards for heliport and aerodrome wind direction indicators.
- FAA-certified wind cone assemblies may be required for certain federally funded airport projects.
Additional Resources:
Reference Standards:
- FAA Heliport Design Guidance (AC 150/5390-2D)
- FAA Airport Visual Aids Guidance (AC 150/5340-30)
- FAA Wind Cone Specifications (AC 150/5345-27F)
- ICAO Annex 14 Aerodrome Standards for Wind Direction IndicatorsFAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27 outlines performance guidance for airport and heliport wind cone assemblies, including visibility, illumination, sizing, and operational considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAA guidance for helipad windoscks is outlined in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2D for heliport design. Helipad windsocks should provide clear visual wind direction indication for day and night operations, rotate freely to accurately reflect wind conditions, and remain visible over the FATO and the TLOF. Illumination should support pilot visibility without excessive glare during final approach.
BDS windsock systems are engineered to comply with applicable FAA wind direction indicator guidance, including the FAA L-806 Lighted Wind Cone and L-807 Unlighted Wind Cone specifications. These standards define illumination, visibility, and structural performance expectations for wind direction indicators used at airports and heliports.
In aviation terminology, a wind cone refers to the complete wind direction indicator system, including the support structure, illumination system, frame assembly, and windsock fabric. The windsock is the fabric wind indicator attached to the frame. Pilots and operators commonly use the terms interchangeably.
751 Series single-light systems are commonly used for standard helipad and rooftop landing installations.
752 Series double-light and 754 Series quad-light systems provide enhanced visibility for extended approach distances, elevated heliports, and visually complex environments.
Optional photo controls enable automatic dusk-to-dawn operation, and optional steady-burn top beacon and obstruction beacon are available where required.
Windsock fabric typically requires replacement every 1–3 years depending on UV exposure, wind conditions, and geographic location.
Powder-coated 304/316 stainless steel provides greater structural strength and superior rust and corrosion resistance compared to aluminum.
Proprietary Delrin-type bearings provide maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant rotation without lubrication, ensuring reliable wind indication in harsh environments.
Hospital, Heliport, and Medical Aviation Facilities that Rely on BDS Systems
Trusted Supplier of Helipad & Heliport Windsock Systems
For over 50 years, BDS Systems has supplied FAA-compliant windsock systems for hospital heliports, rooftop helipads, and commercial helicopter facilities worldwide. Operators, engineers, and contractors trust BDS for corrosion-resistant construction, reliable visibility, and long-term outdoor durability.