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
Tip
High temperature increases the density altitude of this helipad.
Tip
Wind can generate rotors around the helipad. Potential turbulence can throw such a light aeroplane up and down like a ping-pong ball.
Tip
The empty space around and no points of reference for the pilot constitute a great challenge.
Czepiela looking over Dubai
© Naim Chidiac
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
Luke Czepiela sitting on the helipad of Burj Al Arab
© Naim Chidiac
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.