The FAA's new design guidelines for vertiports will help ensure that infrastructure is in place to support the growing number of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. AAM aircraft are electrically powered and take-off and land vertically, so it is important to have facilities that can accommodate these operations. The guidelines provide key information for airport owners, operators and infrastructure developers to begin planning and developing vertiport facilities. By having vertiports available, we can make AAM a reality and improve air travel options for everyone.

The FAA has released new design standards for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) operations that will transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes in rural, urban and suburban areas. The design standards include critical information that designers and builders will need to follow to allow for safe takeoffs and landings. Some of the key safety features include: 

Safety-critical geometry and design elements: Dimensions for vertiport touchdown and liftoff areas, additional airspace needed for approach and departure paths,and load-bearing capacity. In the future FAA anticipates a high rate of operations at many vertiports. 

Lighting, markings and visual aids: Guidelines on markings, lighting and visual aids that identify the facility as a vertiport. The FAA recommends the Vertiport Identification Symbol (shown above) be used to help identify these facilities.

FAA Vertiport Design Standards

New design guidelines for vertiports - Engineering Brief No. 105, Vertiport Design

Heliport / Vertiport Beacons and Perimeter Lights