Are helipads classified as controlled or uncontrolled surfaces?

Helipads are classified as controlled surfaces because they are specifically designated areas where helipads are located and operate under regulated procedures to ensure safety. Controlled surfaces are subject to operational protocols that govern the movement of aircraft and the types of activities that can occur in that airspace. This designation helps manage traffic, provides a framework for communication between pilots and air traffic control, and ensures that safety standards are maintained.

In contrast, uncontrolled surfaces do not have the same level of regulatory oversight, which could lead to increased risks in aircraft operations. Emergency surfaces and restricted surfaces further delineate specific operational protocols, but these are typically associated with limited access or specific emergency scenarios rather than day-to-day helicopter operations. Thus, helipads align with the definition and operational framework of controlled surfaces.