Definition
Height above landing (HAL) is the height, measured in feet, of an instrument approach minimum descent altitude (MDA) above the elevation of the designated helicopter landing area. It is used in the publication of helicopter instrument approach procedures that terminate at a heliport or helipad rather than at a runway.
Plain English
How many feet you are above the spot where the helicopter is going to land. It is used in the lowest altitude allowed on certain helicopter instrument approaches.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach procedures and in discussions of approach minimums.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the precise height reference needed to maintain terrain clearance and make safe landing decisions in low-visibility conditions.
Intuition Check
HAL is not general altitude above sea level. It is height measured from the landing area itself.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate showed an MDA with a HAL of 250 feet, meaning the helicopter could descend to 250 feet above the helipad before needing the landing area in sight.
Example Sentence 2
At 100 feet HAL the runway environment came into view and the pilot continued the landing.