Definition
The height above mean sea level of the highest point of a heliport's takeoff and landing area, used as the official reference elevation for that heliport.
Plain English
The published height above sea level of a heliport, measured at the highest spot where helicopters land or take off.
Context Anchor
Seen in heliport data, charts, performance planning, and altimeter-related discussions before landing at or departing from a heliport.
Derivation
“Heliport” combines “helicopter” with “port,” meaning a place for arrival and departure. “Elevation” comes from a word meaning “to raise up.” Together, the term points to the raised height of the heliport compared with sea level.
Why Pilots Care
Used to compute density altitude and determine helicopter performance limits such as maximum takeoff weight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “elevation” here as the act of lifting the helicopter. It means the heliport’s measured height above sea level.
Example Sentence 1
Before descending, the pilot cross-checked the altimeter against the published heliport elevation of 1,250 feet.
Example Sentence 2
High heliport elevation and temperature required a reduced fuel load to meet takeoff performance requirements.