Carving a Heliport Niche

As the country’s aerospace sector takes on greater importance, maintenance and repair firm ENTEC is solidifying its place in one segment: heliports.

“Companies need to adapt to the country’s quickly changing landscape so, in that sense, ENTEC strives to position itself as a leader in Mexico’s care and maintenance services,” says César Moreno, Director General of ENTEC.

Though there are several companies in the country that are in the business of building heliports, few offer integral services like ENTEC. Its five business units, aerospace, height access, height services, worksite safety and special projects work in unison. The aerospace division is a growing segment for the business. “Aerospace is our company’s most active area. In second place is our height-access equipment and services that focus on exterior maintenance,” Moreno says.

ENTEC’s offering includes technical design that considers existing facilities. This phase includes the definition of construction needs, as well as an aeronautics, operational and structural feasibility studies.

The second stage develops research for the desired helicopter routes, focused on defining operational characteristics, factoring in the helicopter that is going to be used and the location’s conditions. The research follows the technical requirements of DGAC’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ICAO and the FAA.

The normativity for heliports encompasses usage as well. The DGAC’s operational authorizations range between 30 days and 30 years. In Mexico, only 122 of a total 398 heliports are authorized by DGAC. In the capital, there are 162 heliports but only 70 of these have the necessary permits to operate.

The company’s expertise working at heights in industrial environments is put to good use during the construction stage. ENTEC’s height access business and worksite safety services ensure the construction is performed under the strictest safety measures for workers and pedestrians. The company also offers all the necessary the public to ensure the heliport’s functioning after construction.

Even though the construction phase is one of the most visible parts of the project, aftersales services ensure the heliports correct operation once the construction and design phases have ended. ENTEC performs maintenance and updates and can even take charge of everyday technical aspects such as turning on lights and hospitality services for users.

Moreno says many new buildings and helipads age quicker than they should because of a lack of upkeep. “At ENTEC, we think that maintenance should be seen as part of a service that end users deserve and not as an expense. Our business revolves around safety and we collaborate with companies that have very high-safety standards,” says the Director General.

ENTEC’s heliport construction techniques include the use of concrete, steel and aluminum. Though the use of aluminum might seem controversial, the material’s lightness as well as its resistance to corrosion make it a sound alternative to steel. Heliports made with aluminum can be constructed in a different location and transported to their permanent site, which make it a perfect fit for buildings that are adding helipads post- construction rather than in during planning phase as infrastructure companies tend to recommend.