Superyacht Helicopter Hangar & Stowage

Where the helicopter lives between flights matters as much as where it lands. A superyacht helicopter hangar has to keep the aircraft secure in a seaway, protect the yacht from the fire risk it carries and fit within the approvals the yacht already holds.

On deck

For landing and stowing the helicopter on deck, the yacht will need:

• Adequate tie-down points for the helicopter
• Safety nets installed around the landing area to protect personnel
• An “H” painted in a colour that contrasts clearly with the deck
• Paint to highlight fixed obstacles that are difficult to see from the air

Hangar design

A hangar is subject to Class approval of its general arrangement, structure, structural fire protection, fire detection and extinguishing, and ventilation. Beyond the approvals, we recommend involving a surveyor or inspector early to advise on design points such as CCTV coverage and arrangements that limit excessive movement of the helicopter at sea.

Getting it into the contract

Whether the hangar is part of a new build or added during a refit, the specification and the approvals should be written into the contract. That means setting out who obtains the Class and flag approvals, what standard the hangar must meet on delivery and what happens if it does not. We draft and negotiate these terms with the shipyard, alongside the rest of the construction or refit contract.