When one or both departures is from a helipad, use ________ as the threshold for reference when determining distance.

• A. the runway centerline
• B. the nearest wingtip
• C. the helipad center
• D. the taxiway edge

Answer: (C)

When a takeoff begins from a helipad, the starting reference for distance is the center of the helipad. This point marks the actual origin of the helicopter’s ascent, so measuring from the helipad center provides a consistent, unambiguous baseline for spacing to obstacles, other aircraft, or runway/tacility constraints. Using the runway centerline would tie the measurement to a feature not relevant to the helipad departure, and basing it on a wingtip or a taxiway edge would depend on the aircraft’s orientation or nearby infrastructure rather than the true departure point. The helipad center is the correct threshold because it accurately reflects where the takeoff begins.