Story ID: 
Lily Patents Environmentally Friendly Helipad
By: Mark Huber
Caption: The pad captures all aircraft fluids, including jet fuel and de-icing liquid, and has a built-in heating system for snow and ice abatement.
Word Count: 152
Indiana-based Lily Helipads has patented its “designed and built green” helipad with a variety of integrated environmental and safety systems. The pad captures all aircraft fluids, including jet fuel and de-icing liquid.

It also eliminates the need to use ground ice-melt chemicals, thanks to a built-in heating system that automatically provides snow and ice abatement for the entire landing pad, providing slip-and-fall-free access on the helipad and on the walkway. A 100 percent frangible windsock is designed to break apart if there is accidental contact with a helicopter. LED lighting for the helipad and the windsock is pilot controlled.

Lily Helipads was founded by helicopter pilot and contractor John Dotlich. The most recent Lily helipad was installed at the new Hendricks County Regional Hospital in Indiana. The company said its helipads are designed to be environmentally friendly and safe while surpassing FAA and hospital trauma safety standards.