What is used to determine the runway centerline for authorizing simultaneous operations to/from a helipad?

The determination of the runway centerline for authorizing simultaneous operations to/from a helipad is primarily guided by the helicopter takeoff course. This course indicates the direction in which a helicopter will be departing or arriving, which is critical for ensuring that there is adequate separation and safety between multiple aircraft operations, especially in complex environments involving both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Using the helicopter takeoff course allows air traffic control to align operations with the most efficient and safe pathways, thus minimizing the risk of conflict with other aircraft. Furthermore, understanding the helicopter's intended flight path helps in assessing potential interactions with both the runway and any other nearby operational areas.

In contrast, runway direction pertains more to fixed-wing aircraft operations and does not provide a direct relation to the helicopter’s flight dynamics. Flight path angle is a measure of the actual ascent or descent of the aircraft but does not accurately reflect the lateral movement needed for spatial planning around a helipad. Ground speed vector represents the speed and direction an aircraft is moving over the ground, which is useful for understanding motion but insufficient for determining centerline authority in simultaneous operations. Thus, the helicopter takeoff course is the most relevant factor in this context.