Tampa General Hospital, located on scenic Davis Island in the heart of Tampa Bay, has long been a vital medical institution for West Central Florida. The hospital, founded in 1927, serves a vast region of over four million people across a dozen counties. Its strategic location on the waterfront, while providing easy access to patients and emergency services, presents unique challenges, particularly related to corrosion from the harsh saltwater environment of Tampa Bay.

In response to these challenges, Tampa General Hospital made the decision to upgrade its helipad, which had originally been situated at ground level, adjacent to Tampa Bay. The saltwater spray and rotor wash from the Aeromed emergency helicopters intensified corrosion, and the area’s vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes only added to the strain. Moving the helipad to the hospital’s rooftop was the most practical solution, as it not only mitigated these environmental hazards but also provided better access for emergency air transport.

To handle this complex upgrade, Tampa General Hospital partnered with FEC Heliports, an industry leader known for its expertise in designing and constructing custom helipads. FEC Heliports, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has decades of experience creating rooftop, ground-level, and offshore helipads worldwide. They provided a custom solution that included two landing pads, one of which was specifically designed to accommodate the U.S. Coast Guard’s large, heavy Jayhawk rescue helicopter. This dual-pad setup gives the hospital the flexibility to accommodate a range of emergency operations while ensuring operational resilience.

In terms of materials, FEC Heliports chose hot-dip galvanized steel for the construction of the helipad. This decision was driven by the need for a corrosion-resistant material that could withstand the harsh marine environment. Hot-dip galvanizing involves dipping steel into molten zinc, forming a tough zinc-iron alloy coating that protects the steel from corrosion and enhances its durability. This coating process ensures the helipad’s structural integrity against saltwater exposure, storm surges, and the abrasions caused by helicopter rotor wash.

The steel structure of the helipad weighs 122 tons and features a coating that averages 11.4 mils in thickness. With an expected lifespan of well over 100 years, this design not only ensures minimal maintenance but also offers significant sustainability benefits. After a century, it is projected that 95% of the helipad’s zinc coating will remain intact, providing long-term protection for the infrastructure.

Kevin Gaudet, President of FEC Heliports, emphasized the importance of the hot-dip galvanizing process, stating that “In the beginning of our journey we realized that the hot-dip galvanized coating was the path we needed to take because the use of other coatings systems did not compare. The hot-dip galvanized coating provides you with long-term survival of the steel.” The decision to use galvanized steel also aligns with Tampa General’s commitment to sustainability. The helipad's structure is fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle, further reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the hospital’s sustainability efforts.

By investing in this durable, corrosion-resistant solution, Tampa General Hospital ensures that it can continue to provide life-saving services to the community for generations to come, all while contributing to a more sustainable future. The hospital’s commitment to excellence and innovation extends well beyond patient care, encompassing environmental stewardship and resource conservation as well.