- From 19 October – 4 November 2026 (3 Weeks, 6 Classes, 12 Total Hours)
- Every Monday and Wednesday at 1–3 p.m. Eastern Time (all sessions will be recorded and available for replay; course notes will be available for download)
- This new essential course provides the very latest information, design considerations, challenges, and pitfalls for vertiport & heliport design considerations
- All students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion at the end of the course
Instructed
by: Rex Alexander, FRAeS, Founder & President of Five-Alpha and arguably “the” global
authority on vertical flight infrastructure.
OVERVIEW
The VTOL industry is moving at a rapid pace with numerous aircraft currently in the process of certification. While some see the first VTOL aircraft being potentially certified within the next two to three years, these unique modes of transportation will still need a suitable and safe place to take off and land. This course will provide a background and understanding of traditional vertical flight infrastructure along with the next generation of advanced air mobility infrastructure, how both apply to the next generation of vertical lift infrastructure as well as provide an overview of some of the more technical aspects that must be considered.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Recognize the differences between FAA and ICAO vertical fight infrastructure standards
- Know the difference between an object, an obstruction, and a hazard
- Understand risk analysis applications as applied to vertical flight infrastructure
- Identify basic infrastructure safety management system principles
- Identify downwash and outwash considerations for infrastructure
- Have a basic understanding of hydrogen code application in vertical flight infrastructure
- Recognize potential litigation exposures in vertical flight infrastructure
AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for those interested in learning what it will take to develop VTOL and powered lift infrastructure that is safe, efficient, feasible, regulatory compliant, accessible to all, and resistant to obsolescence. Participants will be provided the key building blocks of vertical lift infrastructure design, development and safety in conjunction with an emphasis on strategic aspects specific to complex urban environments. As such, this course has been developed for both individuals who have little experience in vertical lift infrastructure as well as those who may have a significant level of knowledge on the subject.
COURSE FEES (Sign-In
To Register)
- AIAA
Member Price: $795 USD
- AIAA Student Member Price: $495 USD
-
Non-Member Price: $995 USD
OUTLINE:
Class 1
- Terminology
- Heliport Basics
- Vertiport Basics
- U.S. Federal Regulations
- Fire & Building Codes
- Advisory Circulars
- Engineering Briefs
- Other Standards
- Industry Updates
Class 2
- ICAO Infrastructure Standards
- Physical Infrastructure
- Airspace Design
- Loading
- Fire Safety
- Design Aircraft
- Landing Site Calculations
- Airspace Design
Class 3
- Obstruction Criteria
- Obstruction Classification
- Traverse Ways
- Airspace Protection
- Zoning
- Easements
- Data Integrity, Accuracy, and Accountability
Class 4
- Aircraft Landing Area Load Calculations
- Downwash & Outwash Considerations
- Aircraft Performance Considerations
- Weather Considerations
- Turbulence
Class 5
- Infrastructure Electrification
- Hydrogen Infrastructure Requirements
- Conducting an infrastructure Feasibility Study
Class 6
- Conducting Infrastructure Risk Analysis
- Implementing an Infrastructure Safety Management System
- Infrastructure Litigation Exposures
INSTRUCTOR
Rex Alexander, FRAes, is the Owner, Founder, and President of Five-Alpha (5α) LLC, a U.S.-based aeronautical consultancy specializing in the demanding and highly specialized field of vertical flight infrastructure. Mr. Alexander is a veteran rotary-wing and fixed-wing pilot, airframe and powerplant technician, and aviation entrepreneur with over four decades of experience spanning military, general, and commercial aviation. His primary area of expertise encompasses helicopter, eVTOL, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and powered-lift infrastructure design, development, and safety, with more than 32 years of direct experience in these disciplines. Mr. Alexander is a helicopter pilot with over 40 years of aviation experience, including 20 years in the Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) industry and 11 years of military service—six years on active duty with the U.S. Army and five years with the Indiana Army National Guard. He is recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a subject matter expert and, in 2026, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the aerospace industry. Since 2019, he has represented the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) as its infrastructure advisor to the broader aviation community. His professional and volunteer service includes serving as Chair of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 418, Standard for Heliports and Vertiports, Technical Committee; Chair of the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Infrastructure Focus Group; Co-Chair of the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Safety Technology Working Group; Co-Chair of Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Vertical Flight Infrastructure (VFI) Industry Advisory Council (IAC); member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Airport and Heliport Lighting Committee; and member of the Friends and Partners in Aviation Weather (FPAW). Mr. Alexander also serves as a platform instructor for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he teaches Heliport Evaluation and Rotorcraft Accident Investigation. He is a former board member and past president of both the National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) and the Indiana Association of Air Medical Services (INAAMS). Mr. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Parks College of Aviation Technology at Saint Louis University. He is a former U.S. Army Warrant Officer and “Aeroscout” helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, and standardization instructor pilot, having served on both active duty and in the Indiana Army National Guard.
Classroom Hours / CEUs: 12
classroom hours, 1.2 CEU/PDH
Course Delivery and Materials
- The course lectures will be delivered via Zoom.
- All sessions will be available on-demand within 1-2 days of the lecture. Once available, you can stream the replay video anytime, 24/7. All slides will be available for download after each lecture.
- No part of these materials may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted, unless for course participants. All rights reserved.
- Between lectures, the instructors will be available via email for technical questions and comments.
Cancellation Policy: A refund less a $50.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations made in writing prior to 7 days before the start of the event. After that time, no refunds will be provided.
Contact: Please contact Lisa Le or Customer Service if you have questions about the course or group discounts (for 5+ participants).