Introduction
Located in the heart of California's Monterey County, Roberts Army Heliport (IATA: SYL) is an important link for military and civilian aviation. It serves as an important facility for Army-wide aviation training, operational readiness, and power projection. This article is for seasoned pilots and travelers who want interesting information about a one-of-a-kind aviation destination.
Airlines and Destinations
Roberts Army Heliport is a military heliport specific to only the U.S. Army, located in Shelby County. And so, by definition, it does not have any commercial airline service or scheduled flights. The heliport is used exclusively for military flights, exercises, and movements.
Passengers and Flights
Because Roberts Army Heliport is a military facility, it does not provide traditional commercial passenger services. As the heliport is mainly used for military operations and training, figures on flights or movements related to it do not appear in any public databases.
How to Get Here
Roberts Army Heliport is located near U.S. Route 101 and about 4 miles (6 km) northwest of the San Miguel, California downtown area. The heliport is located in the southern part of Monterey County, midway between Bradley and San Miguel.
Parking
Roberts Army Heliport is a military facility that does not have public parking. The heliport is a secure facility, and anyone visiting must have the required clearances to be on-site.
Transportation Price
There is no transportation service or cost information provided for Roberts Army Heliport because it is not open to the public. All transportation to and from the heliport is at the visitor's expense.
Terminal Layout
Roberts Army Heliport has one helipad at an elevation of 2,740 by 100 feet (835 x 30 m) with a paved surface designated H1. As this is a heliport, there will not be an airport terminal building like with any other normal-airplane-based commercial passenger services.
Navigate the Airport
Roberts Army Heliport is a military facility - it is not open to the public. The heliport is restricted, and visitors must obtain permission to enter the property. A flight path is established to support military helicopter operations and training at the heliport.
Getting Between Terminals
There are no terminals or concourses in Roberts Army Heliport as it is a single-helipad facility. H1 is the designated helipad for all helicopter operations and activities.
Services and Amenities
Roberts Army Heliport is a military heliport with only basic services. The facility is meant to support the U.S. Army's operational and training needs exclusively, with no provisions being made for public or civilian use.
Restaurants and Shops
No restaurants, shops, or commercial establishments are on-site at Roberts Army Heliport. The heliport is a strictly military facility, with no public services or amenities.
Security and Customs
Roberts Army Heliport is a military installation, and it has security concerns. Only a limited number of cars are allowed access to the heliport, and all visitors must pass through stringent security checks before being cleared. This facility also does not offer any customs or immigration services, as it is simply a non-international point of entry.
Accessibility
Since it is a dedicated military structure, Roberts Army Heliport is not open to private aircraft. The heliport was built and operates according to U.S. Army-specific requirements, and it is very ride-in/ride-out with no accommodations for people with mobility disabilities or special needs of otherwise unable passengers.
Travel Tips
Because Roberts Army Heliport is restricted, it does not operate as a destination for general public travel. However, if you must go to the heliport for a specific need, it is essential that there be coordination with military authorities and clearances obtained at least fifteen (15) days in advance.