Is there a requirement for helicopters to be operated Class 1 in Nigeria? What about all the 407's and AStars? Some operators in other countries fly clapped out 76A models with 12 passengers taking off from floating pads a few inches above the water. They seem to do just fine - no dedicated rescue boat. Believe it or not, most helicopters in the world operate from helipads and not airports. Most operate Class 3, some Class 2, and a very small market segment operates impractically and inefficiently at Class 1.