This paper concerns the integration of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technologies in helicopters. A global RFID system, including RFID tags (passive, battery assisted and active), reading modules and data concentrator, will be embedded in helicopters. Such an integration requires a positioning model, which must consider technological choices of the on-board components. The proposed approach combines an optimization model and a physical model to determine an optimal covering of each tag by at least one reading module. This covering is based on radio wave propagation. The optimization model is derived from a location model with specific constraints. Experimental results validate the approach in an industrial context.