A drip pan apparatus for use in a helicopter includes a drip pan and a frame having a plurality of frame sides and a plurality of frame corners that define an inwardly-facing peripheral surface. A first frame angle is formed between a first inwardly-facing surface and a second inwardly-facing surface. The first frame angle is an acute angle. The drip pan has an outwardly-facing peripheral surface. The outwardly-facing peripheral surface defines a plurality of sides, including a first side and a second side, to cooperate with the inwardly-facing peripheral surface of the frame. A first angle is formed between the first side and the second side. The first angle is an acute angle. A method of installing a drip pan includes modifying at least a portion of a skirt on the helicopter and then securing the frame to one or both of the modified skirt and the helicopter structure.