final approach and take-off area (FATO)

EASA defines “final approach and take-off area (FATO)” in 2 regulations, worded for each regulation's scope. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

‘final approach and take-off area (FATO)’ means a defined area for helicopter or VCA operations over which the final phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or land is completed, and from which the take-off manoeuvre is commenced; in the case of helicopters operating in performance class 1 and VCA operating in the category Enhanced or equivalent, the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · Read the article

‘Final approach and take-off area (FATO)’ means a defined area over which the final phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or landing is completed and from which the take-off manoeuvre is commenced. Where the FATO is to be used by helicopters operated in performance class 1, the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available.

CS HPT-DSN.A.020 · Aerodromes · Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 · Easy Access Rules, 13 Mar 2026 revision · Read CS HPT-DSN.A.020

Defined in the same article

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