CS HPT-DSN.B.100 Final approach and take-off areas (FATOs)

(a)Applicability: A heliport should be provided with at least one final approach and take-off area (FATO).

(b)Location: A FATO in proximity to other infrastructure and objects should be located so as to minimise:

(1)the influence of the surrounding environment, including structure-induced turbulence;

(2)the influence of, and on, the surrounding traffic, including wake turbulence, where simultaneous aircraft operations are intended.

(c)Characteristics:

(1)A FATO should be obstacle-free; however, when collocated with the touchdown and lift-off area (TLOF), TLOF arrays of segmented point source lighting (ASPSL) or luminescent panels (LPs) with a height not more than 5 cm can be provided for the installation of visual aids.

(2)Where a FATO is intended to be used by helicopters operated in performance class 1, its dimensions should be as prescribed in the helicopter (aircraft) flight manual (HFM) except that, in the absence of width specifications, the width should be not less than the greatest overall dimension (D) of the largest helicopter the FATO is intended to serve.

(3)Where a FATO is intended to be used by helicopters operated in performance class 2 or 3, its dimensions should be of sufficient size and shape to contain an area within which a circle can be drawn of diameter not less than:

(i)1 D of the largest helicopter when the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of helicopters the FATO is intended to serve is more than 3 175 kg;

(ii)0.83 D of the largest helicopter when the MTOM of helicopters the FATO is intended to serve is 3 175 kg or less.

(4)The surface of the FATO should:

(i)be resistant to the effects of rotor downwash;

(ii)be free of irregularities that would adversely affect the take-off or landing of helicopters;

(iii)have bearing strength sufficient to accommodate a rejected take-off by helicopters operated in performance class 1;

(iv)provide ground effect;

(v)have a mean slope in any direction which should not exceed 3 per cent; and

(vi)provide rapid drainage.

(5)No portion of a FATO should have a local slope exceeding:

(i)5 per cent where the heliport is intended to be used by helicopters operated in performance class 1;

(ii)7 per cent where the heliport is intended to be used by helicopters operated in performance class 2 or 3.