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CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

ANNEX IV (Part-CAT) · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

IRImplementing rule

CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

(a)The operator shall establish aerodrome operating minima for each departure, destination or alternate aerodrome that is planned to be used in order to ensure separation of the aircraft from terrain and obstacles and to mitigate the risk of loss of visual references during the visual flight segment of instrument approach operations.

(b)The method used to establish aerodrome operating minima shall take all the following elements into account:

(1)the type, performance, and handling characteristics of the aircraft;

(2)the equipment available on the aircraft for the purpose of navigation, acquisition of visual references, and/or control of the flight path during take-off, approach, landing, and the missed approach;

(3)any conditions or limitations stated in the aircraft flight manual (AFM);

(4)the relevant operational experience of the operator;

(5)the dimensions and characteristics of the runways/final approach and take-off areas (FATOs) that may be selected for use;

(6)the adequacy and performance of the available visual and non-visual aids and infrastructure;

(7)the obstacle clearance altitude/height (OCA/H) for the instrument approach procedures (IAPs);

(8)the obstacles in the climb-out areas and necessary clearance margins;

(9)the composition of the flight crew, their competence and experience;

(10)the IAP;

(11)the aerodrome characteristics and the available air navigation services (ANS);

(12)any minima that may be promulgated by the State of the aerodrome;

(13)the conditions prescribed in the operations specifications including any specific approvals for low-visibility operations (LVOs) or operations with operational credits.

(14)any non-standard characteristics of the aerodrome, the IAP or the environment

(c)The operator shall specify a method of determining aerodrome operating minima in the operations manual.

(d)The method used by the operator to establish aerodrome operating minima and any change to that method shall be approved by the competent authority.

IR · CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Regulation (EU) 2021/2237 · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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TAKE-OFF OPERATIONS — AEROPLANES

(a)Take-off minima Take-off minima should be expressed as visibility (VIS) or runway visual range (RVR) limits, taking into account all relevant factors for each runway planned to be used and aircraft characteristics and equipment. Where there is a specific need to see and avoid obstacles on departure and/or for a forced landing, additional conditions, e.g. ceiling, should be specified.

(b)Visual reference

(1)The take-off minima should be selected to ensure sufficient guidance to control the aircraft in the event of both a rejected take-off in adverse circumstances and a continued take-off after failure of the critical engine.

(2)For night operations, the prescribed runway lights should be in operation.

(c)Required RVR or VIS

(1)For multi-engined aeroplanes, with performance such that, in the event of a critical engine failure at any point during take-off, the aeroplane can either stop or continue the take-off to a height of 1 500 ft above the aerodrome while clearing obstacles by the required margins, the take-off minima specified by the operator should be expressed as RVR or VIS values not lower than those specified in Table 1.

(2)For multi-engined aeroplanes without the performance to comply with the conditions in (c)(1), in the event of a critical engine failure, there may be a need to re-land immediately and to see and avoid obstacles in the take-off area. Such aeroplanes may be operated to the following take-off minima provided that they are able to comply with the applicable obstacle clearance criteria, assuming engine failure at the height specified. The take-off minima specified by the operator should be based upon the height from which the one-engine-inoperative (OEI) net take-off flight path can be constructed. The RVR minima used should not be lower than either of the values specified in Table 1 or Table 2.

(3)For single-engined turbine aeroplane operations approved in accordance with Subpart L (SET-IMC) of Annex V (Part-SPA), the take-off minima specified by the operator should be expressed as RVR values not lower than those specified in Table 1. Unless the operator is making use of a risk period, whenever the surface in front of the runway does not allow for a safe forced landing, the RVR values should not be lower than 800 m. In this case, the proportion of the flight to be considered starts at the lift-off position and ends when the aeroplane is able to turn back and land on the runway in the opposite direction or glide to the next landing site in case of power loss.

Table 1 Take-off — aeroplanes (without LVTO approval) RVR or VIS

Minimum RVR* or VIS*Facilities
500 m (day)Nil**
400 m (day)Centre line markings or Runway edge lights or Runway centre line lights
400 m (night)Runway end lights*** and Runway edge lights or runway centreline lights

* The reported RVR or VIS value representative of the initial part of the take-off run can be replaced by pilot assessment. ** The pilot is able to continuously identify the take-off surface and maintain directional control. *** Runway end lights may be substituted by colour-coded runway edge lights or colour-coded runway centre line lights.

Table 2 Take-off — aeroplanes (without LVTO approval) Assumed engine failure height above the runway versus RVR or VIS

Assumed engine failure height above the take-off runway (ft)RVR or VIS (m)**
<50400
51–100400
101–150400
151–200500
201–3001 000
>300* or if no positive take-off flight path can be constructed1 500

** The reported RVR or VIS value representative of the initial part of the take-off run can be replaced by pilot assessment.

AMC · AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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TAKE-OFF OPERATIONS — HELICOPTERS

(a)General

(1)Take-off minima should be expressed as VIS or RVR limits, taking into account all relevant factors for each aerodrome or operating site planned to be used and aircraft characteristics and equipment. Where there is a specific need to see and avoid obstacles on departure, or for a forced landing, additional conditions, e.g. ceiling, should be specified.

(2)The commander should not commence take-off unless the meteorological conditions at the aerodrome or operating site of departure are equal to or better than the applicable minima for landing at that aerodrome or operating site unless a weather-permissible take-off alternate aerodrome is available.

(3)When the reported VIS is below that required for take-off and the RVR is not reported, a take-off should only be commenced if the commander can determine that the visibility or RVR along the take-off runway/area is equal to or better than the required minimum.

(4)When no reported VIS or RVR is available, a take-off should only be commenced if the commander can determine that the visibility along the take-off runway/area is equal to or better than the required minimum.

(b)Visual reference

(1)The take-off minima should be selected to ensure sufficient guidance to control the aircraft in the event of both a rejected take-off in adverse circumstances and a continued take-off after failure of the critical engine.

(2)For night operations, ground lights should be available to illuminate the take-off runway/final approach and take-off area (FATO) and any obstacles.

(3)For point-in-space (PinS) departures to an initial departure fix (IDF), the take-off minima should be selected to ensure sufficient guidance to see and avoid obstacles and return to the heliport if the flight cannot be continued visually to the IDF. This should require a VIS of 800 m. The ceiling should be 250 ft.

(c)Required RVR or VIS

(1)For performance class 1 operations, the operator should specify an RVR or a VIS as takeoff minima in accordance with Table 3.

(2)For performance class 2 operations onshore, the commander should operate to take-off minima of 800 m RVR or VIS and remain clear of cloud during the take-off manoeuvre until reaching performance class 1 capabilities.

(3)For performance class 2 operations offshore, the commander should operate to minima not less than those for performance class 1 and remain clear of cloud during the take-off manoeuvre until reaching performance class 1 capabilities.

Table 3 Take-off — helicopters (without LVTO approval) RVR or VIS

Onshore aerodromes with instrument flight rules (IFR) departure proceduresRVR or VIS (m)**
No light and no markings (day only)400 or the rejected take-off distance, whichever is the greater
No markings (night)800
Runway edge/FATO light and centre line marking400
Runway edge/FATO light, centre line marking and relevant RVR information400
Offshore helideck*
Two-pilot operations400
Single-pilot operations500

* The take-off flight path to be free of obstacles. ** On PinS departures to IDF, VIS should not be less than 800 m and the ceiling should not be less than 250 ft.

AMC · AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC3 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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DETERMINATION OF DH/MDH FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACH OPERATIONS — AEROPLANES

(a)The decision height (DH) to be used for a 3D approach operation or a 2D approach operation flown using the continuous descent final approach (CDFA) technique should not be lower than the highest of:

(1)the obstacle clearance height (OCH) for the category of aircraft;

(2)the published approach procedure DH or minimum descent height (MDH) where applicable;

(3)the system minima specified in Table 4;

(4)the minimum DH permitted for the runway specified in Table 5; or

(5)the minimum DH specified in the aircraft flight manual (AFM) or equivalent document, if stated.

(b)The MDH for a 2D approach operation flown not using the CDFA technique should not be lower than the highest of:

(1)the OCH for the category of aircraft;

(2)the published approach procedure MDH where applicable;

(3)the system minima specified in Table 4;

(4)the lowest MDH permitted for the runway specified in Table 5; or

(5)the lowest MDH specified in the AFM, if stated.

Table 4 System minima — aeroplanes

FacilityLowest DH/MDH (ft)
ILS/MLS/GLS200
GNSS/SBAS (LPV)200*
Precision approach radar (PAR)200
GNSS/SBAS (LP)250
GNSS (LNAV)250
GNSS/Baro VNAV (LNAV/VNAV)250
LOC with or without DME250
SRA (terminating at ½ NM)250
SRA (terminating at 1 NM)300
SRA (terminating at 2 NM or more)350
VOR300
VOR/DME250
NDB350
NDB/DME300
VDF350

* For localiser performance with vertical guidance (LPV), a DH of 200 ft may be used only if the published FAS datablock sets a vertical alert limit not exceeding 35 m. Otherwise, the DH should not be lower than 250 ft. Table 5 Runway type minima — aeroplanes

Runway typeLowest DH/MDH (ft)
Instrument runwayPrecision approach (PA) runway, category I200
NPA runway250
Non-Instrument runwayNon-instrument runwayCircling minima as shown in Table 15

(c)Where a barometric DA/H or MDA/H is used, this should be adjusted where the ambient temperature is significantly below international standard atmosphere (ISA). GM8 CAT.OP.MPA.110 ‘Low temperature correction’ provides a cold temperature correction table for adjustment of minimum promulgated heights/altitudes.

AMC · AMC3 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC4 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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DETERMINATION OF DH/MDH FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACH OPERATIONS — HELICOPTERS

(a)The DH or MDH to be used for a 3D or a 2D approach operation should not be lower than the highest of:

(1)the OCH for the category of aircraft;

(2)the published approach procedure DH or MDH where applicable;

(3)the system minima specified in Table 6;

(4)the minimum DH permitted for the runway/FATO specified in Table 7, if applicable; or

(5)the minimum DH specified in the AFM or equivalent document, if stated. Table 6 System minima — helicopters

FacilityLowest DH/MDH (ft)
ILS/MLS/GLS200
GNSS/SBAS (LPV)*200
Precision approach radar (PAR)200
GNSS/SBAS (LP)250
GNSS (LNAV)250
GNSS/Baro VNAV (LNAV/VNAV)250
Helicopter PinS approach250**
LOC with or without DME250
SRA (terminating at ½ NM)250
SRA (terminating at 1 NM)300
SRA (terminating at 2 NM or more)350
VOR300
VOR/DME250
NDB350
NDB/DME300
VDF350

* For LPV, a DH of 200 ft may be used only if the published FAS datablock sets a vertical alert limit not exceeding 35 m. Otherwise, the DH should not be lower than 250 ft. ** For PinS approaches with instructions to ‘proceed VFR’ to an undefined or virtual destination, the DH or MDH should be with reference to the ground below the missed approach point (MAPt). Table 7 Type of runway/FATO versus lowest DH/MDH — helicopters

Type of runway/FATOLowest DH/MDH (ft)
Precision approach (PA) runway, category I Non-precision approach (NPA) runway Non-instrument runway200
Instrument FATO FATO200 250

Table 7 does not apply to helicopter PinS approaches with instructions to ‘proceed VFR’.

AMC · AMC4 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC5 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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DETERMINATION OF RVR OR VIS FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACH OPERATIONS — AEROPLANES

(a)The RVR or VIS for straight-in instrument approach operations should be not less than the greatest of:

(1)the minimum RVR or VIS for the type of runway used according to Table 8;

(2)the minimum RVR determined according to the MDH or DH and class of lighting facility according to Table 9; or

(3)the minimum RVR according to the visual and non-visual aids and on-board equipment used according to Table 10. If the value determined in (1) is a VIS, then the result is a minimum VIS. In all other cases, the result is a minimum RVR.

(b)For Category A and B aeroplanes, if the RVR or VIS determined in accordance with (a) is greater than 1 500 m, then 1 500 m should be used.

(c)If the approach is flown with a level flight segment at or above the MDA/H, then 200 m should be added to the RVR calculated in accordance with (a) and (b) for Category A and B aeroplanes and 400 m for Category C and D aeroplanes.

(d)The visual aids should comprise standard runway day markings, runway edge lights, threshold lights, runway end lights and approach lights as defined in Table 11. Table 8 Type of runway versus minimum RVR or VIS — aeroplanes

Type of runwayMinimum RVR or VIS (m)
PA runway Category IRVR 550
NPA runwayRVR 750
Non-instrument runwayVIS according to Table 15 (circling minima)

Table 9 RVR versus DH/MDH — aeroplanes

DH or MDH (ft)Class of lighting facility
FALSIALSBALSNALS
RVR (m)
200-2105507501 0001 200
211-2405508001 0001 200
241-2505508001 0001 300
251-2606008001 1001 300
261-2806009001 1001 300
281-3006509001 2001 400
301-3207001 0001 2001 400
321-3408001 1001 3001 500
341-3609001 2001 4001 600
361-3801 0001 3001 5001 700
381-4001 1001 4001 6001 800
401-4201 2001 5001 7001 900
421-4401 3001 6001 8002 000
441-4601 4001 7001 9002 100
461-4801 5001 8002 0002 200
481-5001 5001 8002 1002 300
501-5201 6001 9002 1002 400
521-5401 7002 0002 2002 400
541-5601 8002 1002 3002 400
561-5801 9002 2002 4002 400
581-6002 0002 3002 4002 400
601-6202 1002 4002 4002 400
621-6402 2002 4002 4002 400
641-6602 3002 4002 4002 400
661and above2 4002 4002 4002 400

Table 10 Visual and non-visual aids and/or on-board equipment versus minimum RVR — aeroplanes

Type of approachFacilitiesLowest RVR
Multi-pilot operationsSingle-pilot operations
3D operations Final approach track offset ≤15° for category A and B aeroplanes or ≤5° for Category C and D aeroplanesrunway touchdown zone lights (RTZL) and runway centre line lights (RCLL)No limitation
without RTZL and/or RCLL but using HUDLS or equivalent system; without RTZL and/or RCLL but using autopilot or flight director to the DHNo limitation600 m
No RTZL and/or RCLL, not using HUDLS or equivalent system or autopilot or flight director to the DH750 m800 m
3D operationsrunway touchdown zone lights (RTZL) and runway centre line lights (RCLL) and Final approach track offset >15° for Category A and B aeroplanes or Final approach track offset > 5° for Category C and D aeroplanes800 m1 000 m
without RTZL and RCLL but using HUDLS or equivalent system; autopilot or flight director to the DH and Final approach track offset > 15° for Category A and B aeroplanes or Final approach track offset > 5° for Category C and D aeroplanes800 m1 000 m
2D operationsFinal approach track offset ≤15° for category A and B aeroplanes or ≤5° for Category C and D aeroplanes750 m800 m
Final approach track offset 15° for Category A and B aeroplanes1 000 m1 000 m
Final approach track offset 5° for Category C and D aeroplanes1 200 m1 200 m

Table 11 Approach lighting systems — aeroplanes

Class of lighting facilityLength, configuration and intensity of approach lights
FALSCAT I lighting system (HIALS ≥720 m) distance coded centre line, barrette centre line
IALSSimple approach lighting system (HIALS 420–719 m) single source, barrette
BALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m)
NALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS <210 m) or no approach lights

(e)For night operations or for any operation where credit for visual aids is required, the lights should be on and serviceable except as provided for in Table 17.

(f)Where any visual or non-visual aid specified for the approach and assumed to be available in the determination of operating minima is unavailable, revised operating minima will need to be determined.

AMC · AMC5 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2023/007/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC6 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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DETERMINATION OF RVR OR VIS FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACH OPERATIONS — HELICOPTERS The RVR/VIS minima for Type A instrument approach and Type B CAT I instrument approach operations should be determined as follows:

(a)For IFR operations, the RVR or VIS should not be less than the greatest of:

(1)the minimum RVR or VIS for the type of runway/FATO used according to Table 12;

(2)the minimum RVR determined according to the MDH or DH and class of lighting facility according to Table 13; or

(3)for PinS operations with instructions to ‘proceed visually’, the distance between the MAPt of the PinS and the FATO or its approach light system. If the value determined in (1) is a VIS, then the result is a minimum VIS. In all other cases, the result is a minimum RVR.

(b)For PinS operations with instructions to ‘proceed VFR’, the VIS should be compatible with visual flight rules.

(c)For Type A instrument approaches where the MAPt is within ½ NM of the landing threshold, the approach minima specified for FALS may be used regardless of the length of the approach lights available. However, FATO/runway edge lights, threshold lights, end lights and FATO/runway markings are still required.

(d)An RVR of less than 800 m should not be used except when using a suitable autopilot coupled to an ILS, an MLS, a GLS or LPV, in which case normal minima apply.

(e)For night operations, ground lights should be available to illuminate the FATO/runway and any obstacles.

(f)The visual aids should comprise standard runway day markings, runway edge lights, threshold lights and runway end lights and approach lights as specified in Table 14.

(g)For night operations or for any operation where credit for runway and approach lights as defined in Table 14 is required, the lights should be on and serviceable except as defined in Table 17. Table 12 Type of runway/FATO versus minimum RVR — helicopters

Type of runway/FATOMinimum RVR or VIS
PA runway, category I NPA runway Non-instrument runwayRVR 550 m
Instrument FATO FATORVR 550 m RVR/VIS 800 m

Table 13 Onshore helicopter instrument approach minima

DH/MDH (ft)Facilities versus RVR (m)
FALSIALSBALSNALS
2005506007001 000
201–2495506507501 000
250–299600*700*8001 000
300 and above750*8009001 000

* Minima on 2D approach operations should be no lower than 800 m.

Table 14 Approach lighting systems — helicopters

Class of lighting facilityLength, configuration and intensity of approach lights
FALSCAT I lighting system (HIALS ≥ 720 m) distance coded centre line, barrette centre line
IALSSimple approach lighting system (HIALS 420–719 m) single source, barrette
BALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m)
NALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS < 210 m) or no approach lights

AMC · AMC6 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC7 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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CIRCLING OPERATIONS — AEROPLANES

(a)Circling minima The following standards should apply for establishing circling minima for operations with aeroplanes:

(1)the MDH for circling operation should not be lower than the highest of:

(i)the published circling OCH for the aeroplane category;

(ii)the minimum circling height derived from Table 15; or

(iii)the DH/MDH of the preceding instrument approach procedure (IAP);

(2)the MDA for circling should be calculated by adding the published aerodrome elevation to the MDH, as determined by (a)(1); and

(3)the minimum VIS for circling should be the higher of:

(i)the circling VIS for the aeroplane category, if published; or

(ii)the minimum VIS derived from Table 15.

Table 15 Circling — aeroplanes MDH and minimum VIS versus aeroplane category

Aeroplane category
ABCD
MDH (ft)400500600700
Minimum VIS (m)1 5001 6002 4003 600

(b)Conduct of flight — general

(1)the MDH and OCH included in the procedure are referenced to aerodrome elevation;

(2)the MDA is referenced to mean sea level;

(3)for these procedures, the applicable visibility is the VIS; and

(4)operators should provide tabular guidance of the relationship between height above threshold and the in-flight visibility required to obtain and sustain visual contact during the circling manoeuvre.

(c)Instrument approach followed by visual manoeuvring (circling) without prescribed tracks

(1)When the aeroplane is on the initial instrument approach, before visual reference is established, but not below MDA/H, the aeroplane should follow the corresponding IAP until the appropriate instrument MAPt is reached.

(2)At the beginning of the level flight phase at or above the MDA/H, the instrument approach track should be maintained until the pilot:

(i)estimates that, in all probability, visual contact with the runway of intended landing or the runway environment will be maintained during the entire circling procedure;

(ii)estimates that the aeroplane is within the circling area before commencing circling; and

(iii)is able to determine the aeroplane’s position in relation to the runway of intended landing with the aid of the appropriate visual references.

(3)If the pilot cannot comply with the conditions in (c)(2) at the MAPt, then a missed approach should be executed in accordance with the IAP.

(4)After the aeroplane has left the track of the initial instrument approach, the flight phase outbound from the runway should be limited to an appropriate distance, which is required to align the aeroplane onto the final approach. Such manoeuvres should be conducted to enable the aeroplane to:

(i)attain a controlled and stable descent path to the intended landing runway; and

(ii)remain within the circling area and in such way that visual contact with the runway of intended landing or runway environment is maintained at all times.

(5)Flight manoeuvres should be carried out at an altitude/height that is not less than the circling MDA/H.

(6)Descent below MDA/H should not be initiated until the threshold of the runway to be used has been appropriately identified. The aeroplane should be in a position to continue with a normal rate of descent and land within the touchdown zone (TDZ).

(d)Instrument approach followed by a visual manoeuvring (circling) with prescribed track

(1)The aeroplane should remain on the initial IAP until one of the following is reached:

(i)the prescribed divergence point to commence circling on the prescribed track; or

(ii)the MAPt.

(2)The aeroplane should be established on the instrument approach track in level flight at or above the MDA/H at or by the circling manoeuvre divergence point.

(3)If the divergence point is reached before the required visual reference is acquired, a missed approach should be initiated not later than the MAPt and completed in accordance with the instrument approach procedure.

(4)When commencing the prescribed circling manoeuvre at the published divergence point, the subsequent manoeuvres should be conducted to comply with the published routing and published heights/altitudes.

(5)Unless otherwise specified, once the aeroplane is established on the prescribed track(s), the published visual reference does not need to be maintained unless:

(i)required by the State of the aerodrome; or

(ii)the circling MAPt (if published) is reached.

(6)If the prescribed circling manoeuvre has a published MAPt and the required visual reference has not been obtained by that point, a missed approach should be executed in accordance with (e)(2) and (e)(3).

(7)Subsequent further descent below MDA/H should only commence when the required visual reference has been obtained.

(8)Unless otherwise specified in the procedure, final descent should not be commenced from MDA/H until the threshold of the intended landing runway has been identified and the aeroplane is in a position to continue with a normal rate of descent to land within the TDZ.

(e)Missed approach

(1)Missed approach during the instrument procedure prior to circling

(i)If the missed approach procedure is required to be flown when the aeroplane is positioned on the instrument approach track defined by radio-navigation aids RNAV, RNP, or ILS, MLS, and before commencing the circling manoeuvre, the published missed approach for the instrument approach should be followed; or

(ii)If the IAP is carried out with the aid of an ILS, an MLS or a stabilised approach (SAp), the MAPt associated with an ILS or an MLS procedure without glide path (GP-out procedure) or the SAp, where applicable, should be used.

(2)If a prescribed missed approach is published for the circling manoeuvre, this overrides the manoeuvres prescribed below.

(3)If visual reference is lost while circling to land after the aeroplane has departed from the initial instrument approach track, the missed approach specified for that particular instrument approach should be followed. It is expected that the pilot will make an initial climbing turn toward the intended landing runway to a position overhead the aerodrome where the pilot will establish the aeroplane in a climb on the instrument missed approach segment.

(4)The aeroplane should not leave the visual manoeuvring (circling) area, which is obstacle-protected, unless:

(i)established on the appropriate missed approach procedure; or

(ii)at minimum sector altitude (MSA).

(5)All turns should be made in the same direction and the aeroplane should remain within the circling protected area while climbing either:

(i)to the altitude assigned to any published circling missed approach manoeuvre if applicable;

(ii)to the altitude assigned to the missed approach of the initial instrument approach;

(iii)to the MSA; or

(iv)to the minimum holding altitude (MHA) applicable to transition to a holding facility or fix, or continue to climb to an MSA; or as directed by ATS. When the missed approach procedure is commenced on the ‘downwind’ leg of the circling manoeuvre, an ‘S’ turn may be undertaken to align the aeroplane on the initial instrument approach missed approach path, provided the aeroplane remains within the protected circling area. The commander should be responsible for ensuring adequate terrain clearance during the above-stipulated manoeuvres, particularly during the execution of a missed approach initiated by ATS.

(6)Because the circling manoeuvre may be accomplished in more than one direction, different patterns will be required to establish the aeroplane on the prescribed missed approach course depending on its position at the time visual reference is lost. In particular, all turns are to be in the prescribed direction if this is restricted, e.g. to the west/east (left or right hand) to remain within the protected circling area.

(7)If a missed approach procedure is published for a particular runway onto which the aeroplane is conducting a circling approach and the aeroplane has commenced a manoeuvre to align with the runway, the missed approach for this direction may be accomplished. The ATS unit should be informed of the intention to fly the published missed approach procedure for that particular runway.

(8)The commander should advise ATS when any missed approach procedure has been commenced, the height/altitude the aeroplane is climbing to and the position the aeroplane is proceeding towards and/or heading the aeroplane is established on.

AMC · AMC7 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC8 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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ONSHORE CIRCLING OPERATIONS — HELICOPTERS For circling, the specified MDH should not be less than 250 ft, and the VIS not less than 800 m.

AMC · AMC8 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC9 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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VISUAL APPROACH OPERATIONS The operator should not use an RVR of less than 800 m for a visual approach operation.

AMC · AMC9 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2014/015/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC10 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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CONVERSION OF VISIBILITY TO CMV — AEROPLANES The following conditions apply to the use of converted meteorological visibility (CMV) instead of RVR:

(a)If the reported RVR is not available, a CMV may be substituted for the RVR, except:

(1)to satisfy the take-off minima; or

(2)for the purpose of continuation of an approach in LVOs.

(b)If the minimum RVR for an approach is more than the maximum value assessed by the aerodrome operator, then CMV should be used.

(c)In order to determine CMV from visibility:

(1)for flight planning purposes, a factor of 1.0 should be used;

(2)for purposes other than flight planning, the conversion factors specified in Table 16 should be used.

Table 16 Conversion of reported VIS to RVR/CMV

Light elements in operationRVR/CMV = reported VIS x
DayNight
HI approach and runway lights1.52.0
Any type of light installation other than above1.01.5
No lights1.0not applicable

AMC · AMC10 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC11 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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EFFECT ON LANDING MINIMA OF TEMPORARILY FAILED OR DOWNGRADED GROUND EQUIPMENT

(a)General These instructions are intended for use both before and during flight. Only those facilities mentioned in Table 17 should be acceptable to be used to determine the effect of temporarily failed of downgraded equipment. It is, however, not expected that the commander would consult such instructions after passing 1 000 ft above the aerodrome. If failures of ground aids are announced at such a late stage, the approach could be continued at the commander’s discretion. If failures are announced before such a late stage in the approach, their effect on the approach should be considered as described in Table 17, and the approach may have to be abandoned.

(b)Conditions applicable to Table 17:

(1)multiple failures of runway/FATO lights other than those indicated in Table 17 should not be acceptable;

(2)failures of approach and runway/FATO lights are acceptable at the same time, and the most demanding consequence should be applied; and

(3)failures other than ILS, GLS, MLS affect the RVR only and not DH.

Table 17 Failed or downgraded equipment — effect on landing minima Operations without LVO approval

Failed or downgraded equipmentEffect on landing minima
Type BType A
Navaid stand-by transmitterNo effect
Outer markerFOR CAT I: Not allowed except if the required height versus glide path can be checked using other means, e.g. DME fixAPV — not applicable
NPA with final approach fix (FAF): no effect unless used as FAF
If the FAF cannot be identified (e.g. no method available for timing of descent), NPA operations cannot be conducted
FOR CAT I: Not allowed except if the required height versus glide path can be checked using other means, e.g. DME fix
Middle marker (ILS only)No effectNo effect unless used as MAPt
DMENo effect if replaced by RNAV (GNSS) information or the outer marker
RVR assessment systemsNo effect
Approach lightsMinima as for NALS
Approach lights except the last 210 mMinima as for BALS
Approach lights except the last 420 mMinima as for IALS
Standby power for approach lightsNo effect
Edge lights, threshold lights and runway end lightsDay: no effect; Night: not allowed
Centre line lightsAeroplanes: No effect if flight director (F/D), HUDLS or autoland; otherwise RVR 750 m Helicopters: No effect on CAT I and HELI SA CAT I approach operationsNo effect but the minimum RVR should be 750m.
Centre line lights spacing increased to 30 mNo effect
TDZ lightsAeroplanes: No effect if F/D, HUDLS or autoland; otherwise RVR 750 m Helicopters: No effectNo effect
Taxiway lighting systemNo effect

AMC · AMC11 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2023/007/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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AMC12 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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VFR OPERATIONS WITH OTHER-THAN-COMPLEX MOTOR-POWERED AIRCRAFT For the establishment of VFR operation minima, the operator may apply the VFR operating minima specified in Part-SERA. Where necessary, the operator may specify in the OM additional conditions for the applicability of such minima taking into account such factors as radio coverage, terrain, nature of sites for take-off and landing, flight conditions and ATS capacity.

AMC · AMC12 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2014/015/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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ONSHORE AERODROME DEPARTURE PROCEDURES — HELICOPTERS The cloud base and visibility should be such as to allow the helicopter to be clear of cloud at take-off decision point (TDP), and for the pilot flying to remain in sight of the surface until reaching the minimum speed for flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) given in the AFM.

GM · GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2014/015/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM2 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEMS — ICAO, FAA The following table provides a comparison of ICAO and FAA specifications.

Table 19 Approach lighting systems — ICAO and FAA specifications

Class of lighting facilityLength, configuration and intensity of approach lights
FALSICAO: CAT I lighting system (HIALS ≥ 720 m) distance coded centre line, barrette centre line FAA: ALSF1, ALSF2, SSALR, MALSR, high or medium intensity and/or flashing lights, 720 m or more
IALSICAO: simple approach lighting system (HIALS 420–719 m) single source, barrette FAA: MALSF, MALS, SALS/SALSF, SSALF, SSALS, high or medium intensity and/or flashing lights, 420–719 m
BALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m) FAA: ODALS, high or medium intensity or flashing lights 210–419 m
NALSAny other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS <210 m) or no approach lights

GM · GM2 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM3 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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SBAS OPERATIONS

(a)SBAS LPV operations with a DH of 200 ft depend on an SBAS system approved for operations down to a DH of 200 ft.

(b)The following systems are in operational use or in a planning phase:

(1)European geostationary navigation overlay service (EGNOS) operational in Europe;

(2)wide area augmentation system (WAAS) operational in the USA;

(3)multi-functional satellite augmentation system (MSAS) operational in Japan;

(4)system of differential correction and monitoring (SDCM) planned by Russia;

(5)GPS aided geo augmented navigation (GAGAN) system, planned by India; and

(6)satellite navigation augmentation system (SNAS), planned by China.

GM · GM3 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM4 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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MEANS TO DETERMINE THE REQUIRED RVR BASED ON DH AND LIGHTING FACILITIES The values in Table 9 are derived from the formula below: Minimum RVR (m) = [(DH/MDH (ft) x 0.3048)/tanα] — length of approach lights (m) where α is the calculation angle, being a default value of 3.00° increasing in steps of 0.10° for each line in Table 9 up to 3.77° and then remaining constant. An upper RVR limit of 2 400 m has been applied to the table.

GM · GM4 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM5 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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USE OF DH FOR NPAs FLOWN USING THE CDFA TECHNIQUE

AMC3 CAT.OP.MPA.110 provides that, in certain circumstances, a published MDH may be used as a DH for a 2D operation flown using the CDFA technique. The safety of the use of MDH as DH in CDFA operations has been verified by at least two independent analyses concluding that the CDFA using MDH as DH without any add-on is safer than the traditional step-down and level-flight NPA operation. A comparison has been made between the safety level of using MDH as DH without an add-on with the well-established safety level resulting from the ILS collision risk model. The NPA used was the most demanding, i.e. most tightly designed NPA, which offers the least additional margins. It should be noted that the design limits of the ILS approach design, e.g. the maximum GP angle of 3,5 degrees, must be observed for the CDFA in order to keep the validity of the comparison. There is a wealth of operational experience in Europe confirming the above-mentioned analytical assessments. It cannot be expected that each operator is able to conduct similar safety assessments, and this is not necessary. The safety assessments already performed take into account the most demanding circumstances at hand, like the most tightly designed NPA procedures and other ‘worstcase scenarios’. The assessments naturally focus on cases where the controlling obstacle is located in the missed approach area. However, it is necessary for operators to assess whether their cockpit procedures and training are adequate to ensure minimal height loss in case of a go-around manoeuvre. Suitable topics for the safety assessment required by each operator may include: understanding of the CDFA concept including the use of the MDA/H as DA/H; cockpit procedures that ensure flight on speed, on path and with proper configuration and energy management; cockpit procedures that ensure gradual decision-making; and identification of cases where an increase of the DA/H may be necessary because of non-standard circumstances, etc.

GM · GM5 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM6 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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INCREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY Additional increments to the published minima may be specified by the competent authority to take into account certain operations, such as downwind approaches, single-pilot operations or approaches flown not using the CDFA technique.

GM · GM6 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM7 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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USE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION When an operator uses commercially available information to establish aerodrome operating minima, the operator remains responsible for ensuring that the material used is accurate and suitable for its operation, and that aerodrome operating minima are calculated in accordance with the method specified in Part C of its operations manual and approved by the competent authority. The procedures in ORO.GEN.205 ‘Contracted activities’ apply in this case.

GM · GM7 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM8 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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LOW TEMPERATURE CORRECTION

(a)An operator may determine the aerodrome temperature below which a correction should be applied to the DA/H.

(b)Table 20 may be used to determine the correction that should be applied.

(c)The calculations in the table are for a sea-level aerodrome; they are therefore conservative when applied at higher-level aerodromes.

(d)Guidance on accurate corrections for specific conditions (if required) is available in PANS-OPS, Volume III (ICAO Doc 8168) Section 2 Chapter 4 First Edition, 2018. Table 20 Temperature corrections to be applied to barometric DH/MDH

Aerodrome temperature (°C)Height above the elevation of the altimeter setting source (ft)
2003004005006007008009001 0001 5002 0003 0004 0005 000
020203030404050506090120170230280
-102030405060708090100150200290390490
-203050607090100120130140210280420570710
-30406080100120140150170190280380570760950
-4050801001201501701902202403604807209701 210
-5060901201501802102402703004505908901 1901 500

GM · GM8 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2023/007/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM9 CAT.OP.MPA.110Aerodrome operating minima

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AERODROME OPERATING MINIMA — HELICOPTERS High vertical speeds should be avoided due to unstable aerodynamics and potential transient autorotation state of the main rotor. Vertical speeds at or below 800 ft/min should be considered to be normal, and vertical speeds above 1 000 ft/min should be considered to be high. The vertical speed on final approach increases with the descent angle and the ground speed (GS), including tailwinds. Whereas the helicopter should be manoeuvred into the wind during the visual segment of an instrument approach, tailwinds may be encountered during the instrument segments of the approach. If the vertical speed is above 1 000 ft/min, a go-around should be considered. Greater vertical speeds may be used based on the available data in the rotorcraft flight manual. Table 21 below gives an indication of the vertical speed based on the descent angles and ground speed. Table 21 Examples of vertical speeds

Ground speedDescent angleVertical speed
80 kt5.7° (10 %)800 ft/min
100 kt5.7° (10 %)1 000 ft/min
80 kt7.5° (13.2 %)1 050 ft/min
100 kt7.5° (13.2 %)1 300 ft/min

Note: A GS of 80 kt may be the result of an indicated airspeed (IAS) of 60 kt and a tailwind component of 20 kt.

GM · GM9 CAT.OP.MPA.110 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

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GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.110(b)(6)Aerodrome operating minima

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VISUAL AND NON-VISUAL AIDS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ‘Visual and non-visual aids and infrastructure’ refers to all equipment and facilities required for the procedure to be used for the intended instrument approach operation. This includes but is not limited to lights, markings, ground- or space-based radio aids, etc.

GM · GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.110(b)(6) — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/012/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

All rules in SUBPART B: OPERATING PROCEDURES

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 27 Mar 2026, extracted 17 Aug 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.

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