FATO — Final Approach and Takeoff Area for Helicopters in Airport Operations

Definition

Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO) is a specifically designated zone on a heliport or airport intended for the final stage of a helicopter’s approach to a hover or landing, and the initiation of takeoff. As defined by ICAO Annex 14, Volume II and FAA AC 150/5390-2D, the FATO must be obstacle-free and sized for the largest helicopter expected to use the facility. It may be at ground level, elevated, or on a rooftop, and is not always required to be load-bearing unless it also acts as the TLOF (Touchdown and Lift-Off Area). The FATO’s primary function is to provide a safe, clear space for helicopters to transition between flight and ground operations.

The FATO is distinct from:

• TLOF (Touchdown and Lift-Off Area): The specific load-bearing area where the helicopter lands or lifts off.
• Safety Area: The zone surrounding the FATO providing additional safety margin in case of operational deviations.

Purpose and Role in Helicopter Operations

The FATO serves as the helicopter equivalent of a runway, tailored for vertical or near-vertical flight paths. Its main roles include:

• Providing a clear, obstacle-free area for the last phase of approach and initial takeoff.
• Separating helicopter operations from other airport or heliport activities.
• Supporting both VFR and IFR operations with predictable geometry and regulated dimensions.
• Acting as the reference point for aligning approach and departure paths.

In complex environments—such as hospitals, offshore platforms, or urban rooftops—the FATO’s design and maintenance are essential for regulatory compliance, operational safety, and efficient traffic flow.

Design and Technical Requirements

Dimensions

• ICAO: Minimum FATO diameter is 1.0D (D = largest overall length of the helicopter with rotors turning); for helicopters ≤ 3,175 kg, 0.83D is permitted.
• FAA: Recommends at least 1.5 × D for most general aviation heliports.
• Shape: Can be circular, rectangular, or another configuration, provided it supports safe maneuvering and meets obstacle clearance.
• Multiple Users: Must accommodate the largest and most demanding aircraft; additional spacing for simultaneous operations may be required.
• Environmental Factors: Adjustments for elevation, temperature, and wind may increase required size.

Surface and Load-Bearing Criteria

• Load-Bearing: Only required if the FATO is also the TLOF.
• Surface: Must be stable, smooth, and free from debris or hazards. Non-slip finishes are recommended for wet or icy conditions.
• Downwash Resistance: Even non-load-bearing FATOs must resist rotor downwash, preventing loose material from becoming airborne.
• Drainage: Must prevent water, oil, or contaminant accumulation.

Slope and Drainage

• ICAO: Maximum slope ≤ 3%; local slope ≤ 5–7% based on performance class.
• FAA: Maximum slope ≤ 2%; minimum slope 0.5% for drainage.
• Drainage: Graded to direct water away from the area; elevated FATOs require robust drainage systems.

Obstacle Clearance

• Regulations require: FATO and airspace above it must be obstacle-free.
• Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS): Defined surfaces extending up and out from the FATO to protect approach and departure paths.
• Regular Inspections: Essential for vegetation control and maintaining clear zones.

Lighting and Visual Guidance

• Perimeter Lighting: Omnidirectional white lights, intervals ≤ 5 m (ICAO) or ≤ 30 m (FAA for longer sides).
• Height: Lights ≤ 25 cm above surface; recessed lights preferred for safety.
• Markings: Painted perimeter lines, illuminated signs, and approach path indicators.
• Backup Systems: Emergency power recommended for critical facilities.

Regulatory Standards

FAA Guidance

• AC 150/5390-2D: Primary US regulation for heliport and FATO design.
• Requirements: Minimum size, load-bearing, slope, obstacle clearance, lighting/marking.
• Distinguishes: Surface-level vs. elevated FATOs.

ICAO Standards

• Annex 14, Volume II: International standard for heliport/FATO design.
• Requirements: Size, load, slope, obstacle clearance, lighting, and visual aids.
• Further Guidance: ICAO Heliport Manual (Doc 9261).

Other Guidelines

• EASA: Vertiport and eVTOL infrastructure standards.
• National Authorities: May adapt ICAO/FAA guidance for local conditions.
• Industry Best Practices: Provided by organizations like HeliOffshore and Vertical Flight Society.

Operational Use and Procedures

Approach and Landing

• Visual or Instrument Guidance: Used to align with FATO and ensure safe approach.
• IFR Operations: FATO integrates with published instrument approach procedures.
• Markings and Lights: Aid pilots in confirming position and orientation during all conditions.

Takeoff Procedures

• Pre-Takeoff Checks: Ensure FATO and safety area are clear.
• Transition to Flight: FATO provides obstacle-free space for safe climb—especially critical for performance class 1 operations.

Hovering and Stationary Maneuvers

• Common Uses: Hover checks, patient transfer (medevac), search and rescue.
• Safety: FATO provides predictable, obstacle-free environment.

Performance Class Considerations

• Class 1: FATO and clearway must allow rejected takeoff or OEI scenarios.
• Class 2 & 3: FATO must still meet minimum size and clearance.

FATO, TLOF, and Safety Area: Differences

Examples and Use Cases

Hospital Heliport

• Design: Rooftop FATO sized for largest air ambulance, perimeter lighting every 5 m.
• TLOF: Concrete pad with “H” and touchdown circle.
• Safety Area: Clear of obstructions for 24/7 medevac ops.

Offshore Platform

• Design: Steel-grated FATO, sized for fleet’s largest helicopter.
• Markings: High-visibility paint, ICAO-compliant lights.
• Operations: Hover checks within FATO before landing.

Urban Vertiport

• Design: Circular FATO, advanced LED perimeter lighting.
• Integration: Automated controls for high-frequency eVTOL ops.
• Safety: Landscaping coordinated to reduce wind/turbulence.

Training Heliport

• Design: Surface-level FATO, marked and inspected for debris.
• Use: Approach, hover, and takeoff training.

Practical Considerations

Environmental Factors

• Elevation & Temperature: Larger FATO may be needed due to reduced lift.
• Weather: Drainage, surface, and lighting are critical in adverse conditions.
• Noise, Wildlife, Impact: May influence FATO location and design.

Maintenance and Inspections

• Routine Checks: Surface, lighting, markings, and drainage.
• Documentation: Maintenance schedules and safety management.
• Elevated FATOs: Require structural and waterproofing inspections.

Lighting Systems: Purchasing & Implementation

• Standards: Use FAA or ICAO-compliant lights.
• Robustness: Resistant to weather and rotor downwash.
• Controls: Remote/automated operation with backup power.
• Vendor Selection: Ensure certification and support.

Related Terms

TLOF (Touchdown and Lift-Off Area): The load-bearing area within the FATO, marked for actual landings and takeoffs.

Safety Area: The additional margin around the FATO, clear of obstacles, to reduce risk in the event of operational deviations.

Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS): A three-dimensional surface defining the protected airspace above and around the FATO.

Vertiport: A facility designed for vertical takeoff and landing operations of helicopters and eVTOL aircraft.

Performance Class: Regulatory classification of helicopter operations based on engine redundancy and ability to continue safe flight after engine failure.

IFR (Instrument Flight Rules): Operations conducted under instrument navigation, often requiring special FATO markings and lighting.

Further Reading

• ICAO Annex 14, Volume II: Heliports
• FAA Advisory Circular 150/5390-2D: Heliport Design
• EASA Guidance on Vertiports and Urban Air Mobility

For more on heliport and FATO design standards, consult your national aviation authority or recognized industry organizations.