Definition

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 performance Class 1 helicopters, the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available.

Source: ICAO Doc 8168 PAS-OPS

Description

A FATO is an area over which a helicopter completes the approach manoeuvre to a hover or landing or commences movement into forward flight in the take-off manoeuvre. All final approaches terminate and all take-offs to climb start there. A heliport must be provided with at least one FATO, which need not be solid. It may be located on or near a runway strip or taxiway strip.