---
title: "Final approach and take-off area (FATO) — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX, Regulation (EU) No 965/2012: ‘final approach and take-off area (FATO)’ means a defined area for…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/final-approach-and-take-off-area"
---

# 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](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/definitions/powers-and-recitals#annex-i-definitions-for-terms-used-in-annexes-ii-to-ix)

> ‘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](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aerodromes/cs-hpt-dsn/chapter-a-general#cs-hpt-dsn-a-020)

## Defined in the same article

- [accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accelerate-stop-distance-available)
- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [acceptance checklist](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptance-checklist)
- [adequate aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-aerodrome)
- [adequate vertiport](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-vertiport)
- [adult](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adult)
- [aerodrome operating minima](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-operating-minima)
- [aided night vision imaging system (NVIS) flight](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aided-night-vision-imaging-system-flight)