---
title: "CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites — Part-CAT · Avioverse"
description: "The operator shall only use aerodromes and operating sites that are adequate for the type(s) of aircraft and operation(s) concerned."
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-cat/subpart-b/cat-op-mpa-105"
---

# CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites

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

Official sources: [EASA Easy Access Rules (opens in a new tab)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-air-operations) · [EUR-Lex 2012/965 (opens in a new tab)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32012R0965)

IR Implementing rule

## CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites

(a) The operator shall only use aerodromes and operating sites that are adequate for the type(s) of [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) and operation(s) concerned.

(b) The use of operating sites shall only apply to:

(1) other-than complex motor-powered aeroplanes; and

(2) helicopters.

IR · CAT.OP.MPA.105 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Regulation (EU) 2015/140 · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites

DEFINING OPERATING SITES — HELICOPTERS

When defining operating sites (including infrequent or temporary sites) for the type(s) of [helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter)(s) and operation(s) concerned, the operator should take account of the following:

(a) An adequate site is a site that the operator considers to be satisfactory, taking account of the applicable performance requirements and site characteristics (guidance on standards and criteria are contained in ICAO Annex 14 Volume 2 and in the ICAO Heliport Manual (Doc 9261-AN/903)).

(b) The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of sites by a competent person. Such a procedure should take account of possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed.

(c) Sites that are pre-surveyed should be specifically specified in the operations manual. The operations manual should contain diagrams or/and ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of:

(1) the overall dimensions of the site;

(2) location and height of relevant obstacles to approach and take-off profiles, and in the manoeuvring area;

(3) approach and take-off flight paths;

(4) surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand);

(5) helicopter types authorised with reference to performance requirements;

(6) provision of control of third parties on the ground (if applicable);

(7) procedure for activating site with land owner or controlling authority;

(8) other useful information, for example, appropriate ATS agency and frequency; and

(9) lighting (if applicable).

(d) For sites that are not pre-surveyed, the operator should have in place a procedure that enables the pilot to make, from the air, a judgment on the suitability of a site. (c)(1) to (c)(6) should be considered.

(e) Operations to non-pre-surveyed sites by [night](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/night) (except in accordance with SPA.HEMS.125(c)(4)) should not be permitted.

AMC · AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2023/007/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

[All rules in SUBPART B: OPERATING PROCEDURES](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-cat/subpart-b)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 27 Mar 2026, extracted 2 Nov 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.