---
title: "CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima — Part-CAT · Avioverse"
description: "The operator shall establish aerodrome operating minima for each departure, destination or alternate aerodrome that is planned to be used in order to…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-cat/subpart-b/cat-op-mpa-110"
---

# CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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

IR Implementing rule

## CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

(a) The operator shall establish [aerodrome operating minima](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-operating-minima) for each departure, destination or [alternate aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/alternate-aerodrome) that is planned to be used in order to ensure separation of the [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/low-visibility-operations) 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

TAKE-OFF OPERATIONS — AEROPLANES

(a) Take-off minima

Take-off minima should be expressed as [visibility (VIS)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/visibility) or [runway visual range (RVR)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/runway-visual-range) limits, taking into account all relevant factors for each runway planned to be used and [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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)\*\* |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| <50                                                              | 400                |
| 51–100                                                           | 400                |
| 101–150                                                          | 400                |
| 151–200                                                          | 500                |
| 201–300                                                          | 1 000              |
| >300\* or if no positive take-off flight path can be constructed | 1 500              |

\*\* 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/operating-site) planned to be used and [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/night) operations, ground lights should be available to illuminate the take-off runway/[final approach and take-off area (FATO)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/final-approach-and-take-off-area) 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 procedures | RVR 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 marking                             | 400                                                             |
| Runway edge/FATO light, centre line marking and relevant RVR information   | 400                                                             |
| Offshore [helideck](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helideck)\*       |                                                                 |
| Two-pilot operations                                                       | 400                                                             |
| Single-pilot operations                                                    | 500                                                             |

\* The [take-off flight path](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC3 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/continuous-descent-final-approach) technique should not be lower than the highest of:

(1) the obstacle clearance height (OCH) for the category of [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

| Facility                          | Lowest DH/MDH (ft) |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| ILS/MLS/GLS                       | 200                |
| 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 DME           | 250                |
| SRA (terminating at ½ NM)         | 250                |
| SRA (terminating at 1 NM)         | 300                |
| SRA (terminating at 2 NM or more) | 350                |
| VOR                               | 300                |
| VOR/DME                           | 250                |
| NDB                               | 350                |
| NDB/DME                           | 300                |
| VDF                               | 350                |

\* 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 type           |                                            | Lowest DH/MDH (ft)                                                                    |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Instrument runway     | Precision approach (PA) runway, category I | 200                                                                                   |
|                       | NPA runway                                 | 250                                                                                   |
| Non-Instrument runway | Non-instrument runway                      | [Circling](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/circling) 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC4 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

| Facility                                                                    | Lowest DH/MDH (ft) |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| ILS/MLS/GLS                                                                 | 200                |
| GNSS/SBAS (LPV)\*                                                           | 200                |
| Precision approach radar (PAR)                                              | 200                |
| GNSS/SBAS (LP)                                                              | 250                |
| GNSS (LNAV)                                                                 | 250                |
| GNSS/Baro VNAV (LNAV/VNAV)                                                  | 250                |
| [Helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) PinS approach | 250\*\*            |
| LOC with or without DME                                                     | 250                |
| SRA (terminating at ½ NM)                                                   | 250                |
| SRA (terminating at 1 NM)                                                   | 300                |
| SRA (terminating at 2 NM or more)                                           | 350                |
| VOR                                                                         | 300                |
| VOR/DME                                                                     | 250                |
| NDB                                                                         | 350                |
| NDB/DME                                                                     | 300                |
| VDF                                                                         | 350                |

\* 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/FATO                                                                                  | Lowest DH/MDH (ft) |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Precision approach (PA) runway, category I Non-precision approach (NPA) runway Non-instrument runway | 200                |
| Instrument FATO FATO                                                                                 | 200 250            |

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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC5 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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 runway        | Minimum RVR or VIS (m)                                                                       |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| PA runway Category I  | RVR 550                                                                                      |
| NPA runway            | RVR 750                                                                                      |
| Non-instrument runway | VIS according to Table 15 ([circling](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/circling) minima) |

Table 9

RVR versus DH/MDH — aeroplanes

| DH or MDH (ft) |           |     | Class of lighting facility |       |       |       |
| -------------- | --------- | --- | -------------------------- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
|                |           |     | FALS                       | IALS  | BALS  | NALS  |
|                |           |     | RVR (m)                    |       |       |       |
| 200            | -         | 210 | 550                        | 750   | 1 000 | 1 200 |
| 211            | -         | 240 | 550                        | 800   | 1 000 | 1 200 |
| 241            | -         | 250 | 550                        | 800   | 1 000 | 1 300 |
| 251            | -         | 260 | 600                        | 800   | 1 100 | 1 300 |
| 261            | -         | 280 | 600                        | 900   | 1 100 | 1 300 |
| 281            | -         | 300 | 650                        | 900   | 1 200 | 1 400 |
| 301            | -         | 320 | 700                        | 1 000 | 1 200 | 1 400 |
| 321            | -         | 340 | 800                        | 1 100 | 1 300 | 1 500 |
| 341            | -         | 360 | 900                        | 1 200 | 1 400 | 1 600 |
| 361            | -         | 380 | 1 000                      | 1 300 | 1 500 | 1 700 |
| 381            | -         | 400 | 1 100                      | 1 400 | 1 600 | 1 800 |
| 401            | -         | 420 | 1 200                      | 1 500 | 1 700 | 1 900 |
| 421            | -         | 440 | 1 300                      | 1 600 | 1 800 | 2 000 |
| 441            | -         | 460 | 1 400                      | 1 700 | 1 900 | 2 100 |
| 461            | -         | 480 | 1 500                      | 1 800 | 2 000 | 2 200 |
| 481            | -         | 500 | 1 500                      | 1 800 | 2 100 | 2 300 |
| 501            | -         | 520 | 1 600                      | 1 900 | 2 100 | 2 400 |
| 521            | -         | 540 | 1 700                      | 2 000 | 2 200 | 2 400 |
| 541            | -         | 560 | 1 800                      | 2 100 | 2 300 | 2 400 |
| 561            | -         | 580 | 1 900                      | 2 200 | 2 400 | 2 400 |
| 581            | -         | 600 | 2 000                      | 2 300 | 2 400 | 2 400 |
| 601            | -         | 620 | 2 100                      | 2 400 | 2 400 | 2 400 |
| 621            | -         | 640 | 2 200                      | 2 400 | 2 400 | 2 400 |
| 641            | -         | 660 | 2 300                      | 2 400 | 2 400 | 2 400 |
| 661            | and above |     | 2 400                      | 2 400 | 2 400 | 2 400 |

Table 10

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

| Type of approach                                                                                                      | Facilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Lowest RVR             |                         |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------- |
|                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Multi-pilot operations | Single-pilot operations |
| 3D operations Final approach track offset ≤15° for category A and B aeroplanes or ≤5° for Category C and D aeroplanes | runway 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 DH                                                                                                     | No limitation          | 600 m                   |
|                                                                                                                       | No RTZL and/or RCLL, not using HUDLS or equivalent system or autopilot or flight director to the DH                                                                                                                                          | 750 m                  | 800 m                   |
| 3D operations                                                                                                         | runway 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 aeroplanes                            | 800 m                  | 1 000 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 aeroplanes | 800 m                  | 1 000 m                 |
| 2D operations                                                                                                         | Final approach track offset ≤15° for category A and B aeroplanes or ≤5° for Category C and D aeroplanes                                                                                                                                      | 750 m                  | 800 m                   |
|                                                                                                                       | Final approach track offset 15° for Category A and B aeroplanes                                                                                                                                                                              | 1 000 m                | 1 000 m                 |
|                                                                                                                       | Final approach track offset 5° for Category C and D aeroplanes                                                                                                                                                                               | 1 200 m                | 1 200 m                 |

Table 11

Approach lighting systems — aeroplanes

| Class of lighting facility | Length, configuration and intensity of approach lights                                |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| FALS                       | CAT I lighting system (HIALS ≥720 m) distance coded centre line, barrette centre line |
| IALS                       | Simple approach lighting system (HIALS 420–719 m) single source, barrette             |
| BALS                       | Any other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m)                     |
| NALS                       | Any other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS <210 m) or no approach lights  |

(e) For [night](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC6 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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/FATO                                    | Minimum RVR or VIS      |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------- |
| PA runway, category I NPA runway Non-instrument runway | RVR 550 m               |
| Instrument FATO FATO                                   | RVR 550 m RVR/VIS 800 m |

Table 13

Onshore [helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) instrument approach minima

| DH/MDH (ft)   | Facilities versus RVR (m) |       |      |       |
| ------------- | ------------------------- | ----- | ---- | ----- |
|               | FALS                      | IALS  | BALS | NALS  |
| 200           | 550                       | 600   | 700  | 1 000 |
| 201–249       | 550                       | 650   | 750  | 1 000 |
| 250–299       | 600\*                     | 700\* | 800  | 1 000 |
| 300 and above | 750\*                     | 800   | 900  | 1 000 |

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

Table 14

Approach lighting systems — helicopters

| Class of lighting facility | Length, configuration and intensity of approach lights                                 |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| FALS                       | CAT I lighting system (HIALS ≥ 720 m) distance coded centre line, barrette centre line |
| IALS                       | Simple approach lighting system (HIALS 420–719 m) single source, barrette              |
| BALS                       | Any other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m)                      |
| NALS                       | Any 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC7 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

[CIRCLING](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aeroplane) category;

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

(iii) the DH/MDH of the preceding [instrument approach procedure (IAP)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/instrument-approach-procedure);

(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 |       |       |       |
| --------------- | ------------------ | ----- | ----- | ----- |
|                 | A                  | B     | C     | D     |
| MDH (ft)        | 400                | 500   | 600   | 700   |
| Minimum VIS (m) | 1 500              | 1 600 | 2 400 | 3 600 |

(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)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/stabilised-approach), 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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC8 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

ONSHORE [CIRCLING](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC9 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

VISUAL APPROACH OPERATIONS

The operator should not use an RVR of less than 800 m for a [visual approach operation](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC10 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

CONVERSION OF VISIBILITY TO CMV — AEROPLANES

The following conditions apply to the use of [converted meteorological visibility (CMV)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/converted-meteorological-visibility) 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 operation                     | RVR/CMV = reported VIS x |                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------- |
|                                                 | Day                      | [Night](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/night) |
| HI approach and runway lights                   | 1.5                      | 2.0                                                 |
| Any type of light installation other than above | 1.0                      | 1.5                                                 |
| No lights                                       | 1.0                      | not 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC11 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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 equipment                                                    | Effect on landing minima                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                       |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|                                                                                   | Type B                                                                                                                                                       | Type A                                                                                                                |
| Navaid stand-by transmitter                                                       | No effect                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                       |
| Outer marker                                                                      | FOR CAT I: Not allowed except if the required height versus glide path can be checked using other means, e.g. DME fix                                        | APV — 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 effect                                                                                                                                                    | No effect unless used as MAPt                                                                                         |
| DME                                                                               | No effect if replaced by RNAV (GNSS) information or the outer marker                                                                                         |                                                                                                                       |
| RVR assessment systems                                                            | No effect                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                       |
| Approach lights                                                                   | Minima as for NALS                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                       |
| Approach lights except the last 210 m                                             | Minima as for BALS                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                       |
| Approach lights except the last 420 m                                             | Minima as for IALS                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                       |
| [Standby](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/standby) power for approach lights | No effect                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                       |
| Edge lights, threshold lights and runway end lights                               | Day: no effect; [Night](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/night): not allowed                                                                             |                                                                                                                       |
| Centre line lights                                                                | Aeroplanes: 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 operations | No effect but the minimum RVR should be 750m.                                                                         |
| Centre line lights spacing increased to 30 m                                      | No effect                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                       |
| TDZ lights                                                                        | Aeroplanes: No effect if F/D, HUDLS or autoland; otherwise RVR 750 m Helicopters: No effect                                                                  | No effect                                                                                                             |
| Taxiway lighting system                                                           | No 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

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC12 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

VFR OPERATIONS WITH OTHER-THAN-[COMPLEX MOTOR-POWERED AIRCRAFT](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

GM Guidance material

## GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

ONSHORE AERODROME DEPARTURE PROCEDURES — HELICOPTERS

The [cloud base](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/cloud-base) and visibility should be such as to allow the [helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) to be clear of cloud at [take-off decision point (TDP)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/take-off-decision-point), 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

GM Guidance material

## GM2 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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 facility | Length, configuration and intensity of approach lights                                                                                                                                       |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| FALS                       | ICAO: 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 |
| IALS                       | ICAO: 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       |
| BALS                       | Any other approach lighting system (HIALS, MALS or ALS 210–419 m) FAA: ODALS, high or medium intensity or flashing lights 210–419 m                                                          |
| NALS                       | Any 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

GM Guidance material

## GM3 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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

GM Guidance material

## GM4 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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

GM Guidance material

## GM5 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

GM Guidance material

## GM6 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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

GM Guidance material

## GM7 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

USE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION

When an operator uses commercially available information to establish [aerodrome operating minima](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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

GM Guidance material

## GM8 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

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) |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
|                            | 200                                                             | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1 000 | 1 500 | 2 000 | 3 000 | 4 000 | 5 000 |
| 0                          | 20                                                              | 20  | 30  | 30  | 40  | 40  | 50  | 50  | 60    | 90    | 120   | 170   | 230   | 280   |
| -10                        | 20                                                              | 30  | 40  | 50  | 60  | 70  | 80  | 90  | 100   | 150   | 200   | 290   | 390   | 490   |
| -20                        | 30                                                              | 50  | 60  | 70  | 90  | 100 | 120 | 130 | 140   | 210   | 280   | 420   | 570   | 710   |
| -30                        | 40                                                              | 60  | 80  | 100 | 120 | 140 | 150 | 170 | 190   | 280   | 380   | 570   | 760   | 950   |
| -40                        | 50                                                              | 80  | 100 | 120 | 150 | 170 | 190 | 220 | 240   | 360   | 480   | 720   | 970   | 1 210 |
| -50                        | 60                                                              | 90  | 120 | 150 | 180 | 210 | 240 | 270 | 300   | 450   | 590   | 890   | 1 190 | 1 500 |

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

GM Guidance material

## GM9 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

[AERODROME OPERATING MINIMA](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/go-around) should be considered. Greater vertical speeds may be used based on the available data in the [rotorcraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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 speed | Descent angle | Vertical speed |
| ------------ | ------------- | -------------- |
| 80 kt        | 5.7° (10 %)   | 800 ft/min     |
| 100 kt       | 5.7° (10 %)   | 1 000 ft/min   |
| 80 kt        | 7.5° (13.2 %) | 1 050 ft/min   |
| 100 kt       | 7.5° (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

GM Guidance material

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

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](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/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](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-cat/subpart-b)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 27 Mar 2026, extracted 13 Oct 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.
