Final Approach and Takeoff Area Light(FATO)

A surface heliport should have at least one FATO

 and should meet the following requirements:

1. When used for helicopters operating at Level 1 performance, the size of the FATO (Flying Air Frame) shall be determined according to the specifications in the helicopter flight manual. If no width is specified, its width shall not be less than 1.0D. For helicopters operating at Level 2 and Level 3 performance, when the maximum takeoff mass of the helicopter is greater than 3175 kg, the diameter of the circle shall not be less than 1.0D; when the maximum takeoff mass of the helicopter is equal to or less than 3175 kg, the diameter of the circle should not be less than 1.0D and shall not be less than 0.83D.

The value of D above should be the maximum value among the helicopters expected to use the heliport. Local conditions such as elevation and temperature also need to be considered when determining the FATO dimensions.

1. The total slope in any direction of the FATO

（https://www.lansinglight.com/zs290-heliport-aiming-point-helipad-inset-light-rgb-product/） shall not exceed 3%. The local slope of any part shall not exceed 5% when used by helicopters operating at Level 1 performance; and shall not exceed 7% when used by helicopters operating at Level 2 or Level 3 performance.

3. The surface of FATO shall meet the following requirements:

1) It can resist the effect of the helicopter rotor downwash (downdraft);

2) There are no obstructions or unevenness that could adversely affect helicopter takeoff or landing;

3) When used by helicopters operating at Level 1 performance, it has the capacity to withstand interrupted takeoff;

4) For use by helicopters operating at Level 2 or Level 3 performance; when the TLOF

（https://www.lansinglight.com/zs270-inset-heliport-perimeter-light-product/） is located within the FATO, the portion surrounding the TLOF should be able to withstand the helicopter’s static load.

5) It can provide ground effect.

4. The location of the FATO should be minimized to avoid the adverse effects of the surrounding environment (including turbulence) on helicopter operations.

An elevated helipad should have at least one FATO (Flying Airway Terminal). The FATO should coincide with one TLOF (Total Loft) and should meet the following requirements:

1. When used by helicopters operating at Level 1 performance, the size of the FATO should be determined according to the helicopter flight manual. If no width is specified, its width must not be less than 1.0D. When used by helicopters operating at Level 2 or Level 3 performance, the size and shape of the FATO should be able to contain a circle. When the maximum takeoff mass of the helicopter is greater than 3,175 kg, the diameter of the circle must not be less than 1.0D; when the maximum takeoff mass of the helicopter is equal to or less than 3,175 kg, the diameter of the circle should not be less than 1.0D and must not be less than 0.83D. The aforementioned D should be the maximum value among the helicopters expected to use the helipad. Local conditions such as elevation and temperature should also be considered when determining the FATO dimensions.

2. FATO（） should have a slope of not less than 0.5% to prevent surface water accumulation, but the slope in any direction shall not exceed 2%.

3. The FATO should be able to withstand the loads from helicopters expected to use the heliport. The dynamic load of the helicopters can be calculated as 1.5 times their maximum takeoff weight. Additional loads from personnel, snow, cargo, refueling and firefighting equipment should also be considered in the design.

4. The FATO surface should be non-slip, free of obstructions and unevenness that may adversely affect helicopter takeoff or landing, and able to withstand the downwash (downdraft) from the helicopter rotor.

5. FATO surfaces are suitable for providing ground effect.

FATO surface heliport boundary lights

Surface heliports should be equipped with FATO boundary lights; however, when a non-runway FATO almost overlaps with a TLOF or its range is clearly defined, it may not be required.

1. FATO boundary lights should be installed along the FATO boundary lines. For runway-type FATOs, at least four lights should be evenly installed on each side (including lights at each corner), and the spacing between lights on the long side should not exceed 30 m. For non-runway-type FATOs, the lights should be evenly installed. If the area is square or rectangular, at least four lights should be installed on each side (including lights at each corner). If the shape includes circles, the spacing between lights should not exceed 5 m, and a minimum of 10 lights should be installed.

2. FATO boundary lights should be omnidirectional lights emitting constant white light. When the light intensity needs to be adjusted, they should emit variable white light.

3. The light intensity distribution of the lamp is shown in the figure below.

4. The height of the lights should not exceed 25 cm. If lights protruding above the surface would endanger the operation of the helicopter, recessed lights should be used.