Definition
A defined area at a heliport over which a helicopter completes the final phase of an approach to a hover or landing, and from which it begins the takeoff. The FATO is the load-bearing surface (or designated airspace above it) where the helicopter is committed to the landing or departure maneuver.
Plain English
The marked area at a heliport where a helicopter finishes its approach and lands, and where it lifts off when departing. It's the helicopter equivalent of a runway's touchdown and liftoff zone.
Context Anchor
Seen on heliport procedures and diagrams, especially when an instrument approach leads to a specific VFR heliport.
Why Pilots Care
It defines the precise, obstacle-cleared space required for safe helicopter operations near the ground.
Intuition Check
Do not read FATO as just the actions of final approach and takeoff. In heliport use, it means the defined area where those actions are completed or started.
Example Sentence 1
After breaking out of the clouds, the pilot continued the visual segment toward the FATO and brought the helicopter to a hover.
Example Sentence 2
All surface markings and lighting for the FATO were clearly visible during the night approach.