Although the scale and services differ, all three facility types share a common set of core infrastructure elements:
- Final Approach and Take-off Area (FATO): the protected airspace and load-bearing surface that contains the entire landing and departure manoeuvre. It is sized to accommodate the largest “Design VCA” expected at the site and remains free of obstacles, loose objects and personnel during operations.
- Touch-down and Lift-off Area (TLOF): a high-friction, accurately levelled zone located inside the FATO where the aircraft actually makes contact with the surface. It must support the full static and dynamic loads of the VTOL, provide reliable wheel- or skid-grip in all weather and incorporate heat- and chemical-resistant surfacing suitable for battery-fire run-off.
- Taxiways and transition surfaces: low-gradient routes that allow either hover-taxi or slow ground-roll between the TLOF and parking/charging stands. They ensure rotors or ducted fans maintain adequate margin from fixed objects and adjacent aircraft and are built to resist down-wash erosion and tyre rutting.
- Aprons and stands: paved areas where VTOLs shut down, embark or disembark passengers, undergo rapid battery charging/swapping and receive line maintenance. These zones integrate power connectors, earthing points, fire points and drainage channels while maintaining safe clearances between aircraft, ground staff and service vehicles.
- Lighting, markings and visual aids: day-and-night conspicuity is provided by perimeter lights, LED flush lights on the TLOF, approach path indicators, wind direction indicators and high-contrast surface markings aligned with national standards