Definition
AIRCRAFT APPROACH CATEGORY
A grouping of aircraft based on a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration at maximum gross landing weight. An aircraft must fit in only one category. If it is necessary to maneuver at speeds in excess of the upper limit of a speed range for a category, the minimums for the category for that speed must be used. For example, an aircraft which falls in Category A, but is circling to land at a speed in excess of 91 knots, must use the approach Category B minimums when circling to land. The categories are as follows:
Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (verbatim from the Federal Aviation Regulations).
Where This Term Is Used
- 14 CFR § 91.189 — § 91.189 Category II and III operations: General operating rules.
- 14 CFR § 91.1065 — § 91.1065 Initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements.
- 14 CFR § 91.176 — § 91.176 Straight-in landing operations below DA/DH or MDA using an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) under IFR.
- 14 CFR § 91.175 — § 91.175 Takeoff and landing under IFR.
- 14 CFR § 91.113 — § 91.113 Right-of-way rules: Except water operations.
- 14 CFR § 61.51 — § 61.51 — Pilot Logbooks
- 14 CFR § 61.57 — § 61.57 — Recent Flight Experience: Pilot in Command
7 sections reference this term in their FAR Decoded content.