Aviation Glossary - Aircraft Approach Category

Aircraft Approach Category

A grouping of aircraft based on reference landing speed (VREF), if specified, or if VREF is not specified, 1.3 VSO (the stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration) at the maximum certificated landing weight.

source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16)

(Refer to 14 CFR Part 97.) 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:

Category A- Speed less than 91 knots.
Category B- Speed 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots.
Category C- Speed 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots.
Category D- Speed 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots.
Category E- Speed 166 knots or more.

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

A performance grouping of aircraft based on a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration at maximum gross landing weight.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

AIRCRAFT APPROACH CATEGORY:

ICAO: The following ICAO table indicates the specified range of handling speeds (IAS in Knots) for each category of aircraft to perform the maneuvers specified. These speed ranges have been assumed for use in calculating airspace and obstacle clearance for each procedure.

Aircraft Category	V_AT	Range of Speeds for Initial Approach	Range of Final Approach Speeds	Max Speeds for Visual Maneuvering (Circling)	Max speeds for Missed Approach
Aircraft Category	V_AT	Range of Speeds for Initial Approach	Range of Final Approach Speeds	Max Speeds for Visual Maneuvering (Circling)	Intermediate	Final
A	Less Than 91	90/150 (110*)	70/100	100	100	110
B	91/120	120/180 (140*)	85/130	135	130	150
C	121/140	160/240	115/160	180	160	240
D	141/165	185/250	130/185	205	185	265
E	166/210	185/250	115/230	240	230	275
V_AT - Speed at threshold based on 1.3 times stall speed in the landing configuration at maximum certificated landing mass * Maximum speed for reversal and racetrack procedures Category E contains only certain military aircraft and is not included on all approach charts.

USA: A grouping of aircraft based on a speed of Vref, if specified, or if Vref is not specified, 1.3 VS0 at the maximum certificated landing weight. Vref , VS0 , and the maximum certificated landing weight are those values as established for the aircraft by the certification authority of the country of registry. An aircraft shall 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 next higher category should be used. For example, an aircraft which falls in Category A, but is circling to land at a speed in excess of 91 knots, should use the approach Category B minimums when circling to land. The categories are as follows:
- CategoryA Speed less than 91 knots.
- Category B Speed 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots.
- Category C Speed 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots.
- Category D Speed 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots.
- Category E Speed 166 knots or more.

source: ICAO Aviation Chart Glossary