Categories
The approach speed used in these categories is defined as the VRef of a given aircraft at the maximum certificated landing weight (if VRef is not specified, the approach speed is given as the VS0multiplied by 1.3). The values of VRef, VS0, and the maximum certificated landing weight are 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 90 knots, should use the approach Category B minimums when circling to land. The categories are as follows: * Category A: Speed 90 knots or less. * Category B: Between 91 and 120 knots. * Category C: Between 121 and 140 knots. * Category D: Between 141 knots and 165 knots. * Category E: Speed 166 knots or more (''Category E contains only certain Military Aircraft).'' * Category H is used only for helicopters but without specific VRef. See performance category in ADEXP 3.1 (link provided below). Another is DL: Category DL aircraft have the same assumed approach speeds as category D aircraft, however, their maximum wing span is assumed to be 80 m (65 m for category D) and the maximum vertical distance between the wheels and the glide path antenna is 8 m (7 m for category D). (A380, AN225 and ‘monsters’ alike).Aircraft Approach Category (ICAO)
While the speed ranges used to determine an aircraft's approach category are identical to 14 CFR 97.3 (Examples
See also
* Aircraft categoryReferences
External links