Aircraft approach category
An aircraft approach category is a grouping differentiating aircraft based on the speed at which the aircraft approaches a runway for a landing.
Categories
Specifically the VRef,of a given aircraft, at the maximum certificated landing weight (if VRef is not specified, the approach speed is given as the VS0 multiplied by 1.3) . 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 manoeuvre 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.[1] 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.
Aircraft Approach Category (ICAO)
While the speed ranges used to determine an aircraft's approach category are identical to 14 CFR 97.3 (ICAO Doc 8168 PANS-OPS Vol 1, Section 4, Paragraph 1.3.5), the maximum permitted speed for visual maneuvering is significantly higher. The method used for determining the approach category speed is slightly different: VAT = speed at threshold based on 1.3 times VS0 or 1.23 times Vs1g at maximum certificated weight. Additionally, speed ranges are specified for other segments of the approach: (ICAO Doc 8168, Vol 1, Section 4, Table I-4-1-2).
The following ICAO table indicates the specified range of handling speeds (IAS in Knots) for each category of aircraft to perform the manoeuvres specified. These speed ranges have been assumed for use in calculating airspace and obstacle clearance for each procedure.[2]
| Aircraft category | VAT | Range of speeds for initial approach (and reversal and racetrack procedures) | Range of final approach speeds |
Maximum speeds for circling | Maximum speeds for intermediate missed approach | Maximum speeds for final missed approach | Typical Aircraft in this Category |
| A | <91 | 90 - 150 (110*) | 70 - 110 | 100 | 100 | 110 | small single engine |
| B | 91 - 120 | 120 - 180 (140*) | 85 - 130 | 135 | 130 | 150 | small multi engine |
| C | 121 - 140 | 160 - 240 | 115 - 160 | 180 | 160 | 240 | airline jet |
| D | 141 - 165 | 185 - 250 | 130 - 185 | 205 | 185 | 265 | large jet/military jet |
| E | 166 - 210 | 185 - 250 | 155 - 230 | 240 | 230 | 275 | special military |
VAT —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 usually not included on commercial aeronautical charts.