Category I/II/III Approach (CAT I/II/III)

Category I/II/III Approach (CAT I/II/III)

What is does Category I/II/III Approach (CAT I/II/III) mean?

Understanding CAT I/II/III Approaches in Aviation

Category I/II/III Approaches (CAT I/II/III) represent different levels of precision instrument approaches based on visibility and decision height.

These are categories of Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches based on the minimum visibility and decision height requirements for an approach to land.

• CAT I: The basic form of ILS, requiring a decision height of at least 200 feet and a runway visual range of 550 meters or more.
• CAT II and CAT III: These offer lower minimums for visibility and decision height, with CAT III allowing for almost zero visibility landings in some cases.
• Technological and Training Requirements: Advanced equipment and pilot training are required for CAT II/III approaches.

Category I/II/III approaches are critical in ensuring safe landings in varying visibility conditions, enhancing the capability of aircraft to land safely in adverse weather.