Most CAT I aircraft generally operate within the 300 to 550 knots speed range.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

CAT I refers to instrument approach minima, not a prescribed speed range. Aircraft that operate under CAT I include a wide mix of sizes and performance, and their speeds depend on the phase of flight and the specific aircraft. For approaches under CAT I, speeds are generally well below the maximum cruise speeds of the airplanes. Many airliners perform approaches at roughly 120 to 180 knots, while small general aviation planes fly even slower. Cruise speeds for large jets can exceed 550 knots, but that is in cruise, not during a CAT I approach. So asserting that most CAT I aircraft operate within 300 to 550 knots mixes together different flight phases and aircraft types, which isn’t accurate. The speed isn’t a defining factor of CAT I; the defining aspect is the minimums for the instrument approach.