What are the three categories of aircraft?

• A. Category A, Category B, Category C
• B. Category S, Category L, Category H
• C. Category I, Category II, Category III
• D. Single, Twin, Multi

Answer: (C)

Three instrument approach categories define how low you can fly and how much visual information you need when landing under instrument conditions. The trio of Cat I, Cat II, and Cat III describes increasing capability: from basic approach minimums to lower minima and, in some cases, autoland capability. As you move from Category I to II to III, the decision altitude/height and required visibility decrease, and the landing system and cockpit equipment become more capable. The other label sets don’t represent this standard way of classifying instrument approaches, so Cat I, Cat II, Cat III is the correct framework to describe these three categories.