IR.VI.D.K1FAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Elements related to circling approach procedures and limitations, including approach ca...
Elements related to circling approach procedures and limitations, including approach categories and related airspeed restrictions.
Bottom line
Aircraft approach category means a grouping of aircraft based on a speed of VREF, if specified, or if VREF is not specified, 1.3 V so at the maximum certificated landing weight. 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.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| less than 91 knots | Category A |
| 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots | Category B |
| 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots | Category C |
| 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots | Category D |
| 166 knots or more | Category E |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 97.3 (Symbols and terms used in procedures.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- IFH ch. 1 (p. 1-23) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- 14 CFR 91.175 (Takeoff and landing under IFR.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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