What are the CATs?

Question

CAT I= normal ILS.....right? -meaning....

CAT II = landing using auto pilot I read -plz explain

CAT III = autolanding.

So, mainly II I'm confused about. Plz explain them, and HOW i use / do them

Answer 1

Has to to do with the weather conditions and the degree of dificulty therof of the landing.

For example, my local airport (fresno air termial KFAT) is a cat III equipped airport as in the winter and early spring we have some of the densest tule fog at night you would ever see ( less than 1/16 of a mile visability) (there are many stories i could tell but lets stay on topic ;) ).

I believe that when you approach the airport you would be told what cat u are gunna use. the md-80 that american airlines runs to fresno from dfw is cat III equiped for the evening flights. So if it was foggy or rainy, the atc would let you know and you would use the acordin system on your aircraft.

that is my understanding of it

wiki pedia probably has some more info

Answer 2

They are different CATegory of landing minimums.

CATegory I Instrument Landing System usually get down to 1/2 visibility

CATegory II down to 600 feet visibility

CATegory III would be 0 visibility

Only airlines and other operators can use cat II and III so don't worry about those. If you are flying for your own plane you are limited by what airport you go to.

Answer 3

cats are furry little critters. you can use them in several ways. normally i use them by petting them, having them sleep on my lap, feeding them. sometimes they are used to entertain little kiddies etc etc.

Answer 4

CAT I:  DH 200' and RVR 2400.  (Or RVR 1800' with TDZ & centerline lighting).

CAT II:  DH 100' and RVR 1200'.

CAT IIIa:  No DH, or DH < 100'; and RVR < 700'.

CAT IIIb: No DH, or DH < 50'; and RVR < 700'.

CAT IIIc:  No DH and no RVR minimum.

"Note:  Special authorization and equipment required for CAT II and III."  So fly the approach to the published CAT I DA, and comply with the published CAT I visibility minimum for continuing the approach and landing.  Develop a healthy distrust of automatic pilots.

Better yet, if you are interested in building flight proficiency get some stick time in a J-3, operate off grass and water, and learn soaring.