Which characteristic is used to determine an aircraft's approach category?

• A. Maximum takeoff weight.
• B. Wingspan at landing.
• C. Approach speed relative to stall speed in the landing configuration.
• D. Engine type.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the approach category is based on how fast the aircraft flies on final approach in the landing configuration. This approach speed, typically related to the stall speed in landing configuration (often around 1.3 times Vs), is used because it directly reflects the airplane’s performance, maneuverability, and required obstacle clearance and spacing during the approach. Based on that speed, aircraft are placed into categories that determine minimums and ATC separation.

The other factors—maximum takeoff weight, wingspan at landing, engine type—don’t determine approach category. They influence other aspects of performance, design, or airspace considerations, but not the speed-based approach category.