CAT.OP.MPA.320 Aeroplane categories

(a) Aeroplane categories shall be based on the indicated airspeed at threshold (VAT) which is equal to the stalling speed (VSO) multiplied by 1,3 or one-g (gravity) stall speed (VS1g) multiplied by 1,23 in the landing configuration at the maximum certified landing mass. If both VSO and VS1g are available, the higher resulting VAT shall be used.

(b) The aeroplane categories specified in the table below shall be used.

Table 1: Aeroplane categories corresponding to VAT values 

Aeroplane category VAT
A Less than 91 kt
B From 91 to 120 kt
C From 121 to 140 kt
D From 141 to 165 kt
E From 166 to 210 kt

(c) The landing configuration that is to be taken into consideration shall be specified in the operations manual.

(d) The operator may apply a lower landing mass for determining the VAT if approved by the CAA. Such a lower landing mass shall be a permanent value, independent of the changing conditions of day-to-day operations.