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CHAPTER 59. APPROVE/AUTHORIZE CATEGORY I/CATEGORY II/

CATEGORY III OPERATIONS

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND

1. PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING (3) Special CAT I Minimums. M i n i m u m s

SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY CODES. resulting from an analysis by Flight Standards Service
• Category I Special Authorization: 1404 which indicates that Automatic Flight Control
Guidance Systems (AFCGS) significantly reduce
• Category II/III Approval: 1430 excursions from the ILS on-course signal when
• Copter ILS Approaches Below 200 Feet DH: 1220 compared to a manually flown approach. By using
these systems, operators are able to maintain
2. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to separation from obstacles that pilots flying manually
determine if an operator of a civil aircraft has developed with reference to raw data are unable to maintain. At
acceptable procedures to conduct safe instrument selected locations, authorized operators will be
approaches to Special Category (CAT) I and CAT II allowed to use the special minimums, provided an
descent minimums. Successful completion of this task approved autopilot with automatic tracking capability
results in acceptance or rejection of the operator's (approach coupler), an approved Head-Up-Guidance
proposed CAT II procedures manual (if required) and System (HGS), or flight director (FD), approved for
issuance or denial of FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of CAT I operations, is used on the approach.
Waiver or Authorization, or operations specifications
(OpSpecs) under the provisions of Title 14 of the Code ( 4 ) C o p t e r I L S A p p ro a c h A p p ro v a l .
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 125. Authorizations issued after a successful demonstration
of this capability provides the holder the authority to
3. GENERAL. descend to a DH of less than 200 feet with less than
1800 feet visibility, while conducting a Copter ILS
A. Definitions.
approach CAT II ILS procedure. Operations of this
(1) Category A Aircraft. A grouping of aircraft type are currently considered only in the case of
based on a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed in the Copter ILS approaches as described in paragraph 4A.
landing configuration at the maximum certificated
landing weight, and that speed must be less than (5) CAT II Operations. Precision approach and
91 knots. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) landing operations conducted with a DH of less than
authorizes deviation for an operator of a small 200 feet (60 meters) but not less than 100 feet
Category A aircraft (less than 12,500 lbs. certificated (30 meters) and an RVR of not less than 1200 feet
takeoff weight) to use such an aircraft in CAT II (350 meters).
operations without meeting the requirements of
(6) CAT III Operations. Operations separated
14 CFR part 91, §§ 91.189, 91.205(f), and 91.191.
into three separate subcategories:
(2) CAT I Operations. An instrument approach
procedure which provides for approaches to a decision (a) CAT IIIa is a precision approach and
landing operation with an RVR of less than 700 feet
height (DH) above touchdown of not less than 200 feet
(200 meters) but not less than 150 feet (50 meters) and
and a visibility of not less than 1/2 mile or a runway
a DH of 50 feet (15 meters) or less, or an alert height
visual range (RVR) of not less than 2400 feet (RVR
(AH) of 100 feet (30 meters) or less. Both fail-passive
1800 feet with operative touchdown zone and runway
and fail-operational airborne equipment can be used in
centerline lights). This definition is for CAT I CAT IIIa operations.
instrument landing system (ILS) operations only and
does not include CAT I operations as defined in FAA (b) CAT IIIb is a precision approach and
Order 8400.10, Air Transportation Operations landing operation with an RVR of not less than 700 feet
Inspector's Handbook. (200 meters) without a DH, or with an AH of less than

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100 feet (30 meters) or less. Fail-operational airborne demonstrating the ability to conduct safe instrument
equipment must be used for CAT IIIb operations. approaches.
(c) CAT IIIc is a precision approach and A. Copter ILS approval will permit operators to fly
landing operation without a DH and without RVR to minima no lower than 100 feet height above
limitations (zero-zero). No CAT IIIc operations are touchdown and/or to visibilities no lower than
currently authorized. 1200 feet RVR on published 14 CFR 97 Copter ILS
B. Applicability. The information detailed in this and CAT II ILS procedures. For Copter ILS approach
chapter applies to the operators of all civil aircraft authorizations, apply the following to the existing
operating under part 91 who do not hold an operating guidance in this chapter for Special Category I
certificate issued under 14 CFR parts 121, 129, or 135. approval.
This guidance also applies to operators who hold B. Title 14 CFR part 97 and those incorporated by
deviation authority issued under § 125.3 and persons reference FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard
holding a part 125 operating certificate. This chapter for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), as
addresses concepts and national policy guidance to be amended, provide the standards for development of
used by an aviation safety inspector (ASI) when Copter ILS approaches to minima below 200 feet HAT
evaluating, approving, or denying requests for an and 1800 RVR. In addition, part 97 CAT II ILS
authorization to conduct CAT II operations. approach procedures provide the ground facility, signal
(1) Presently there is no specific guidance for in space and air traffic infrastructure required to
issuing CAT III authorizations to a part 91 aircraft. support Copter ILS operations, and are acceptable for
There is no guidance in this chapter for CAT III ILS or Copter ILS procedures.
lower than standard microwave landing system (MLS)
operations. Presently the FAA is studying the use of (1) The applicant will complete a formal
MLS approaches to lower than standard minima at application letter; FAA Form 7711-2, Application for
CAT I runways. Inspectors receiving inquiries for this Certificate of Waiver or Authorization; identifying the
type of authorization should contact the appropriate aircraft and avionics configuration; and forward to the
regional Flight Standards operations division for cognizant FSDO. The FSDO shall review the
guidance and coordination with AFS-400. application package for completeness, verify the
(2) There are three basic types of operators that aircraft/ avionics data, and forward that data to
might apply for CAT II authorization: ASW110/FTW-AEG for determination that the aircraft
and installed equipment is suitable to support Copter
(a) Part 91 Operators. ILS approaches, to minima lower than 200 feet HAT.
(b) Part 125 Operators. figure 59-1 contains a sample memorandum for this
purpose. This determination eliminates the evaluation
(c) Operators of Category A small aircraft
requirement of paragraph 10B.
requesting deviation under § 91.193.
(3) For parts 121, 129, and 135, refer to FAA (2) If necessary, ASW-110/FTW-AEG will
Order 8400.10. stipulate operational limitations associated with their
determination. Figure 59-2 contains sample response
4 . L O W E R T H A N S T A N D A R D C AT I memorandums from ASW-110/FTW-AEG.
MINIMUMS AND COPTER ILS APPROACHES
(3) Basic aircraft requirements include the
ON 14 CFR PART 97 COPTER ILS AND CAT II
following equipment in addition to that specified in
ILS PROCEDURES. T h e D H a n d RV R f o r a n
paragraph 13(B)(1).
aircraft on an ILS approach is specified on the part 97
standard instrument approach procedure chart. The (a) Autopilot (AP),
DH for a CAT I ILS approach is 200 feet or more
(b) Flight Director (FD), or
above the touchdown zone and RVR is 1800 feet or
better. The FAA determined that altitude and visibility (c) HGS (approved for IFR approaches to
values could be lowered based upon the demonstrated 200 feet or below),
skill of the flightcrew and the performance of the
(d) An alternate static source (or heated
aircraft and ground based navigation equipment. The
static source), and
FAA has authorized certain operators to use lower than
normal CAT I ILS minimums at specified airports after (e) Radar altimeter.

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(4) The applicant must show satisfactory endorsement in the pilot’s logbook that he/she is
evidence of crewmember experience. The required competent to conduct those approaches to 100 feet
experience for pilot-in-command (PIC) is: HAT as PIC.
(a) Certificate and rating requirements. (c) The training referenced in
i. At least a private or commercial pilot subparagraphs (a) and (b) must include ground
certificate with a rotorcraft category and helicopter training.
class rating, and an instrument helicopter rating, or • The application of regulations
ii. An airline transport pilot certificate concerning low visibility approach and
with a helicopter rating at the ATP level (not limited to landing operations (14 CFR §§ 91.175
VFR), and and 97.3) and the limitations of the
Certificate of Authorization, or, in the
iii. A type rating, if qualification is case of initial application, the proposed
sought in an helicopter which requires a type rating. l i m i t a t i o n s o f t h e c e r t if i c a t e o f
(b) Experience requirements. Authorization

• 250 hours of PIC time • Approach and runway lighting systems

• 100 hours of PIC time in helicopters • Approach procedure charting
• 50 hours of night flight time as PIC • Visual Perceptions during low
• 75 hours of actual or simulated visibility approach and landing
instrument flight time, including at operations, including angle of view,
least 25 hours of actual or simulated speed and altitude cues, and visual
instrument flight time in a helicopter or illusions associated with low visibility
a helicopter flight simulator approach and landing operations
• Aircraft and avionics systems
(c) Recent Experience. The PIC must have
appropriate to low visibility approach
flight experience in Copter ILS, to the lowest
and landing operations, including fault
authorized minima within the previous 60 days before
detection, reversionary, and abnormal
conducting Copter ILS operations. This may be
and emergency procedures
accomplished using a helicopter flight simulator or
training device. • Missed approach procedures

NOTE: If a second-in-command (SIC) is • Crew Resource Management as

required, that pilot shall meet the certification applied to low visibility approach and
and experience requirements of 14 CFR 61 to landing operations
serve in that capacity. (d) The training referenced in subparagraphs
(5) The applicant must show satisfactory (a) and (b) must include flight training (including
evidence of crewmember qualification through simulator training, if applicable).
training and checking in Copter ILS procedures with • Use of aircraft systems and avionics in
100 feet HAT. No Copter ILS operations may be terminal area operations including low
conducted by a pilot (either PIC or SIC) unless, within visibility approach, landing, and
the preceding 12 calendar months that pilot has: missed approach operations
(a) Satisfactorily completes a course of • Identification of aircraft and avionics
training conducted by a part 142 Training Center which system faults, reversionary modes and
includes training and evaluation in Copter ILS abnormal and emergency procedures
approaches to 100 feet HAT as a curriculum segment or
• Approach procedures, landing from
module of an approved course or independent Copter
100 feet DH low visibility approaches
ILS qualification course, or
and missed approaches from 100 feet
(b) Received ground and flight training from DH conducted in accordance with the
an instructor qualified to conduct Copter ILS limitations of FAA Form 77111, or, in
approaches to 100 feet HAT as PIC, and the instructor's the case of an initial application, the

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p r o p o s e d l i m i t a t i o n s o f FA A Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, AFS-400

Form 7711-1 800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
• Crew Resource Management
(202) 385-4586
(6) The airborne ILS avionics equipment will National Resource Specialist for Rotorcraft Operations
require a check, in accordance with General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800
paragraph 13(b)(5), within 30 days before conducting 800 Independence Ave., SW
a Copter ILS minima below 200 feet HAT. This check Washington, DC 20591
may be accomplished by either a bench check or an (202) 267-3771
authorized pilot flying a Copter ILS approach.
Forth Worth Aircraft Evaluation Group, FTW-AEG
(7) The Operation Authorized portion of FAA Southwest Region Headquarters
Form 7711-1, shall contain at least the following 2601 Meacham Blvd.
information: Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298
“Standard statement without ASW-100/AEG (817) 222-5270
limitations: Aircraft Certification Service, Rotorcraft Directorate
Copter ILS operations on published 14 CFR Rotorcraft Standards Staff, ASW-110
part 97 Copter ILS and CAT II ILS 2601 Meacham Blvd.
procedures to minima no lower than 100 feet Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298
HAT and 1200 feet RVR, or the published (817) 222-5111
minima, whichever is greater.”
5 . C R I T E R I A F O R S P E C I A L C AT I
Include the additional steps in subparagraph (a)
MINIMUMS. Both part 125 and part 91 operators
through (f).
may continue to use the standard CAT I minimums
(a) Lowest minima authorized (no lower without alteration of current authorizations or
than 100 feet HAT, 1200 feet RVR, may be restricted procedures. Operators must, however, obtain FAA
b y A S W- 1 0 0 / F T W- A E G l i m i t a t i o n s ) . S e e authorization to use the special CAT I minimums. To
subparagraph (1). obtain this authorization, field offices will issue
authorizations to general aviation operators by using
(b) The required avionics configuration for
each aircraft (as accepted by ASW-100/FTW-AEG). FA A F o r m 7 7 11 - 1 , C e r t i f i c a t e o f Wa i v e r o r
See subparagraph (1). Authorization, and to part 125 operators by issuing
OpSpecs.
(c) Flightcrew certification and experience
requirements. See subparagraph (3). 6. CRITERIA FOR CAT II AUTHORIZATION.
The following steps must be accomplished to authorize
(d) Flightcrew training and qualification
an operator to conduct CAT II operations (Table 1):
requirements. See subparagraph (4).
(e) Airborne ILS receiver check A. Formal application to the appropriate Flight
requirements. See subparagraph (5). Standards District Office (FSDO).

(f) Approach Deviation Limitations. B. Evaluation of CAT II aircraft equipment and

Deviations beyond one quarter scale (1/4 scale) instruments, if required.
localizer or glide slope needle deflection upon arrival
C. An approved Maintenance/Inspection Program
at 200 feet HAT, or at any time after passing 200 feet
and Maintenance Manual, if required.
HAT, requires initiation of the missed approach
procedure, unless the pilot has at least one of the D. Approval of a CAT II manual, if required.
following visual references in sight and otherwise
meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 91.175(c). E. Authorization and special provisions or OpSpecs
as applicable.
C. Resources Available. The following sources for
aviation weather technical support are available to 7. APPLICATION FOR DEVIATION.
operations inspectors in evaluating an applicant’s Section 91.193 provides for deviations to the
request to conduct Copter ILS approaches to less than requirements of §§ 91.189, 91.191, and 91.205(f). This
200 feet DH. authority applies to the operation of small Category A

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aircraft which meet the requirements listed in of events, and if required, a description of the
§ 97.3(b)(1). An applicant must complete an FAA maintenance and inspection program.) Small
Form 7711-2, Application for a Certificate of Waiver Category A aircraft operators should state the extent of
or Authorization, when requesting this deviation. relief requested from the requirements of §§ 91.189,
91.205(f), or 91.191.
8. INITIAL CONTACT. Initial contact can take any
of several forms; i.e., telephone conversation, in- B. An applicant is responsible for the completion
person visit, by letter, submission of an application, and submission of FAA Form 7711-2 to the FSDO
etc. Before approval of a CAT II authorization, an having geographic jurisdiction over the area in which
operator must accomplish the following: the operator is located. The application must be
submitted a minimum of 30 days before the intended
A. The applicant should submit a letter of intent operations. For small Category A aircraft requesting
(Figure 59-3) containing specific information about the deviation, the 30 day minimum may be reduced as
proposed operation (e.g., the types of aircraft, schedule appropriate.

TABLE 1. OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS FOR CAT II

TYPE OF LETTER OF CAT II OPS OPERATIONS 7711-1
7711-2 APP EVAL IF REQ'D
OPERATOR INTENT MANUAL SPECIFICATIONS AUTHORIZATION
PART 91 X X X X X
OPERATOR
PART 125 X X X X
OPERATOR
CAT A SMALL X X X X

C. For part 125 operators, the letter of intent meets which the instruments and equipment have been type
the application requirement and FAA Form 7711-2 certificated or supplemental type certificated for CAT II
need not be submitted. The part 125 operator's operations. The applicant must only present a manual
amended OpSpecs become the authorization for for approval. This manual may have been developed by
CAT II operations. a manufacturer and adapted for a specific operator's use.

B. Demonstration of Flight Control Guidance

9. APPROACHES AUTHORIZED. O p e r a t o r s
System. The equipment to be evaluated for approval
approved for CAT II approaches conducted under
will be the flight control guidance system. This
part 91 may conduct any CAT II approach listed in
program provides a method of approval for those
part 97. The specific approaches do not have to be
airplane owners or operators having airplanes
listed on FAA Form 7711-1 or the OpSpecs.
equipped with a flight control guidance system which
is not approved for CAT II operations under an
10. EVALUATION PROGRAM. A n e v a l u a t i o n appropriate TC or STC. Satisfactory demonstration
program will be conducted by the operator when the will show that the equipment performs to the standards
aircraft flight control guidance system required for with the reliability necessary for CAT II operations.
C AT I I o p e r a t i o n s is n o t a p p r o v e d u n d e r a n
appropriate type certificated (TC) supplemental type C. Requirements for Conducting the Evaluation
certificate (STC) (part 91, appendix A). Information Program. The procedures and requirements for
derived from the evaluation program should be used to conducting an evaluation program are prescribed in
develop appropriate operational procedures and part 91, appendix A, section 3(e). The following
techniques in the CAT II manual. Approval by should be considered:
evaluation shall be requested as part of the application
for approval of the CAT II manual. Request for (1) When inner marker receiving equipment is
deviation of the evaluation program must be to be used as the primary means of identifying the
coordinated with the regional office Flight Standards 100-foot DH, it's use will be permitted when the
branch. ground equipment is operable. However, in the
absence of operable inner marker ground equipment,
A. Evaluation Program Requirements. An evaluation it will be necessary to rely on barometric altimeters
program is not required if an applicant has an aircraft in required by part 91, appendix A, section 2(a)(7).

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These altimeters will be acceptable under that critical area. An aircraft or vehicle in the ILS critical
section if: area could cause momentary deviations to ILS course
or glide slope signals.
(a) the altimeters and their static systems
meet the requirements of § 91.411 within the past (8) Flags, lights, aural warnings, and other
12 months; and displays associated with normal and abnormal
(b) a l t i m e t e r c o r r e c t i on d a ta , wh i ch functioning of the flight control guidance system
considers both scale error and main landing gear wheel should be evaluated to determine if they provide the
height of the airplane, is available to the PIC. Scale crew with information suitable for a CAT II operation.
error is determined by an altimeter test and inspection
(9) The PIC conducting an evaluation program
under 14 CFR part 43, appendix E, and the wheel
is not required to meet the CAT II pilot requirements
height correction is necessary if the wheel-to-
of 14 CFR part 61, § 61.67.
instrument height is in excess of 10 feet presently
allowed for in U.S. Weather Bureau altimeter settings
11 . I N S T R U M E N T S A N D E Q U I P M E N T
provided for aircraft. For instance, a large aircraft
APPROVAL. Criteria for approving the aircraft
which has a 19-foot wheel-to-instrument height would
instruments and equipment are found in part 91,
require a nine-foot correction under this rule.
appendix A. Small Category A aircraft operated under
Barometric altimeters meeting the requirements above
a deviation are not required to meet the standards in
are acceptable for CAT II operations to establish DHs
part 91, appendix A.
down to 150 feet.
(2) If a success rate of 90 percent is not A. Currency of Maintenance. Before presenting an
achieved during 50 approaches, additional aircraft for approval of the instruments and equipment,
demonstration approaches may be conducted. (This is it must be shown that, since the beginning of the
not required for Category A aircraft; see paragraph 13 12th calendar month before the date of submission, the
following.) The demonstration approaches should be equipment required in part 91, appendix A,
recorded on a suitable form developed by the operator section 2(a), has been checked, tested, or inspected
in order to facilitate evaluation. See Figure 59-4 for an according to the standards and methods contained in
example. appendix A, section 3.

(3) At least half of the approaches required by B. Listed CAT II Instruments. A list of installed
part 91, appendix A, section 3(e)(2) must be observed CAT II instruments and items of equipment, including
by an FAA inspector. Ideally, inspectors from avionics, make and model of those specified in part 91,
operations, and airworthiness should participate in the appendix A, section 2(a), must be included in CAT II
evaluation program. manuals. If there is a change of installed equipment or
instruments, the aircraft and manual may require
(4) If the evaluation program is not producing reevaluation.
the desired degree of success, the operator should
coordinate a reevaluation with the district office. C. Operational Checks. The equipment may be
operationally checked by ramp test equipment or in a
(5) It is desired that at least one of the three ILS functional flight check conducted by a pilot with
facilities referred to in part 91, appendix A, meet CAT II authorization during an approach (Figure 59-4
CAT II criteria. may be used to record these checks). If an aircraft has
(6) The evaluation program is used to develop gone more than 15 hours and/or 15 days since the last
and establish appropriate operational procedures and functional check was performed and recorded, the
techniques for inclusion in the CAT II manual. aircraft shall not be used in CAT II operations until the
above check is completed. The inspector should be
(7) All evaluation approaches must be aware that single flight director systems with dual
conducted under simulated instrument conditions after displays in which the second display only repeats the
prior arrangement with the controlling air traffic ILS information on the pilot's display will not meet the
control (ATC) facility. When conducting approaches requirements for two independent dual displays.
the phrase “coupled approach or auto land approach”
will be used with ATC to ensure that vehicles or other 12. MANUAL REQUIREMENTS. The following
aircraft on the surface will not move into the ILS information and procedures should be included in the

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CAT II Manual (refer to part 91, appendix A, in § 91.205(d) are required together with the following
section 1(b)): instruments and equipment:

A. Aircraft Identification. Registration number, (a) a communication system that does not
serial number, make and model of the aircraft to which affect the operation of the ILS systems;
it applies.
(b) a marker beacon receiver that provides
B. Maintenance Program. A maintenance program distinctive aural and visual indications of the outer and
as specified in part 91, appendix A, section 4. middle marker;

C. Procedures. The procedures and instructions (c) one sensitive altimeter adjustable for
related to: barometric pressure having a placarded correction for
altimeter scale error, in the absence of a radio altimeter;
(1) DH.
(d) one vertical speed indicator;
(2) Use of runway visual range information.
(e) for operations with DH's below 150 feet,
(3) The decision region (the region between the either a marker beacon receiver providing aural and
middle marker and DH). visual indications of the inner marker or a functioning
radio altimeter;
(4) The maximum permissible deviations of the
basic ILS indicator within the decision region. (f) warning systems for immediate detection
by the pilot of system faults in the ILS and the radio
(5) A missed approach. altimeter (if required);
(6) Use of equipment, minimum altitude for (g) an externally vented static pressure
use of autopilot. system with an alternate static pressure source; and
(7) Instrument and equipment failure warning (h) a heat source for the airspeed system
systems. pilot tube installed or an equivalent means of
preventing malfunctioning because of icing of the pilot
(8) Instrument failure.
system.
(9) Other procedures, instructions, and
limitations that may be found necessary by the (2) No passengers or property may be carried
Administrator. for compensation or hire.

(3) The following minimums apply for ILS

1 3 . S M A L L C AT E G O RY A A I R C R A F T
approaches to CAT II runways: DH RVR.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS. For operators of small
Category A aircraft holding authorization for (4) This authorization applies only to the
deviation, the following special provisions will be f o l l o w i n g : [i n s e r t t h e a i rc r a f t m a k e , m o d e l ,
listed on FAA Form 7711-1, as appropriate. registration, and serial number.]
A. Exceptions to § 91.189. T h e p r o v i s i o n s o f
( 5 ) O p e r a t i o n s u n d e r t h e te rm s o f t h i s
§ 91.189 apply to all operations conducted in
authorization shall not be conducted unless the
accordance with this authorization. However, when a
required ILS equipment has been operationally
second-in-command (SIC) is not required by the
checked within the preceding fifteen hours of flight
aircraft type design, the SIC requirements of
time and within 15 days before flight and found to
§ 91.189(a)(1) are not applicable.
perform satisfactorily for the type of operation
B. Exceptions to § 91.205(f). T he pr o v i si o n s o f authorized. The check may be performed using ramp
§ 9 1 .2 0 5 ( f ) d o n o t a p p l y w i t h t h e f o l l o w i n g test equipment, a functional flight check conducted by
exceptions: a pilot holding a CAT II authorization, or by an actual
approach. Such checks shall be recorded in the aircraft
(1) For operations under the terms of this logbook or aircraft maintenance records by the person
authorization, the instruments and equipment specified performing the check as provided in § 91.407(b).

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14. AUTHORIZATION OF CAT I MINIMUMS. (1) The operator must apply for authorization
Before issuing an authorization to use special CAT I by using FAA Form 7711-2, Application for a
minimums, inspectors shall ensure that each operator Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.
meets the following conditions: (a) Block 5 of the application should contain
a request for authorization to conduct straight-in CAT I
A. Aircraft and Associated Aircraft Systems. T h e ILS approaches using “Special Aircrew and Aircraft
authorized aircraft must be equipped with an approved Authorization Required” minimums.
autopilot approach coupler, HUD, or FD system that
provides guidance to DH. Inspectors must establish (b) Block 6 of the application may indicate
that the approach coupler, HUD, or FD are certified for specific locations or all locations at which, Special
use down to an altitude of 200 feet above ground level Aircrew and Aircraft Authorization Required,
(AGL) or lower. minimums are published.
(c) Block 8(a) must list the aircraft make
B. Flightcrew Procedures. The PIC must use the
and model. Pilot names and addresses in blocks 8(b)
AFCGS, HUD, or FD to DH or to the initiation of a
through 8(d) should be left blank.
missed approach, unless visual references with the
runway environment are established, allowing safe (2) Inspectors shall prepare FAA Form 7711-1
continuation to a landing. If the AFCGS, HUD, or FD in accordance with the procedures in section 2.
malfunctions or becomes disconnected, the PIC may
not descend below standard minimums unless the (3) The Certificate of Authorization will expire
runway environment is in sight. 24 calendar-months after the date of issuance. The
certificate may be renewed upon receipt of a new
C. Flightcrew Qualifications. P I C s m u s t h a v e application, provided the certificate holder retains
demonstrated proficiency using the AFCGS, HUD, or operational control of the aircraft and maintains an
FD (as appropriate) on the most recent instrument acceptable safety record.
proficiency check required by § 125.291 or the PIC
proficiency check required by § 61.58 (as applicable). (4) Inspectors shall record the issuance of the
For operations to which §§ 125.291 and 61.58 do not c e r t i f i c a t e u s i n g PT R S c o d e 1 4 0 4 a n d p la c e
apply, the applicant must have demonstrated SPECLCATI in the National Use field. Entries into
instrument proficiency in accordance with the this data field are purposely specific in nature and used
standards in the Airline Transport Pilot and Type for analysis of certain kinds of inspections and safety
Rating Practical Test Standards within the preceding trends. Extreme caution should be exercised in making
12 calendar-months. exact entries into the National Use field.

D. Part 125 Operators. POIs having certificate 15. APPROVAL, RENEWAL, AND TRANSFER
management responsibility for operators requesting OF OWNERSHIP FOR CAT II MINIMUMS.
approval for use of CAT I Special Minimums should A. Approval. T h e a u t h o r i z a t i o n s h a l l b e f o r
contact the regional Flight Standards division to obtain 24 calendar-months and shall expire at the end of the
instructions and the specific pages necessary to issue twenty-fourth calendar month. Authorization shall be
the OpSpecs subparagraph for Special Aircrew, for specific aircraft by registration and serial number
Aircraft Authorized Minimums. POIs shall record (see part 91, appendix A).
adding subparagraph C53f to the operators' OpSpecs
b y u s i n g PT R S c o d e 1 4 0 4 a n d b y p l a c i n g (1) The district office manager, or designated
“SPECLCATI” in the National Use field. Entries into representative, signs FAA Form 7711-1 upon approval.
this data field are purposely specific in nature and used FAA Form 7711-1 and any special provisions are
for analysis of certain kinds of inspections and safety issued to the applicant. The original of FAA Form
trends. Extreme caution should be exercised in making 7711-1 shall be carried on board the aircraft when
exact entries into the National Use field. conducting CAT II operations.
(2) For part 125 operators, OpSpecs must be
E. Part 91 Operators. General Aviation operators issued. A limited number of requests for these
may be issued FAA Form 7711-1 authorizing use of authorizations are expected. The OpSpecs are not
special CAT I minimums. A separate form is required automated at this time and must be issued by the
for each aircraft. FSDO after examining the letter of intent and

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determining eligibility for authorization (see volume 2, submitted by the applicant on FAA Form 7711-2
chapter 76). A copy of the OpSpecs which authorize MUST NOT be altered by the issuing office.
CAT II operations shall be carried on board the aircraft
when conducting CAT II operations. A. Items 1 and 2. I f t h e a p p l i c a n t i s a
representative of an organization, the organization's
B. Renewal. An operator may renew authorization name should appear in item 1. The name of the
by submitting an application one month before the individual and his/her position or authority to represent
expiration date. If the operator's application for the organization (e.g., the “responsible person”) should
renewal is approved, a Certificate of Authorization appear in item 2. If the applicant is not representing
may be issued for 24 calendar-months. others, the term “N/A” should be entered in item 1 and
C. Transfer of Ownership. The regulations under the applicant's name entered in item 2.
which CAT II airborne equipment and systems are B. Item 4. In many instances the applicant does not
approved and authorized for use does not address the know or is not sure which sections of the regulations
transfer of ownership of the aircraft in which the are involved. A conference with the applicant before
equipment is installed. The authorization to conduct acceptance of the application may be necessary.
CAT II operations by the new owner does not require
reapproval of the airborne equipment or the C. Item 5. It is sufficient for the applicant to use
procedures, limitations, and maintenance program the phrase “CAT II operations” to describe the type of
described in the approved CAT II manual for the operation.
aircraft involved. It follows that the aircraft purchaser
should arrange for transfer of the approved CAT II D. Item 6. A detailed description of any city, town,
manual with the airplane. Before engaging in CAT II county, and/or state over which CAT II operations will
operations, the new owner must review the approved be conducted and the minimum altitudes essential to
CAT II manual to determine if the manual contents, accomplish the operation should be included in this
including the maintenance program, are compatible item.
with the operator's capability and operational E. Item 7. The applicant should list the beginning
requirements. If the CAT II manual requires revisions date and hour and ending date and hour for the
which are necessary or are desirable, the operator operation in this item. The dates requested must not
should submit those revisions to the FSDO having exceed 24 calendar-months.
geographic responsibility for the operator before
conducting any CAT II operations. F. Item 8. At the time the application for an
authorization is submitted, the applicant may not know
16. REVIEW FAA FORM 7711-2. Pertinent items the names of the pilots or the aircraft to be used in a
are discussed below for purposes of clarity and particular operation. The application may be accepted
uniformity. The application should be reviewed upon with a notation in item 8 that a list will be provided at
receipt for obvious discrepancies. The information a later, specified date.

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