Originally Posted by
hawk37
Thanks for your reply +TSRA. I'm still not clear whether Canada uses a category based on VRef at MAXIMUM allowable landing weight (as opposed to actual weight). Of course, manouevering at a higher airspeed can put you in a higher category, I understand that.
In the US and under ICAO rules, one cannot drop drown a category ever. Under these rules, if you happen to be at lower weight and hence a slower speed (eg now below 120 kts where Cat B is now the category) one CANNOT legally use the lower category minimums.
Same rules in Canada. You can go up a category due to weight or configuration (IE: Flapless landing, emergency, weight, etc) but you can not go down a category because you are light that day. The aircraft is certified in a category and it's that level or higher.