B737-800 Approach Category
Dear all,
Are there any ideas out there regarding the B737-800 Approach Category? Is Cat “C” or “D” and why?
In ICAO Aircraft Operations Vol.1 Flight Procedures Table 1-4-1-2 it states that:
Cat “C” VAT = 121-140kts
Cat “D” VAT = 141-165kts
IAS at Threshold (VAT) =
· 1.3 VSO Stall Speed OR
· 1.23 VS1G Stall Speed
in Landing Configuration at Maximum Certified Landing Weight.
If both VSO andVS1G are available, the higher shall be applied.
The MCLW on our a/c is 66360kgs.
In the AFM it states that Flaps 40 VREF speed equals the Landing Speed which equals or greater 1.23 VS1G Stall Speed.
In the FCTM Section 5.2 it states that the 737 is classified as class “C” for straight in Approaches and for Circling Approaches the anticipated circling speed at the actual weight is used to determine the required Approach Minimums (Cat “C” or “D”).
In the QRH, PI Section 20.5, in the VREF table following a Weight of 66000kgs(<66360kgs) with Flaps 40 you are coming up with a VREF speed of 142kts.
Even in the FMC 10.7 version if you insert a weight of 66.3, will give you a Flaps 40 VREF of 142 kts.
2 kts above the Cat “C” limit with F40 in MCLW.
Waiting for your feedback!! 