Which statement describes how approach category is calculated?

Which statement describes how approach category is calculated?

• A. Vref equals VSO plus 20 knots
• B. Vref equals VSO times 1.1
• C. Vref equals VSO times 1.3
• D. Vref equals VSO times 1.6

Answer: (C)

Approach category hinges on the aircraft’s approach speed, Vref, which is the reference speed used for approach and landing performance. Vref is calculated as 1.3 times the stall speed in landing configuration (Vso). That 1.3 multiplier provides a safety margin above stall speed to handle gusts and maintain stable control during the final approach, which is why this method is used to determine the approach speed. So, the correct description is that Vref equals Vso multiplied by 1.3. The other options don’t reflect the standard approach-speed calculation.

Approach category hinges on the aircraft’s approach speed, Vref, which is the reference speed used for approach and landing performance. Vref is calculated as 1.3 times the stall speed in landing configuration (Vso). That 1.3 multiplier provides a safety margin above stall speed to handle gusts and maintain stable control during the final approach, which is why this method is used to determine the approach speed. So, the correct description is that Vref equals Vso multiplied by 1.3. The other options don’t reflect the standard approach-speed calculation.