Describe the descent minima for CAT I, CAT II, and CAT III approaches.

• A. CAT I: descend to 200 ft AGL; CAT II: descend to 100 ft AGL; CAT III: No DH
• B. CAT I: descend to 200 ft AGL; CAT II: No DH; CAT III: No DH
• C. CAT I: descend to 100 ft AGL; CAT II: descend to 50 ft AGL; CAT III: No DH
• D. CAT I: 200 ft; CAT II: No DH; CAT III: 100 ft

Answer: (A)

Descent minima are the points at which you must have the required visual cues to continue the approach or execute a missed approach. As you go from CAT I to CAT III, the permitted weather and the reliance on precision guidance allow you to descend closer to the runway.

For CAT I, you must descend to 200 ft above the touchdown zone and be prepared to land if the required runway environment is in sight; if not, you go around. For CAT II, the minimum height is lower—about 100 ft above the touchdown zone—reflecting better guidance and lighting that support a lower decision height. For CAT III, there is no defined decision height, so there isn’t a DH to reach; you continue the approach and land using the appropriate automation and minima, provided the weather and system requirements are satisfied.

That’s why saying CAT I requires 200 ft, CAT II requires 100 ft, and CAT III has no DH matches the standard gradation in instrument approach minima.