Which is the speed range for Aircraft Performance Category D?

• A. 131-160 kt
• B. 141-165 kt
• C. 150-180 kt
• D. 100-120 kt

Answer: (B)

Final approach speed determines which approach category an aircraft falls into, and each category has its own published minimums and obstacle protection. Category D is defined for aircraft with an approach speed between 141 and 165 knots, placing it above the C band (which ends at 140 knots) and below the E band (which starts above 165 knots). So 141–165 knots is the official range for Category D. The other ranges either belong to different categories (for example, speeds around 100–120 knots fit Category B) or extend beyond 165 knots into Category E, so they aren’t the correct range for Category D.