All helicopters are categorized as CAT II because they are propeller-driven aircraft. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on weight class
• D. Varies by mission profile

Answer: (B)

CAT II is about instrument approach minimums, not propulsion. It defines the weather minima—like required visibility or runway visual range and a decision height—for a precision approach and requires specific avionics and crew certification to fly to those minimums. Helicopters are rotorcraft, and their ability to use CAT II minima depends on certification and equipment, not on being propeller-driven. Some helicopters can fly CAT I approaches; others, if properly equipped and certified, can use CAT II or CAT III approaches. The designation is tied to the aircraft’s capabilities and the procedure, not to a blanket rule for all rotorcraft. So the statement isn’t correct.