Category III pilot authorization requirements

This regulation sets requirements for pilots seeking authorization to conduct Category III instrument approaches—the most demanding type of low-visibility landing, sometimes allowing touchdowns with minimal or zero visibility.

To qualify, you must hold at least a private pilot certificate with instrument rating (or higher), plus appropriate type and category/class ratings for the aircraft. You need substantial experience: 50 hours night flight as PIC, 75 hours instrument time (with limits on simulator use), and 250 hours cross-country as PIC.

You must pass both oral and flight practical tests covering specialized knowledge like decision height recognition, radar altimeter use, runway visual range (RVR) limitations, and handling system failures during low-visibility approaches. If you haven't tested in the past 12 months, you must meet recent ILS currency requirements (six approaches in six months, at least three hand-flown).

The authorization is aircraft-specific and must be renewed periodically through additional practical tests.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*