What are the three categories of aerodromes that an operator may use for non-commercial operations with aeroplanes and helicopters, based on complexity?

Category A, category B, and category C.

What conditions must an aerodrome meet to be classified as category A?

It must have an approved instrument approach procedure, at least one runway with no performance-limited procedure for take-off and/or landing, published circling minima not higher than 1 000 ft above aerodrome level, and night operations capability.

If an aerodrome has a published circling minimum of 1 200 ft above aerodrome level, can it be categorised as category A?

No, because category A requires published circling minima not higher than 1 000 ft above aerodrome level.

What are the conditions that would place an aerodrome in category B instead of category A?

An aerodrome that does not meet the category A conditions or which requires extra considerations due to non-standard approach aids and/or approach patterns, unusual local weather conditions, unusual characteristics or performance limitations, or any other relevant considerations including obstacles, physical layout, lighting, etc.

What is the difference between category B and category C aerodromes?

Category C aerodromes require additional considerations to those of a category B aerodrome.

GM2 ORO.FC.105(b)(2) Designation as pilotincommand/ commander

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GM2 ORO.FC.105(b)(2) Designation as pilot‑in‑command/ commander

ED Decision 2025/010/R

AERODROME KNOWLEDGE FOR NON-COMMERCIAL OPERATION WITH AEROPLANES AND HELICOPTERS

The operator may, based on complexity, categorise all aerodromes in one of the following three categories:

(a) category A — an aerodrome that meets all the following conditions:

(1) an approved instrument approach procedure;

(2) at least one runway with no performance-limited procedure for take-off and/or landing;

(3) published circling minima not higher than 1 000 ft above aerodrome level; and

(4) night operations capability.

(b) category B — an aerodrome that does not meet the category A conditions or which requires extra considerations due to:

(1) non-standard approach aids and/or approach patterns;

(2) unusual local weather conditions;

(3) unusual characteristics or performance limitations;

(4) any other relevant considerations, including obstacles, physical layout, lighting, etc.

Offshore installations may be categorised as category B or C aerodromes, taking into account the limitations determined in accordance with AMC1 SPA.HOFO.115 ‘Use of offshore locations’.

Details

Source-Title: GM2 ORO.FC.105(b)(2) Designation as pilotincommand/ commander View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-20128 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Applicabilitydate: 9 July, 2025

Entryintoforcedate: 9 July, 2025

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2025/010/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-ORO

Typeofcontent: GM to IR (Guidance material to implementing rule)

Parentir: ORO.FC.105 Designation as pilot-in-command/commander

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR