Bombardier 'Sets Pace' With Single Engine Cat III Approval

Cat III operations are a tough gig... but Cat III operations conducted with "one feathered" can be a first class (epithet deleted). Bombardier Aerospace tells ANN that Horizon Air Q400 aircraft equipped with the Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamic's Head-up Guidance System (HGS) have received operational approval for single-engine approaches to Category III (Cat. III) weather minima – a first for a commercial regional airline aircraft.

The Seattle, Washington-based carrier operates 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft on routes throughout the U.S. northwest, and between Los Angeles, California and Sun Valley, Idaho. An added benefit to the single-engine Cat. III approval is that it leads to lower weather minima at alternate airports when widespread low weather conditions exist – a common occurrence in Horizon’s operating area during the winter months. If equipped for Cat. III, an airport may be used as a legal alternate if the ceiling is 200 feet and visibility is 1,800 feet Runway Visual Range (RVR).

“This is a major advantage because we will be able to use our hub airports as alternates more often during foggy weather,” said Gene Hahn, vice president Flight Operations, Horizon Air.

“Approval for single-engine approaches down to Cat. III limits adds yet another capability to the impressive list of Bombardier Q400 achievements,” said Steven A. Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft.

FMI: www.aero.bombardier.com