Cat 3 approaches and autoland

In this episode I will be giving you a full briefing on how to fly a CAT 3 approach, Go-around and landing.
This is a full briefing so it is a bit longer than my usual videos but stay tuned, it is packed with good info.
Enjoy!
www.mentour360.com
Welcome!
On this channel you can expect video-blogs, technical instructions, flying techniques and much more about the wonderful world of commercial aviation and the life of airline pilots.
I am using my 13 years of experience as an airline pilot, training-captain and TRI/TRE to give you MY view of the airline business and the role of an airline pilot.
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Please keep your comments and questions in the same spirit and please INTERACT. The channel becomes much better then and its intended for YOUR benefit.
The content on this channel is for info and entertainment only and is not intended to replace any existing FCOM manuals or SOP's.
I am only talking for myself and do not represent any specific company, airline or entity.

[@nickfero]

When Captain talks about the moment, I can see the tension and confidence in the eyes. I can feel he's flying the aircraft, in his head, and tell how he made it many times. These are the eyes what we want the pilots to have.

[@bng737]

The most perfect comments :-)

[@billXJR9]

Very good explanation. Clear & concise. Obviously you're a highly skilled pilot. Thanks.

[@Robert_N]

His hand movements are great too.

[@j.rodrigomardones5682]

.

[@bazokazoro4563]

With all that high tech technology that the a/c equipped with Still the pilot is the key and the master of the sky ... His mission is not easy, he suffering a lot of stress and focusing every flight. Big appreciation for all Pilots keeping us safe😙

[@marcemarce9821]

Anybody looking for the best teacher explaining clearly mentour pilot the best of the best

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Nice explanation. The Boeing 757/767 does CAT III with three autopilots on three different hydraulic systems, three Inertial Reference Units, three ILS receivers, and three radio altimeters. What is really amazing (to me) is that in CAT III mode, the rudder on those airplanes is being controlled by five different systems and actuators at once--three autopilots and two yaw dampers.

[@125brat]

I think you will find the various inputs will be subject to something called Kalman filtering which statistically calculates what information to accept and what to ignore thus making sure the output is what is most likely required.

[@ricardo_9726]

@@125brat for error checking your control output you would probably want a wayyyy simpler way but that’s totally a possible way to do it. Kalman filters are used all the time for navigation though

[@125brat]

@@ricardo_9726 Yes, that's where I first heard of it on the Tornado navigation systems. If I remember correctly, it took inputs from the Inertial Navigation, radar and other sensors which were filtered to give the best estimate of position. I also seem to remember the CSAS flying control system used quadruplex channels with voting for the pitch and roll channels and triplex for yaw. That meant the rudder wasn't as necessary and probably yaw could be controlled by the spoilers in the event of loss of rudder control. Loss of 1 rudder control channel would cause the rudder to lock because with only 2 channels left, there no way of knowing which channel is the correct demand.

[@gbaerial]

When I was flying night freight in Beech 18s and DC-3s in the early 1970s. We would arrive at KLAX around 0200 PST after a 2 hour flight from KSFO. Cat III did not exist at that time. There was talk about it. A lot of Stretch 8, 727 and other freighters were arriving at that time, so we got very good at flying 140 kt. approaches in those old airplanes in order to fit into traffic. KLAX sits right on the California coast which is famous for its low stratus or fog in the summer months. This stratus will stretch inland for many miles and usually the ceiling is between 50 and 500 ft. Most nights the visibility was quite good under the ceiling. KLAX Tower very often would report the ceiling as 200ft. no matter what it really was because if they gave us the real ceiling, a lot of freighters would be trying to find an alternate. The Beech and DC-3s had no auto-pilots, and we got very good at hand flying in all sorts of weather, and it was not unusual for us and all of the jet freighters to break out on final at 75 or 80 ft. to find 3 to 4 mile visibility underneath. On two nights that I remember well after all these years, we had the lights at 50 ft. or so, then didn't have them and then saw them again, had the threshold, started the flair, and heard the wheels touch down while faintly seeing the runway lights on either side. This was the norm at KLAX while the FAA dragged their feet about installing CATIII

[@davidsandell7833]

Robert Campbell: Thanks for the info. I did lots of flying in San Diego in the mid to late 80s. We had the same issues. There are no airports in the San Diego area with cat II or cat III approaches so we had to go around and fly inland where there was no fog to land and wait for the fog to lift on the coast. Those were the days. 😊

[@inactivefatimahgianna245]

You know you’re an AvGeek when you search up Cat videos and this comes up

[@gwened]

I was in a 777 approaching CDG in foggy conditions. Cabin crew announced: "For this particular approach, we ask you to turn off your phones completely (not just airplane mode), to avoid any interference with autopilot systems". Is it standard practice for flight crews to request that for autolands? And by the way, we did go-around eventually!

[@imgth765]

Yes no

[@DiamondCutter423]

You're like a manual for flight training. So many details to remember. You're a good teacher.

[@lineman55]

That was so well put and understood.Thank you for that lesson!

[@garonfr]

Hi captain, I can't say how much I appreciate your podcasts, all of them and especially this one. I am not a pilot but always dreamed of becoming airline pilot since 15 years old (could not by that time because wearing eyeglasses). Your videos bring me in a world I would never have know otherwise. I travel by plane many times each year (Boeing and Airbus, many models) and each time I listen to one of your video I understand more of what is going on from takeoff to landing. Thank so much for giving me the oportunity to learn from someone very interested to explain, and explain so clearly.

[@nw24153ns]

I have never really appreciated all that pilots do each and every day. Thank you for all the times I have forgotten to say so.

[@AZ-vg6li]

Great video as always! About 2 years ago on an early morning approach to Chongqing with a Finnair A340 we had 2 aborts due to fog.Landed on the 3rd try.Didnt realize this was such a rare ocurance.Chongqing is very often very foggy.Few months ago,we landed with some fog..but while taxing the fog became much worse.Could barely see the asphalt on the ground below.The taxing speed was something like walking speed..!

[@theurbantrotter]

Thanks for this video! I got all my CPL/ME/IR in the US and now Im doing the conversions here in Europe! all of your videos keep me motivated! Ciao

[@theurbantrotter]

Florida Flight Training Center,Mayank.

[@MrAlfisti21]

Best explanation of the CAT III approach and autoland!!! I wish you always have safe landings my friend

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@ralv10]

Keep making videos about approaches, crosswind landing techniques, landing techniques in normal conditions, all regarding 737. The way You making videos and talking about is so wonderful and clearly divided for roles PF/PM...keep do that Best regards. You got my sub !

[@EriIaz]

CAT III approach? Meow! 😺

[@paulwalker4763]

I'm still playing catch up with this great series. Thank you very much for them all. Many ppl would benefit from watching them.

[@rshvkkt91]

Superb explanation. Wish i could have a teacher like you! Even a non aviation guy like me could understand everything. The presentation was very vivid and engaging.

[@neilharper6317]

Thank you, Mentour Pilot, see you at the next video! Your lecture was very comprehensive that I missed a few points. No problem - I'll be replaying this when I get the chance. Thumbs up!

[@mert1428]

The information on this video is priceless, your help is much appreciated.

[@pbbrown1963]

Now that was a nice discussion of a Cat-3 ILS approach. Thanks a bunch. That was helpful. -- PB

[@vppetrov]

Hi Petter. Nice video on CAT III A approach. I would like to add that there are CAT III B and CAT III C approaches (which the B737 cannot do) which have other minima. Here is the full list for anyone interested (DH = decision height; RVR = runway visual range): - CAT I: system minima 60m (200ft); DH >= 60m, RVR >= 550m or ground visibility >= 800m - CAT II: system minima 30m (100ft); DH < 60m, DH >= 30m, RVR >= 350m - CAT IIIA: no system minima; DH < 30m or no DH; RVR >= 200m - CAT IIIB: no system minima; DH < 15m (50ft) or no DH; RVR >= 50m - CAT IIIC: no system minima; no DH; no RVR If I remember correctly CAT III B and CAT III C require 3 autopilots so that even in the case of one failing, the other 2 can continue the approach. CAT III C has an additional issue: after landing (which is completely automatic) taxiing is not possible. I've heard that there were some attempts to use it in zero visibility but after the first aircraft lands in those conditions it cannot leave the runway, so the airport becomes blocked.

[@MsJubjubbird]

The problem is with flying blind (Cat IIIc) is the plane can land with the use of the ILS and autopilot but there is nothing you can key in that will then taxi the plane automatically to the parking bay. And as you need to be able to have some visibility to be able to taxi and to operate ground crew to assist with moving the aircraft so the plane has to sit there with its passengers on board. Unless you have parallel runways nothing else can land. I don't think there are any airports that allow this as it's too expensive and a logistical nightmare. I mean given it's such a risky approach if there was a small error and as a result a crash it would be too hard to help the people on board with such low visibility

[@Robert_N]

My dad RIP was a H.S Trident captain in the 60s and 70s. The first airliner capable of CAT IIIC Full Auto Land (blind landing). Amazing aircraft with amazing technology at the time. He loved flying it.

[@shanefeather-lopez5935]

Ever since my teenage years I've been an avid aviation enthusiast.... Learned how wings were shaped for generating lift using many pieces of balsa wood at 13 and then how adding control surfaces like the slats and flaps worked. Addicted ever since! I fear it's a bit late for me to be thinking of restarting my career, but your videos fuel my curiosity - I work in cargo right next to EGLL and invest in my X-Plane setup to practice flying. Your videos always help me to refine technique or inspire me to try different scenarios. My family think I'm crazy when we're jetting off somewhere and I'm following through landing stages and mental checklists! I think I was the only passenger in an entire 767 arriving at EHAM in really bad weather to get excited when the crew decided to go-around as we passed the runway threshold >< Keep up the fantastic work - very much appreciated!

[@richardkrentz7553]

Fantastic explanation. That's all I can say. Keep up the good work. Your videos are most informative for pilots who need a little refresher.

[@soapyfrog]

Very informative and I love how you even manage to inject a little suspense :-)

[@friedchicken1]

suspense injection is what it's all about

[@OKCMark1]

As an f** employee, working on the ground systems, I'm finding your videos very educational and beneficial. Wish I could say more...

[@stephensmith4480]

Very interesting video. Everything clearly explained. Looking forward to some more.

[@charlieindigo]

This the first time I've seen a Mentour video, and I have to say I'm very impressed - a lovely tutorial and (mostly) easy to grasp, so thank you. The reason I watched this is purely because as an FSX VP (sorry about that!!), I'm currently flying an Avro Liner which, for some reason, automatically advises me that I'm on a Cat 3 Autoland. When that comes on during the approach phase, I tend to follow the speed card info', flap settings 24, switch off the auto-throttle at the FAF (usually 2,000 ft), and use gently changes on the throttle to keep the a/c stable to t/d - flaring at about 15-20ft. Throughout this glide-slope phase, my speed is between 8-10 kts above the speed-card TD setting (generally around 129 and 139 kts respectively, depending on the total weight), and TD at the correct speed. Most times my landings are very smooth! However, my questions are: Why do I get this Cat 3 annunciator, and should I change my subsequent procedure? Whether or not you respond to this, I will definitely be watching more of the Mentour vids, so thanks again.

[@johnmalone657]

I absolutely love your channel and love how you explain stuff. You are bloody brilliant. Thanks so much for your time and this channel. Helps me so much with everything I do regarding getting my private pilots license.

[@Robert_N]

My dad RIP was a H.S Trident captain in the 60s and 70s. The first airliner capable of CAT IIIC Full Auto Land (blind landing). Amazing aircraft with amazing technology at the time. He loved flying it.

[@ric.e214]

Truly an impeccable and prudent aviation professor!

[@DB-thats-me]

thank-you for your videos. I am a 'barely capable' PPL. pilot. My son is now PIC dash8 on his way to ATPL jet. His (your) training gives me great confidence for his future. I could never maintain these minimum procedures.

[@danielgutsul]

An amazing interpretation! Very informative! Some times I get a feeling I don't even need to reed the FCOM. Thank you a lot!

[@valentingarcia6100]

Very accurate your info about this Low Visibility Procedure, and very useful as always, thank you again for your help as a pilot provider

[@EricBishard]

We did a Cat 3 ILS approach into Munich on October 26th on a Lufthansa flight from Sofia. It was between 6 and 6:30am and from we could see the visibility was very low. I am always in a window seat if I can get one and in this case, I was continually monitoring as the captain told us that we would be doing this type of landing and asked that all passengers ensure that our phones were not using mobile data, I'm not sure if this is standard but the pilot felt it necessary. I did not see the runway clearly until we were on top of it and the only thing we could see approaching was faint light in the distance. It was a little scary as a passenger but the landing was very easy and a lot of passengers around me were either asleep or barely awake. This was the first time I experienced this type of landing. Very interesting.

[@mav613]

Great explaination of a CAT III approach using a PMA! Thank you very much!

[@petervandelinde993]

For many yaers working on Schiphol Airport ( with many BZO (fog) CAT 3 is wel known of the 5 out 6 runways, But your detailed information is great! thank you!

[@lockedin60]

Fantastic information. I can see why training to becoming an ATP is so intensive and costly. A lot of procedures to juggle. Thanks for your very through explanations!

[@aksharpatel6920]

Thanks for this video, really informative! Starting my MCC and JOC in a week, you keep me motivated thank you

[@Uncle-Duncan-Shack]

Hi Petter, Greetings here from the wildlife of South Africa. Secondly thanks for a super channel which for me as an aviation enthusiast I and others can learn a huge amount from. This was a very technical vlog, but an important one and right on point for someone who understands it all as I live as an engineer. I understand the hardware systems involved quite well, but the talk through of the responsibilities of the crew and their required actions is not freely available in the public domain and this is where you join the "Runway lights" into the complete picture of ATPL flying and the industry structure. Kind regards, Duncan, South Africa

[@beastblood2five]

I love this dude Chantel! I just discovered it a few weeks back and there so much good content on it. I play a lot of flight simulator games on my phone and just watching this channel has helped me getting better at flying on the simulator. I can't wait until I get a computer so I can get a better simulator tho, I'm sure this channel would help me put even more!

[@gearsau]

Always enjoy your podcasts. one suggestion.. Always take the spoon out of your coffee cup. You can go blind in one eye, and, that will affect your flying :-)

[@kathy13volpe]

You are a.very good speaker. Very organized. Very enjoyable podcast. Thanks

[@proudbirther1998]

Mentour Pilot. This was an Excellent Explanation. Thank you Sir!

[@TEXTOFF]

that was a very good presentation of how to make a cat 3 landing and the required endorsements to do so .

[@hughgilroy8021]

your grasp of the english language is fantastic congratulations on all your hard work.

[@MrDamianangelk]

Great video, explanation is so clear! Big teacher!!! Thanks Mentour.

[@josephcameron530]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge.

[@timsharp8233]

Came into Luton a couple of nights ago ... very foggy and went through a CAT III as a passenger ... totally smooth amazing that planes can do this

[@larrydockery7201]

i like your vids i worked on the l-1011s back in 70s 80s i miss the good ole days stay safe buddy

[@AdhamNafea]

you are amazing....better than any instructor i ever had

[@gaspo53]

Your channel is the best commercial aviation channel I've found. I'm training for Private Pilot (C172). Greetings from Argentina!!! Hope to have you as captain in some Europe vacation!

[@kubaSWAT]

Great material, I'm new on 737 and this is very useful

[@kubaSWAT]

+Mentour Pilot Not yet

[@lbowsk]

I'm so sorry. The B737 is a flying POS.

[@afkihaimboy2717]

Thank you ! You really helped me out ! Keep it up , Captain !

[@googleisshittoss]

I learn so much watching your videos, thank you

[@solomonsileshi3468]

It's really amazing captain. am a student pilot hopefully flying one of the bigger aircrafts soon. you really pass me the energy. I can't wait to do all the things you mansions.

[@LandNfan]

As always, a very interesting and informative video. At least I can still fly vicariously through your postings. I quit flying 30 years ago for financial reasons, paying for one boy’s college, and “making payments on the orthodontist’s Porsche” for the other. By the time I might have been able to afford it again, I had developed high blood pressure and diabetes and could no longer pass the medical. Life can be cruel. But st least I had fulfilled a childhood dream, reaching back to watching Sky King on Saturday mornings at age 6. “Flying, the most fun you can have with your clothes on.”

[@TheDerekCrosson]

As always, great video :-) I didn't know that the 737 has an auto land feature! Also, thanks for mentioning about the most difficult part being taxiing because of the fog and the captain moving his seat higher to increase visibility angle. I would have never thought of this myself. Can't wait to fly one day :-)

[@firstcapt75]

Amazing and accurate explanation! Thanks for sharing!

[@alpersezeralper]

Thank you Mentour for your clear explanation

[@marshallhyasi6213]

Golden info .. Thank you for the great video !

[@bernardputersznit64]

Thank you for explaining this in such depth

[@joseantoniodelcampo317]

Thanks so much for the videos. I really enjoy them.

[@mayed34]

Thanks a lot, I watch this video before every recurrent I do :)

[@flyn4life558]

Another great informative video... Thank for Sharing your knowledge

[@juniorfsonline]

Congrats captain your videos and explanations are excellent , thanks

[@NancyRutland]

Being from New Orleans, at first glance I thought this was going to be about what to do when a “Cat 3 Hurricane” was approaching land & --well I had no idea what I thought it could’ve been about, but I was HIGHLY intrigued!

[@genelegear5418]

Thanks you so much, really enjoy your lectures

[@aslv2009]

Awesome explanation. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@rickl8280]

Very detailed and clear, really appreciate!

[@TheLifetraveler1]

thank you for your podcast. They are very informative. I use that information to play with my flight simulator on my computer. Since it looks like I'll never actually get a chance to fly a real airplane again. I took private lessons for a while when I got out of school. And passed the flying test. However, I found out that being color blind can have an impact on getting your commercial license and flying that way so my dreams crashed that day.

[@yeymymar]

Information is very complete. Thanks!!

[@martinhavae3571]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@callum7875]

Very informative and extremely interesting! Thanks!

[@jamesries5534]

@Mentour Pilot...I am not a pilot and am amazed at all that goes on while I sit in my cramped seat in economy class. Thanks

[@michaelpowers9259]

I love this video and explanation. Thanks!

[@zahiduddin2cool]

Very well explained and very informative ! I’m an instrument student and this helped quite a bit

[@fridjonvilhjalmsson2883]

Jag har letat efter en förklaring om ILS Cat 3 och det här var verkligen fantastiskt. Just brushing up on my Swedish for fun.

[@TMccrury]

Great video. Very educational. Side note, the room you are in is amazing.

[@MentourPilot]

It’s my living room.

[@TMccrury]

Its looks fantastic. Keep up the great work. I have a friend who is an FO on an A350. He just moved to that position from a B777.

[@ES-wy2xj]

Excellent video! Thank you :D

[@builtyankeegirl]

Thank you so much for all the very informative videos they really explain a lot of things and call out misconceptions about the flying industry and also how things really work behind the scenes. I did have a question about Air Marshals and whether or not the flight crew know in advance who they are or is it a surprise as best as they can keep it obviously you say the same ones over and over I would think but if they mixed them up maybe they do blend in and not stand out. Is that a topic you can discuss or is it a safety regulation to avoid?

[@troyc7416]

Yes , yes I love these mentor pilot video's it's very educational

[@Pilot2Eng]

Very NICE!!!

[@douglasdossantos9978]

Fantastic very interesting thanks!

[@bobhatcher5505]

Excellent tutorial, thanks!

[@Andre-cp9ex]

GREAT VIDEO DUDE! I watch your videos every night and makes me feel good, finally somebody that makes videos about experience! I wanna have the Life that you have man, do you just live from being a Pilot or are you involved in any business apart? Your porsche is tremendous!

[@markholbrook3949]

WOW great mike!!

[@robynharris7179]

Very informative, thank you.

[@BuxtonHouse]

Nice Tie !

[@tubzvermeulen]

Thanks for the video!!!!

[@colinoconnell7987]

Truly interesting... much appreciated.

[@biloo007]

Thank you, that was very informative

[@jellybertdelattiba7603]

You've got a new subscriber ! J watch you guys flying from the ground 'cause j missed that train long time ago, but j can't help learning more and more about your art ! You make my cerebral ( brain, j don't know if this word is used in English ! ) connections shake their tails like happy dogs ! Great teaching !

[@scuddrunner1]

Excellent explanation!

[@massa12341]

Mike M can we have a video on land 3 land 2 and not auto land please

[@stoffa2543]

Great video very informative!

[@Rexweiller]

Hi Captain, after completing my MCC I feel very confident on how briefing my charts with my colleague. But, it would be interesting that you explain how to perform a good briefing in a big airliner such as the B738. This would be so useful. Thank you !!!! Have a fantastic day!

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

I know you posted this question over a year ago, I hope you will still appreciate an answer. You know that statement the forest from the trees, it is useful in understanding the perception of a person trying to get work in the airlines and one wo does it daily. A lot of things you are thinking about will be covered in training , The airlines have trained former military pilots, former general aviation and cooperate pilots and pilots with very minimal flight experience. They all seem to get through training with the right attitude and burning some midnight lamp oil. Everything that you are doing right now is preparing you for that eventuality of sitting in an airline classroom so keep learning and expanding on your aviation accomplishments.

[@randycox7978]

Our Cat III APPROACHES are hand flown in the Q400 💪

[@lbowsk]

Because you have HUD.

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Great video man I love how advanced aviation is getting year by year its amazing! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge

[@MentourPilot]

Thank YOU for supporting the channel!

[@nikobelic4251]

I mean Cat III has been available since the 70s

[@virenk859]

@@MentourPilot 1zx

[@AtiRanzuglia]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@dlakatos847]

awesome video!

[@manuelmontes7327]

Excellent job Hans [LH] or Sven [SAS] . Almost identical procedures of my old airline. Except, after the auto land, in the MD11 and 777 the autopilot would track centerline after landing. [Do not know about the 737. never flew it]. In the sim we practiced AP disconnect after touchdown and that required a lot of concentration looking at the CDI especially when RVR was 125 meters, or worse if you hit a wall of thick fog that the transmisometers did not pick up, . like in SCL for example. During go around, press NAV and let the AP fly the missed. Like I said earlier, excellent job overall.