Definition
A precision instrument approach and landing classification authorizing operations to a decision height (DH) lower than 200 feet but not lower than 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation, with a runway visual range (RVR) not less than 1,000 feet (350 meters). CAT II operations require specific aircraft equipment, pilot training and authorization, and a runway with the supporting ground infrastructure (high-intensity lighting, RVR equipment, and a CAT II-certified ILS).
Plain English
CAT II is a tighter ILS approach that lets a pilot descend lower and continue in poorer visibility than a standard ILS, but only with special aircraft, training, and runway equipment.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach procedures and in approach briefings when weather is low enough that CAT I minimums may not be enough.
Derivation
The 'Category' system is an ICAO classification used worldwide to rank precision approaches by how low and how restricted in visibility they may be flown. 'II' simply marks the second tier — stricter than CAT I, less demanding than CAT III.
Why Pilots Care
It expands the range of weather conditions in which a safe landing remains possible without requiring full CAT III capability.
Intuition Check
CAT II does not mean a general difficulty level or a type of airplane. It means a specific ILS approach category with exact low-visibility minimums and approval requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Because the airport was reporting 1,200 RVR, the crew briefed a CAT II approach to Runway 27L.
Example Sentence 2
Only aircraft and pilots holding current CAT II authorization may use these lower minimums.