Definition
In the context of runway incursions, Category C is a classification used by the FAA to describe an incident in which there was ample time and/or distance to avoid a collision. It represents a less severe runway incursion than Categories A or B, where collision risk was imminent or significant.
Plain English
A runway incursion that wasn't really close to causing a crash. Something went wrong on or near the runway, but there was plenty of room or time for everyone to react safely.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA runway incursion discussions and safety reports, where events are grouped by how close they came to causing a collision.
Why Pilots Care
Determines required runway length, circling radii, and published minima for safe landings.
Grounding Statement
Picture an aircraft entering a runway when it should not, but the other aircraft is still far enough away that stopping or delaying takeoff avoids danger.
Intuition Check
Do not read Category C here as an aircraft approach category. In runway incursion reporting, Category C is a severity level: there was enough time or distance to avoid a collision.
Example Sentence 1
The tower logged the event as a Category C runway incursion because the aircraft crossed the hold line while the arriving traffic was still several miles out on final.
Example Sentence 2
Runway length calculations for Category C aircraft include extra margin for the higher approach speeds.