Definition
An FAA-approved instrument approach authorization that permits a CAT I or CAT II precision approach to be flown to lower-than-standard minimums, or with reduced ground infrastructure, when specific aircraft equipment, crew training, and operational requirements are met. The authorization is granted to a particular operator under OpSpecs (Operations Specifications) and applies only to designated runways and approach procedures.
Plain English
A special FAA permission that lets an operator fly an ILS approach down to lower visibility limits than the published standard, as long as the aircraft, the crew, and the procedure all meet extra requirements. It only applies to that operator, on approved runways.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in instrument procedure discussions for low-visibility ILS approaches.
Derivation
"Special Authorization" reflects that this is not a standard CAT I or CAT II approach available to any qualified pilot — it is granted (authorized) on a case-by-case basis by the FAA. "CAT" is short for Category, referring to the ILS minima categories that classify how low an aircraft can descend before needing visual reference.
Why Pilots Care
It increases the chance of completing a landing in marginal weather at equipped airports for operators who have the required approvals.
Intuition Check
Do not read “special authorization” as a suggestion or extra note. It means specific approval is required before those minimums may be used.
Example Sentence 1
Our company holds Special Authorization CAT II for runway 27, so we can plan the approach with a 1,200 RVR minimum instead of the standard CAT I limit.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight planning the crew confirmed the aircraft met requirements for Special Authorization CAT II minima listed on the approach chart.