On Sun, 19 Dec 2004 15:57:55 GMT, wrote:

why would the aim para 5.4.7 be saying that
category is based on speed at ** max certified landing weight **

Probably your AIM is old, also:

http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap5/aim0504.html#5-4-7

5-4-7. Instrument Approach Procedures

a. Aircraft approach category means a grouping of aircraft based on a
speed of VREF, if specified, or if VREF not specified, 1.3 VSO at the
maximum certificated landing weight. ...


--ron