What are the minimums for a CAT B approach at Chicago O'Hare for the LOC RWY 9L approach?

The minimums for a Category B (CAT B) approach at Chicago O'Hare for the LOC RWY 9L approach are established to ensure that aircraft can land safely under specific conditions. For a CAT B aircraft, which typically includes those with a maximum landing weight of up to 12,500 pounds and a typical approach speed of between 121 and 140 knots, the minimum decision altitude (MDA) is set at 1,080 feet above ground level.

This altitude allows pilots to have a clear margin of safety to navigate safely through potential obstacles, thanks to the aircraft's approach path characteristics. It is crucial to adhere to these minimum ceiling requirements to maintain safety during the final phases of approach and landing. Higher minimums, such as 1,720 feet or 2,000 feet, would apply to different categories of approaches or aircraft, which is why they are not applicable in this context for the CAT B standard.