Runway Visual Range

Runway Visual Range (RVR) is the range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centerline of a runway can see the runway surface markings, runway lights, or centerline lights. Unlike prevailing visibility (which is a general observation), RVR is an instrumentally measured value specific to a particular runway, providing a more precise assessment of what the pilot will actually see during approach and landing.

RVR is measured by transmissometers installed alongside the runway at three positions:

• Touchdown zone (TDZ): The primary measurement point
• Mid-point (MID): Along the runway's middle section
• Rollout (RO): Near the far end of the runway

RVR is reported in meters or feet and is included in METARs when visibility drops below 1,500 meters. For instrument approaches, the required RVR minimum depends on the approach category (CAT I, II, or III) and ranges from 550 meters (CAT I) down to 50 meters (CAT IIIB).