Runway Visual Range (RVR) is defined as what?

• A. The distance a pilot can see on the runway surface
• B. The instrumentally derived horizontal distance a pilot should be able to see down the runway from the approach end
• C. The total length of the runway
• D. The height of the runway threshold lights

Answer: (B)

Runway Visual Range is the instrumentally derived horizontal distance a pilot should be able to see down the runway from the approach end. This measurement comes from sensors along the runway (like transmissometers or forward-scatter meters) and specifies how far along the runway the runway environment remains visible in low-visibility conditions. It focuses on visibility extension along the runway itself, not the runway’s total length, the height of threshold lights, or visibility on the surface. In practice, RVR values guide decisions for takeoffs and landings under instrument flight rules and are reported for specific runway segments (such as the touchdown zone) to reflect what a pilot can expect to see during the approach.