Which statement correctly defines Runway Visual Range (RVR)?

• A. The visibility determined for a particular runway by a transmissometer
• B. The instrumentally derived horizontal distance a pilot should be able to see down the runway from the approach end
• C. The distance from the threshold to the far end of the runway
• D. The total length of the runway

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 visibility distance is measured along the runway centerline using instruments such as a transmissometer, and it is the value that gets reported for flight operations in low visibility conditions. It’s not simply the physical length of the runway, nor a measurement of the entire horizon or the physical distance from threshold to far end. The best description emphasizes the actual visibility distance along the runway determined by instruments at the approach end.