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Aviation glossary

Runway Visual Range

What is runway visual range?

Illustration related to runway visual range
Image: Mathieu Neuforge — CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Runway Visual Range (RVR) is an instrumentally derived value—based on standard calibrations—that represents the horizontal distance a pilot should be able to see down the runway from the approach end. It is determined either by the sighting of high-intensity runway lights or the visual contrast of other targets, whichever gives the greater range. Think of it as a precise, machine-measured visibility reading specific to the runway, often used in place of prevailing visibility for instrument approach minimums.

Also known as: RVR, Runway Visual Range

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