Aviation Glossary

RVR

An instrumentally derived horizontal distance a pilot should see down the runway from the approach end; based on either the sighting of high intensity runway lights or on the visual contrast of other objects, whichever yields the greatest visual range.

source: FAA Aviation Weather for Pilots (AC 00-6A)

An estimate of the maximum distance at which the runway, or the specified lights or markers delineating it, can be seen from a position above a specific point on the runway centerline. RVR is normally determined by visibility sensors or transmissometers located alongside and higher than the centerline of the runway. RVR is reported in hundreds of feet.

source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16)

Runway Visual Range (RVR): The instrumentally derived horizontal distance a pilot should be able to see down the runway from the approach end, based on either the sighting of high-intensity runway lights, or the visual contrast of other objects.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

The runway visual range (RVR) is an instrument-derived value representing the horizontal distance a pilot may see down the runway.

RVR is reported whenever the station has RVR equipment and prevailing visibility is 1 statute mile or less and/or the RVR for the designated instrument runway is 6,000 feet or less. Otherwise the RVR group is omitted.

Runway visual range is coded in the following format: the initial R is code for runway and is followed by the runway number. When more than one runway is defined with the same runway number a directional letter is coded on the end of the runway number. Next is a solidus /; followed by the visual range in feet and then FT completes the RVR report. For example, an RVR value for Runway 01L of 800 feet would be coded R01L/0800FT. Other countries may use meters.

RVR values are coded in increments of 100 feet up to 1,000 feet, increments of 200 feet from 1,000 feet to 3,000 feet, and increments of 500 feet from 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet. Manual RVR is not reported below 600 feet. At automated stations, RVR may be reported for up to four designated runways.

source: FAA/NOAA Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45G)

Runway Visual Range: a value representing the horizontal distance a pilot will see centreline or edge lights or runway markings down the runway from the approach end measured from three points on the runway: threshold, mid point and stop end: R12/1200, i.e. RVR Runway 24 1,200 metres

source: ICAO English Pro Aviation Glossary