Plain English Meaning

A camera-and-display system in the aircraft that lets the pilot see the runway and terrain through fog, haze, or darkness by showing a sensor image on a see-through display in front of them. It is approved to substitute for natural eyesight at certain points on an instrument approach.

Full Definition

An installed aircraft system that uses imaging sensors — typically infrared — to produce a real-time image of the external scene, displayed on a head-up display or equivalent so the pilot can see the runway environment and surrounding terrain in conditions where natural vision alone would be limited. Under FAA rules, an approved EFVS allows the pilot to an instrument approach below published , and in some cases to land, when the required are seen on the EFVS image rather than with the naked eye.