Definition
An instrument approach operation in which the pilot uses an Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) in lieu of natural vision to continue the approach below Decision Altitude/Decision Height (DA/DH) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) all the way to the runway touchdown and through the landing rollout. The EFVS-displayed image of the runway environment provides the required visual reference; natural vision of the runway environment is not required until the airplane is at or near the runway surface. This operation is conducted under 14 CFR 91.176(a) and requires specific aircraft equipment, pilot training, and operational authorization.
Plain English
A type of approach where the pilot is allowed to land — and continue rolling down the runway — while looking through a special camera-and-display system that shows the runway, instead of needing to see the runway with their own eyes through the windshield.
Context Anchor
Seen in EFVS instrument approach procedures, operating rules, training, and authorization discussions for low-visibility landings.
Derivation
EFVS stands for Enhanced Flight Vision System — 'enhanced' because it adds infrared or other sensor imagery on top of what the pilot would normally see. 'To touchdown and rollout' simply states how far the operation extends: all the way down to the wheels touching, and through the rollout phase on the runway. The phrase distinguishes this from the older, more limited EFVS rule that only allowed the system to be used down to 100 feet above the runway.
Why Pilots Care
It allows a landing to be completed instead of executing a missed approach when weather prevents seeing the runway with normal vision.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is that the approved enhanced vision image remains part of how the pilot sees and controls the landing all the way to touchdown and through the first part of the roll on the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means any pilot with an EFVS can simply “look at the screen and land.” It means a specific approved operation with required equipment, crew qualification, visibility, and visual references.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft and crew were authorized for an EFVS operation to touchdown and rollout, the captain continued the approach using the head-up display imagery when the runway was not yet visible through the windshield.
Example Sentence 2
EFVS operation to touchdown and rollout requires the pilot to verify system performance before descending below the published minimums.