Definition
The horizontal distance, measured in feet, that a pilot in the touchdown zone of a runway can see down the runway from the approach end. RVR is determined by instruments positioned alongside the runway and is reported in increments of 100, 200, or 500 feet depending on the value.
Plain English
How far a pilot can see down the runway when sitting at the start of it, measured by equipment near the runway rather than by a person looking outside.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedures, weather reports, approach minimums, and air traffic control information when fog, heavy rain, snow, or low clouds reduce visibility near a runway.
Derivation
The name describes itself, but note that 'visual range' here is a measured value from a transmissometer or forward-scatter sensor near the runway, not a pilot's own visual estimate. The instrument projects light across a known distance and measures how much reaches the receiver, then converts that reading into the distance a pilot would be able to see down the runway.
Why Pilots Care
It determines whether the reported visibility meets the minimums for continuing an approach to a landing or requires a missed approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture looking down a runway in fog: Runway Visual Range is the reported distance ahead where the runway lights or markings should still be visible.
Intuition Check
Do not read Runway Visual Range as general airport visibility. It is a runway-specific distance along the runway, usually based on what can be seen in the runway environment.
Example Sentence 1
The tower reported RVR 2400 for Runway 27L, which met the minimums for the ILS approach.
Example Sentence 2
When Runway Visual Range fell below 600 feet, the crew executed the missed approach as required by the approach plate.