Definition
A reported Runway Visual Range value of 1,200 feet, meaning that a pilot in the touchdown zone of the runway can see runway markings, runway lights, or centerline lights for a horizontal distance of 1,200 feet down the runway. RVR is measured by transmissometers or forward-scatter sensors located near the runway and is reported in feet. A value of 1,200 feet is a common minimum visibility requirement for certain Category I ILS approaches and is roughly equivalent to a prevailing visibility of 1/4 statute mile.
Plain English
Sensors next to the runway are reporting that a pilot landing there would be able to see 1,200 feet ahead along the runway. That is the visibility figure being used to decide whether the approach can be flown.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach minimums and ILS approach category tables, especially when deciding whether the reported runway visibility meets the required minimum.
Derivation
Runway Visual Range comes from 'range,' meaning the distance at which something can be seen, applied specifically to what a pilot can see while looking down the runway. It is reported in feet rather than miles because precise short-distance visibility matters most during landing.
Why Pilots Care
Sets the visibility threshold that determines whether an approach can continue to the decision height or must be missed.
Grounding Statement
Picture sitting on the runway centerline and being able to see runway lights and markings only about 1,200 feet ahead.
Intuition Check
Do not read RVR 1,200 feet as runway length or cloud height. It means the seeing distance along the runway is 1,200 feet.
Example Sentence 1
Tower reported RVR 1,200 feet for Runway 27, which met the minimum for our Category I ILS approach.
Example Sentence 2
With RVR at 1,200 feet we continued the approach to decision height without needing a higher category minimum.