Definition
A Runway Visual Range value of 1,800 feet, meaning the horizontal distance a pilot can be expected to see down the runway from the approach end is 1,800 feet, as measured by transmissometer equipment located alongside the runway. This specific value is the standard minimum visibility required for a Category II ILS approach.
Plain English
The pilot will be able to see about 1,800 feet ahead down the runway when landing. That is roughly a third of a mile of forward visibility along the runway surface.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach minimums and ILS approach category information, where the required visibility may be given as RVR instead of ordinary miles.
Why Pilots Care
Sets the lowest visibility at which the landing may continue rather than executing a missed approach.
Grounding Statement
This is a runway-based seeing distance, not a general weather report for the whole airport.
Intuition Check
Do not read RVR 1,800 feet as general airport visibility. It means the reported seeing distance along the runway is 1,800 feet.
Example Sentence 1
Tower reported RVR 1,800 feet for Runway 27L, so the crew briefed the Category II approach minimums before starting down.
Example Sentence 2
With the reported RVR at exactly 1,800 feet, the approach remains legal to land.