Plain English Meaning

It is a measurement of how far down a runway a pilot can actually see at the moment of landing or takeoff. The number comes from instruments next to the runway, not from a person looking out a window.

Full Definition

Runway Visual Range is the maximum distance, measured in feet, at which a pilot at the approach end of a runway can see the runway surface markings, the runway edge lights, or the centerline lights. RVR is determined by transmissometers or forward-scatter sensors positioned alongside the runway and reported automatically rather than estimated by an observer.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter RVR in airport , information, and - takeoff or landing requirements.