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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
Low Visibility Procedures are the specialized operational measures activated at an airport when meteorological conditions fall below defined thresholds - typically a runway visual range below 600 metres or a ceiling below 200 feet. LVP protects the integrity of the ILS critical areas during precision approaches in poor visibility by restricting ground movement on taxiways that pass through the ILS localizer and glideslope signal zones. When LVP are in force, ATC applies increased runway occupancy time rules, ground vehicles are held clear of critical areas, and only aircraft with the appropriate certification for Cat II or Cat III operations are permitted to conduct approaches. From a flight crew perspective, LVP requires specific actions before commencing the approach. Both pilots must brief the low-visibility approach procedures, confirm that the aircraft systems required for the certified approach category are serviceable (autoland, autopilot redundancy, radio altimeter), and verify that both crew members hold the currency requirements for Cat II or Cat III operations. The Autoland system must be engaged, and the crew monitors for any system degradation that would require a go-around. If conditions deteriorate below the minima applicable to the approach being flown at any point before the aircraft is in a position to land, a go-around is mandatory.

In Virtual Airline Operations

Simulating LVP conditions is one of the more challenging and rewarding scenarios for Virtual Air Canada Airline crews. Setting up a Cat II or Cat III ILS approach in the simulator, verifying autoland is functioning, and flying to very low decision heights with minimal visual reference closely mirrors real-world operations. Understanding what LVP means for ground movement and approach sequencing also improves realism when flying on VATSIM or POSCON networks where controllers may enforce LVP-style procedures during poor weather events.
  • ILS - Instrument Landing System
  • IMC - Instrument Meteorological Conditions
  • METAR - Meteorological Aerodrome Report