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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.
Runway Visual Range is the horizontal distance a pilot can expect to see down the runway from the touchdown zone, measured by instruments called transmissometers or forward scatter meters located alongside the runway. Unlike general meteorological visibility - which describes what a human observer can see from ground level in a given direction - RVR is specific to the runway axis and accounts for the runway lighting intensity. Because runway lighting significantly improves the distance at which pilots can see the runway environment, RVR is a more operationally meaningful value than prevailing visibility when conditions are below VFR minimums. RVR is reported in meters (internationally) or feet (in the US and Canada) and is provided for up to three zones along the runway: touchdown zone (TDZ), midpoint (MID), and rollout (RO). Multiple transmissometers allow ATC to report deteriorating or improving conditions along the full runway length. Instrument approach minima use RVR as the primary visibility criterion for Category II and Category III operations - for example, a CAT II ILS may require a minimum RVR of 300 m, while a CAT IIIa approach may require 200 m or less. Airlines and crew must hold appropriate aircraft certification and individual crew qualifications to conduct operations below CAT I minima.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

At Virtual Air Canada Airline, RVR is relevant when flying low-visibility approaches on VATSIM. ATIS and controllers report RVR for approaches below standard VFR conditions. Checking that your aircraft and approach category support the reported RVR before committing to a Cat II or Cat III approach is part of realistic dispatch and approach planning.
  • PAPI - Precision Approach Path Indicator
  • RA - Resolution Advisory / Radio Altimeter
  • QNH - Altimeter Setting (MSL)