FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Weather and Weather ServicesMedium
An airport ATIS reports 'RVR 2400' for the approach end of the runway in use. How should a pilot interpret this value during an instrument approach briefing?
- AThe prevailing visibility is 2,400 statute miles
- BThe runway visual range is 2,400 meters
- CThe runway visual range is 2,400 feet, measured by a transmissometer
- DThe cloud ceiling is 2,400 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The runway visual range is 2,400 feet, measured by a transmissometer
Runway Visual Range (RVR) is reported in hundreds of feet using instruments such as transmissometers located near the runway, giving pilots a more precise visibility value for that specific runway than general surface visibility. RVR 2400 means 2,400 feet, not miles or meters.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. RVR is expressed in feet, not statute miles.
- B. RVR in the U.S. is reported in feet, not meters.
- D. RVR pertains to visibility, not cloud ceiling height.
Runway Visual Range (RVR)
RVR is an instrument-derived value, expressed in feet, representing the horizontal distance a pilot can see down the runway, used for precision approach minimums.
- Measured by transmissometers or other RVR sensors near the runway
- Reported in hundreds of feet (e.g., RVR 2400 = 2,400 feet)
- Provides more precise visibility data than general surface visibility
Memory trick: RVR: Runway's Very own Range, in feet not miles