RVR is not Visibility

The FAA helps us confuse runway visual range (RVR) with flight visibility, but theyre different concepts. RVR is an instrumentally-derived value at a runway. Flight visibility is a pilot-observed distance in flight. Regulation 91.175 is clear-flight visibility is required to descend below DA/MDA. Yet, approach charts confusingly equate the two by providing both RVR and visibility values.

Key Takeaways:

• Runway Visual Range (RVR) and flight visibility are distinct concepts, with pilot-observed flight visibility being the legal requirement (per 91.175) for descending below DA/MDA.
• The FAA contributes to confusion by equating RVR with flight visibility on approach charts and providing mathematically inaccurate RVR-to-mile conversion tables.
• RVR is an instrumentally-derived value specific to a runway, distinct from general meteorological, surface, or human-observed visibility.

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