TERPS REVIEW Low Visibility Operations

I TOUCHED BRIEFLY ON THE evolution of runway visual range (more commonly known as “RVR”) in my article about approach light systems (“Lights, Camera, Action!” August IFRR). This article discusses low-visibility operations and the differences between visibility and RVR, both from the regulatory and operational viewpoints. Because some readers make their living by flying under “for-hire” rules, I’ll cover the distinctions between the regulatory aspects of RVR for both private and commercial instrument operations. Although RVR regulatory concepts vary somewhat between commercial and not-for-hire instrument operations, the operational requirements during instrument approach and landing are pretty much the same for all instrument pilots. It’s also important to understand that runway visibility value (RVV), although mentioned in the AIM, is an obsolete concept in this country.