Page 43 - AFMAN 15-111, 12 MAR 2019

AFMAN15-111 12 MARCH 2019 43

Chapter 9

RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE (RVR)

9.1. Introduction. This chapter describes the observing and reporting standards for RVR data.
RVR is an instrumentally derived value that represents the horizontal distance that a pilot can see
down the runway. The maximum distance in the direction of takeoff or landing at which the
runway, or specified lights or markers delineating it, can be seen from a position above a specified
point on its center. For all locations reporting RVR, the unit of measure will correspond to the
units of measure used to report visibility (i.e. feet for SM and m for meters). (T-2).

9.2. Runway Visual Range Group (RDRDR[DR]/VRVRVRVRFT). “FT” at the end of the group
indicates the units of measurement are in feet. Overseas locations will use measurement values as
published in the DoD Flight Information Publication (FLIP) (typically meters). Locations
reporting in meters will not include FT or any other indicator of units. (T-0).
9.2.1. RVR is encoded in the format RDRDR[DR]/VRVRVRVRFT, where R indicates the
runway number follows, DRDR[DR] is the runway number (the additional DR may be used for
runway approach directions, such as R for right, L for left, and C for center), VRVRVRVR is the
constant reportable value.
9.2.2. RVR that is varying is encoded in the format, RDRDR[DR]
/VNVNVNVNVVXVXVXVXFT, where VNVNVNVN is the lowest reportable value in feet, V
separates lowest and highest visual range values, VXVXVXVX is the highest reportable value.
The 10-minute RVR for runway 01L varying between 1,000 and 5,000 (0300 and 1500 m) feet
would be encoded "R01L/1000V5000FT" (R01L/0300V1500).

9.2.3. If the RVR is less than its lowest reportable value, the VRVRVRVR or VNVNVNVN groups
will be preceded by M. If the RVR is greater than its highest reportable value, the VRVRVRVR
or VXVXVXVX groups are preceded by a P. For example, an RVR of less than 100 feet (0050
m) will be encoded "M0100FT" (M0050); an RVR of greater than 6,000 feet (1500 m) will be
encoded "P6000FT" (P1500). (T-0).

9.3. RVR Algorithms. Most FBWOSs automatically sense and report RVR using a determined
10-minute average. Note: For OCONUS locations reporting RVR in meters, FBWOSs determine
RVR in 50-meter increments up to 800m and in 100-meter increments up to 1500m. This has a
minor effect on the RVR special requirements as derived from the reporting minima listed in the
FLIP (e.g. 0730 m is the published minima, the SPECI requirement will be set to 0750 m).
9.4. Standards and Reporting. RVR is reported using values in Table 9.1 whenever the
prevailing visibility is less than or equal to 1 SM (1600 m) and/or when RVR for the designated
instrument runway is less than or equal to 6000 ft (1500 m).
9.4.1. When an RVR reporting requirement is occurring but the 10-minute average cannot be
determined, no value will be reported and RVRNO will be included in column 13 remarks. (T-
1).
9.4.2. At automated stations where it is applicable, RVR values for as many as four designated
runways can be reported for long-line dissemination. At manual stations, only RVR for the
designated runway is reported. See Table 9.2 for RVR observing and reporting standards.