When is Runway Visual Range (RVR) reported?

Runway Visual Range (RVR) is specifically reported when visibility conditions are less than 1,500 meters. This measurement provides pilots with crucial information about the distance over which they can clearly see the runway surface and ensures safer landing and takeoff operations in low visibility conditions. The purpose of reporting RVR is to give an accurate representation of the effective visual range that pilots can use during critical phases of flight, particularly in poor weather situations.

This reporting becomes less relevant in clear conditions where visibility exceeds 2,000 meters, as pilots can easily discern runway features without the need for RVR data. Similarly, RVR is not typically reported during clear weather or when there are no visibility concerns, as the focus shifts to other operational parameters. Therefore, it is specifically during instances of reduced visibility that RVR is a significant factor in aviation safety, making the correct response relate directly to visibility constraints.