Figure 7-7 RVR for Straight in Approach

FLIGHT TRAINING PUBLICATION (FLIP) STUDENT GUIDE

CHAPTER SEVEN

Prevailing Visibility (PV) - This is the distance at which known objects can be seen by an

observer, usually from the Tower, over an average of one-half the horizon, and it is reported in

statute miles. PV is always used for circling approaches, and is used for straight-in approaches

in the absence of a Runway Visual Range value (Figure 7-7).

RVR

CEILING

Figure 7-7 RVR for Straight in Approach

Runway Visual Range - This is an instrumentally derived value that represents the horizontal

distance a pilot will see down the runway from the approach end. It is electronically measured in

hundreds of feet and automatically transmitted to the Tower. If available, RVR will be used for

all straight-in approaches (Figure 7-7).

Ceiling - A ceiling is the height above the earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds or

obscuring phenomena reported as "broken," "overcast," or "obscured" and not classified as "thin"

or "partial". Therefore, by definition, only one ceiling can exist at a time. The required ceiling

for an approach is determined by rounding the HAT or HAA up to the next whole hundred feet.

Ceilings, Prevailing Visibility and/or Runway Visual Range constitute weather minima. These

are used for flight planning purposes and are the requirements for commencing approaches. If

RVR is available, it takes precedence over PV as a requirement for commencing an approach

since it represents visibility down the runway. Single-piloted aircraft cannot commence an

approach at a filed destination or alternate airport unless the ceiling and RVR/PV is at or above

published minima.

Visual Descent Point (VDP) - A defined point on the final approach course (FAC) of a non-

precision straight-in approach procedure form which normal descent from the MDA to the

runway touchdown point may be commenced, provided the runway environment is clearly

visible to the pilot. If a VDP is established (denoted by a "V" above the Procedure Track) the

aircraft must remain at MDA until reaching the VDP, if the field is not yet in sight, the pilot will

remain at MDA until acquiring the runway or reaching the MAP. The VDP is not applicable to a

precision approach since you are always descending on glideslope, or to a circling approach,

since you must stay at circling MDA until the landing environment for the runway of intended

landing is in sight and the aircraft is in a position to make a safe landing on that runway.

TERMINAL PUBLICATIONS

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