RVR is measured as which type of range?

• A. Vertical Range
• B. Time-based Range
• C. Horizontal Range
• D. Slant Range

Answer: (C)

RVR is a horizontal range. It measures the distance along the runway surface, in the direction of the runway centerline, that a pilot can see the runway markings or lights under current conditions. The sensors project a fixed horizontal beam along the ground, so the reported value reflects visibility along that ground-path, not height above the surface. It isn’t about vertical extent or diagonal (slant) sight, and isn’t a time-based measure. This horizontal-path measurement aligns with what a pilot needs to judge whether the runway is visible for landing or rollout.