What is the RVR equivalent of 1/2 statute mile visibility?

One-half statute mile corresponds to Runway Visual Range (RVR) 2400. Other common equivalents are 1/4 SM = RVR 1600, 3/4 SM = RVR 4000, and 1 SM = RVR 5000.

How do I convert between statute miles and RVR?

Use the standard FAA conversion table from the AIM and AC 150/5300-13B. AvPlot's RVR / Visibility tool returns the RVR value in feet, the approach visibility minimum category, and the lighting required for each tier.

What visibility minimum requires RVR reporting?

Approaches with minimums below 3/4 statute mile (RVR 4000) generally require touchdown-zone RVR equipment, and lower-than-1/2-mile CAT II/III approaches require additional RVR sensors.

RVR / Visibility Reference

← Home

SM↔RVR conversion per 14 CFR §91.175(h); approach category definitions per FAA Order 8400.13

Instrument Approach Categories

Instrument approach categories define the minimum visibility and decision altitude required for landing. Higher categories require more sophisticated equipment and airport infrastructure.

Visual / Non-Precision

Visibility:≥ 3/4 SM (≥ 4,000 ft RVR) NPI floor

MDA/DA:Varies by procedure

ILS Required:No

ALS Required:Optional

POFZ:Not required

Part 77:Visual or NPI class

Controlling standard: FAA Order 8260.3 (TERPS)

Precision CAT I

Visibility:≥ 1/2 SM (RVR 2,400 ft std; 1,800 ft w/ TDZ & CL lights)

DA:≥ 200 ft HAT

ILS Required:Yes (or LPV equivalent)

ALS Required:Recommended (ALSF-1/2, MALSR)

POFZ:In effect when ceiling < 250 ft or vis < 3/4 SM

Part 77:Precision (PIR)

Controlling standard: FAA Order 8260.3 (TERPS)

Precision CAT II

Visibility:RVR 1,000 – 1,200 ft

DA:100 – 200 ft HAT

ILS Required:Yes (CAT II certified)

ALS Required:ALSF-2 required

POFZ:Required

Part 77:Precision (PIR)

CAT II operations authorized per FAA Order 8400.13

Controlling standard: FAA Order 8260.3 (TERPS) · Order 8400.13

Precision CAT III

CAT IIIa:RVR ≥ 700 ft, DH < 100 ft or no DH

CAT IIIb:RVR 150–700 ft, DH < 50 ft or no DH

CAT IIIc:RVR 0 ft, No DA (rare)

ILS Required:Yes (CAT III certified)

ALS Required:ALSF-2 required

POFZ:Required

Requires CAT III airport certification. Runway end lighting and centerline lighting required.

Controlling standard: FAA Order 8260.3 (TERPS) · Order 8400.13

Prevailing Visibility → RVR Conversion

14 CFR §91.175(h) · Order 8400.13 (current ed.)

⚠ This table is an approximation per 14 CFR §91.175(h). Prevailing visibility and RVR measure different phenomena and are not directly convertible by formula. RVR is measured by transmissometer and may differ from prevailing visibility. Use this table for planning reference only.

Highlight in table Secondary — for converting a value, use Quick Lookup below.

Prevailing Vis (SM)	Vis (m)	RVR (ft)	RVR (m)	Category

* Rows below CAT I minimum (1/2 SM / 2,400 ft RVR) are precision approach only.

Standard RVR Values by Category

14 CFR §91.175(h) · Order 8400.13 (current ed.)

Standard RVR values used in instrument approach procedure design per FAA Order 8260.3 (TERPS) and operational authorization per FAA Order 8400.13.

RVR (ft)	RVR (m)	Category / Use

Quick Lookup — Converter

14 CFR §91.175(h) · Order 8400.13 (current ed.)

Primary converter. Pick a unit, enter a value, and AvPlot returns the matching FAA table row. (To highlight rows in the conversion table above instead, use the Highlight-in-table box.)

Source: SM↔RVR conversion per 14 CFR §91.175(h); approach category definitions per FAA Order 8400.13. RVR values are standard planning references and may differ from published instrument approach procedure minimums. Always verify against current FAA approach plates and Chart Supplement before use in official submittals.