Aerodrome Operating Minima

Question 1

When departing an aerodrome without an active ATC tower which RVRs must be used?

If the reported ground vis is below the LOS, can RVR be used if it is above LOS to allow a departure for a given runway?

Answer 1

All the reported RVRs must be at or above the aerodrome operating requirement (level of service) for the runway of intended operation.

Yes

Question 2

What is the requirement operationally to conduct an approach down to RVR 1200?

What if it’s missing?

Answer 2

• Center line lighting.
• Both pilots trained.
• Capt. has min of 100 hours PIC on WJE aircraft.
• T/O alternate

RVR 1600

Question 3

What is the vis reporting criteria for CAT I?

Answer 3

RVR A/B: A controlling, B advisory

RVR A only: A controlling

RVR B only: B controlling

No RVR: Runway vis controlling

Ground visibility report

Question 4

What is the standard takeoff minima for the US?

Answer 4

RVR 5000ft/1sm

Question 5

What are the operational requirements for RVR 600 in the U.S?

Answer 5

• Both pilots trained.
• Capt. has min of 100 hours PIC on WJE aircraft.
• Center line lighting.
• High intensity runway edge lighting
• RVR at TD, midpoint and roll out all min of 600ft. At least two must be operational and all are controlling.
• T/O alternate

Question 6

What are the operational requirements for RVR 1200 to 1600 takeoff in the U.S?

Answer 6

At least two RVR reports; all are controlling. Rollout at least 1000ft or greater.

• Day: either runway centerline markings or centerline lighting.
• Night: either high intensity runway edge lighting or centerline lighting.
• Both pilots trained.
• Capt. has min of 100 hours PIC on WJE aircraft.
• T/O alternate

Question 7

What is the lower than standard takeoff minima in the U.S and what are the operational requirements?

Answer 7

RVR TD or midpoint 1600ft

Operational requirements:

• HIRL
• CL
• Visible rwy markings
• T/O alternate
• Both capt and FO trained
• Capt. has min of 100 hours PIC on WJE aircraft.

Question 8

What is the RVR approach ban for CAT II?

Are both required?

Answer 8

RVR A: 1200ft
RVR B: 600ft

Both are required.

Question 9

What is required RVRs for a CAT II in the USA?

Answer 9

RVR 1200. RVR for TDZ and rollout. TDZ controlling. Rollout advisory only but must be used.

Question 10

What is the min approach and landing vis in the U.S?

Answer 10

Charted advisory vis.

Question 11

What are the operational requirements for a RVR 1200 or 600 takeoff?

Answer 11

RVR 1200:

• Capt. has min of 100 hours PIC on WJE aircraft.
• T/O alternate
• Both capt and FO trained
• HIRL strength 3 or 5.
• Runway centreline markings
• TLR data
• If at an uncontrolled aerodrome, a means to verify runway is clear.

RVR 600:
As above but centreline lighting required.

Question 12

If you are departing an airport with the winds 300/10 and are planning runway 30. The vis is reported at 1/2 sm but RVR 25 is 1600 ft. The tower is closed. Can you depart from rwy 30?

Answer 12

No. You can depart either rwy 25 or wait till tower opens to depart rwy 30.

Question 13

Does ground vis affect CAT II approach ban?

Answer 13

No. Only RVR A and B both of which are required.

Question 14

What is the min RVR for a CAT I approach in the U.S?

What is required?

Answer 14

RVR 1800

-TDZ RVR required but can be substituted with mid point RVR if TDZ RVR is u/s. Midpoint and rollout RVRs are advisory only. RVR 1600 if TDZ RVR operational.

Question 15

What must be the level of service when departing from an aerodrome without an operating control tower?

Answer 15

Ground vis must be at or above the LOS for the intended runway of operations.

All reported RVRs must be above LOS for the intended runway of operations.

If ground vis is below LOS, RVR can be used if special procedures exist in the route manual, notam, or flight plan.

If neither ground vis or RVR exists, capt may asses and decide.

Question 16

What happens if you’re taxing and the LOS drops below minimum?

Answer 16

Either:

• Stop and wait.
• Taxi to the gate.
• Taxi to another runway that might meet minima.
• Continue to taxi for deicing if required.

Question 17

What are the exceptions to LOS approach ban?

Answer 17

• Aircraft inbound and past the FAF.
• RVR is fluctuating above and below minima due to localized phenomena and vis is above min LOS.
• If no twr, ground vis is fluctuating above and below min LOS and RVR is above min LOS.
• If no twr and prior to 1000ft and rwy and taxi route to destination on aerodrome are in sight, continue.

Question 18

What is the visibility hierarchy?

Answer 18

1) RVR
2) Ground Vis
3) Flight Vis (in the absence of ground vis)
4) Captain assessment (in the absence of above)

Question 19

If after landing the runway LOS drops to below minima, can you still taxi to the gate?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

If your RVR is above takeoff LOS but your ground vis isn’t, can you still depart?

If the ground vis is below LOS but the RVR is above, can you depart?

Answer 20

Yes

Yes

Question 21

If you’re at an uncontrolled aerodrome and you can’t be certain the runway is clear, what is your takeoff LOS?

Answer 21

Standard takeoff visibility minima.

Question 22

For RVR 600 takeoff, how many RVRs are required? Which ones?

What if there is RVR A B and C?

Can you use ground vis at all?

Answer 22

2, A and B

If there is C, it’s advisory. If B is u/s, you can use RVR C.

No