Reduced or Low Visibility Plans (RVOP and LVOP)
Have you ever landed at a major airport in Canada during low visibility and wondered how pilots manage to see the runway? The answer is: we don’t — at least not until the very last moment. Instead, we rely on technology and planning.
To manage these situations safely, Canadian airports implement Reduced or Low Visibility Operations Plans (R/LVOP). These plans help coordinate ground operations during periods of low visibility and are commonly in effect when Runway Visual Range (RVR) or ground visibility falls below a defined threshold.
What is RVR?
Runway Visual Range (RVR) is a measurement of how far a pilot can see down the runway. It is measured in feet or metres using specialized transmissometers positioned along the runway. You’ll see RVR values in METARs as “RVR A” and sometimes “RVR B” — referring to different ends of the runway.
RVR readings help determine:
Whether an approach can be attempted
If a landing can be completed
What procedures are required for ground movement
When Are Reduced or Low Visibility Plans Activated?
R/LVOPs are typically activated when RVR drops below 1,200 feet, or when ground visibility is similarly reduced.
At this point:
Movement on the airport surface becomes restricted
Aircraft and vehicle operations are limited to pre-approved routes
Additional coordination between ATC and airport operators is required
The goal is to maintain safety and efficiency despite poor visibility.
Why Are These Plans Necessary?
Low visibility operations pose several risks:
Increased chance of runway incursions
Reduced situational awareness for flight crews and ground vehicles
Navigation challenges in congested or complex taxi environments
R/LVOPs mitigate these risks by ensuring:
Ground vehicles and aircraft follow specific, coordinated taxi routes
Critical areas (like ILS sensitive zones) remain protected
ATC spacing and sequencing are adjusted to the conditions
Where Can You Learn About R/LVOP Procedures?
Each airport’s procedures are different. Pilots should refer to the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) or the CAP (Canada Air Pilot) to find published details about R/LVOPs.
You may find:
Specific taxiway and runway restrictions
Lighting requirements
Communication procedures
Airport diagrams with low visibility taxi routes
Summary
Reduced or Low Visibility Plans (R/LVOP) are essential tools that keep operations safe when pilots and vehicle operators can’t rely on visual cues. These procedures, combined with strict ATC control and infrastructure like RVR equipment, allow aircraft to operate safely in even the poorest visibility conditions.
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
