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Runway visual range group in a METAR

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 17 of 18 on Weather / Sources. ACS element UA.III.A.K1 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA METAR contains the group R27L/3000FT following the prevailing visibility. What does this group report?

  1. AA prevailing visibility of 3,000 feet at the station
  2. BA cloud ceiling 3,000 feet above runway 27 left
  3. CA visual range of 3,000 feet on runway 27 left
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A visual range of 3,000 feet on runway 27 left

  • A — incorrect Prevailing visibility is reported separately in statute miles with the letters SM; the runway visual range group is an additional item that may follow it.
  • B — incorrect Cloud heights appear in the sky condition group as a three-digit number in hundreds of feet above ground level, not in a group beginning with R.
  • C — correct Runway visual range is shown as the letter R, the runway number, a slant, and the visual range in feet, so this group means a visual range of 3,000 feet on runway 27 left.

BACKGROUND

Runway visual range (RVR) is the distance a pilot can see down the runway from a moving aircraft. In a METAR it is reported at times immediately after the prevailing visibility, which itself is given in statute miles and fractions of miles with the letters SM. The RVR group is written with an R, then the runway number, then a slant, then the visual range in feet. Because the value is stated in feet rather than statute miles, it is easy to confuse with the prevailing visibility if the units are not read carefully. A remote pilot checking a nearby airport's surface observation should read the whole visibility portion in order.

STUDY TIP

Practice reading METAR groups left to right in their fixed sequence so you can tell prevailing visibility from runway visual range at a glance. Whenever a visibility value is stated in feet rather than statute miles, expect it to be a runway visual range group.

KEY POINTS

  • Runway visual range is the distance a pilot can see down the runway from a moving aircraft.
  • The group is coded as R, the runway number, a slant, then the range in feet.
  • It may follow the prevailing visibility, which is reported separately in statute miles.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 3a "Aviation Weather Sources", METAR item 6 (Visibility)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.