LVTO is low visibility take-off

Low visibility operations and specifically low visibility take-off is described in AMC1 SPA.LVO.100. Qualification for low visibility take off is described in SPA.LVO.120 and AMC1 SPA.LVO.120.

Low visibility take off is any take-off when the runway visual range drops below 400m. This phenomena is usually caused by fog during the spring and fall. To operate an aircraft under the low visibility take-off the special training is necessary and special approval is required.

Low visibility take-off can only be done by the pilot-in-command. The copilots are usually not trained for conducting the low visibility take-offs.

Prior to conducting take-offs in RVRs below 400 m, the flight crew should undergo the following training:

  • normal take-off in minimum approved RVR conditions;
  • take-off in minimum approved RVR conditions with an engine failure between V 1and V 2(take-off safety speed), or as soon as safety considerations permit;
  • take-off in minimum approved RVR conditions with an engine failure before V 1 resulting in a rejected take-off.

The operator approved for LVTOs with an RVR below 150 m should ensure that the training specified by AMC1 SPA.LVO.120(g)(1) is carried out in an FSTD. This training should include the use of any special procedures and equipment.

The operator should ensure that a flight crew member has completed a check before conducting LVTO in RVRs of less than 150 m. The check may be replaced by successful completion of the FSTD and/or flight training prescribed in AMC1 SPA.LVO.120(g)(1) on conversion to an aircraft type.