What happened
On May 9, 2026, a British Airways Boeing 787-10 pilot at JFK Airport engaged in a notable communication exchange with an air traffic controller regarding Low Visibility Operations (LVO). With Runway Visual Range (RVR) at 1,000 feet, the pilot asked if LVO was in force, a standard ICAO term. The controller, unfamiliar with the term, stated they were not declaring anything. The pilot clarified that an RVR of 1,000 feet implies low visibility and requested confirmation of LVO procedures. The aircraft eventually departed after visibility improved. The incident highlights the disconnect between ICAO terminology (LVO) and FAA lexicon (SMGCS) in operational contexts