Vectoring

Vectoring (radar vectoring) is an ATC technique where the controller provides specific heading instructions to guide an aircraft toward a desired position — typically for sequencing into an approach, providing traffic separation, or routing around weather. The controller takes responsibility for obstacle clearance and traffic separation during vectoring.

• "Turn left heading 270" — pilot must comply and fly the assigned heading
• Used extensively in terminal areas for approach sequencing
• Controller must maintain minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) for obstacle clearance
• Pilot can request "direct to" a fix instead of accepting further vectors
• Ends when the pilot is instructed to resume own navigation or cleared for an approach