AIM Text
- Radar equipped FAA ATC facilities provide radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft provided the aircraft can communicate with the facility, are within radar coverage, and can be radar identified.
- Pilots should clearly understand that authorization to proceed in accordance with such radar navigational assistance does not constitute authorization for the pilot to violate CFRs. In effect, assistance provided is on the basis that navigational guidance information issued is advisory in nature and the job of flying the aircraft safely, remains with the pilot.
- In many cases, controllers will be unable to determine if flight into instrument conditions will result from their instructions. To avoid possible hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR conditions, pilots should keep controllers advised of the weather conditions in which they are operating and along the course ahead.
- Radar navigation assistance (vectors) may be initiated by the controller when one of the following conditions exist:
- The controller suggests the vector and the pilot concurs.
- A special program has been established and vectoring service has been advertised.
- In the controller's judgment the vector is necessary for air safety.
- Radar navigation assistance (vectors) and other radar derived information may be provided in response to pilot requests. Many factors, such as limitations of radar, volume of traffic, communications frequency, congestion, and controller workload could prevent the controller from providing it. Controllers have complete discretion for determining if they are able to provide the service in a particular case. Their decision not to provide the service in a particular case is not subject to question.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-17.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft from radar-equipped ATC facilities. The aircraft must be able to communicate, be within radar coverage, and be radar identified. Guidance is advisory only and never authorizes a pilot to violate the CFRs; the responsibility for flying safely remains with the pilot.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What conditions must I meet to get radar vectors as a VFR pilot?
Does accepting ATC radar guidance let me deviate from the regulations?
No. The AIM cautions that authorization to proceed with radar navigational assistance does not constitute authorization to violate CFRs. The guidance is advisory in nature, and the job of flying the aircraft safely remains with the pilot. Pilots should keep controllers advised of weather conditions to avoid being vectored into IFR conditions.
When will a controller start vectoring me without my request?
Per the AIM, a controller may initiate vectors when the controller suggests the vector and the pilot concurs, when a special program with advertised vectoring service exists, or when in the controller's judgment the vector is necessary for air safety. Controllers have complete discretion over whether they can provide the service.