AIM Text
- Radar equipped ATC facilities can provide radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft in difficulty when the pilot can talk with the controller, and the aircraft is within radar coverage. 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 is provided on the basis that navigational guidance information is advisory in nature, and the responsibility for flying the aircraft safely remains with the pilot.
- Experience has shown that many pilots who are not qualified for instrument flight cannot maintain control of their aircraft when they encounter clouds or other reduced visibility conditions. In many cases, the controller will not know whether flight into instrument conditions will result from ATC instructions. To avoid possible hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR conditions, a pilot in difficulty should keep the controller advised of the current weather conditions being encountered and the weather along the course ahead and observe the following:
- If a course of action is available which will permit flight and a safe landing in VFR weather conditions, noninstrument rated pilots should choose the VFR condition rather than requesting a vector or approach that will take them into IFR weather conditions; or
- If continued flight in VFR conditions is not possible, the noninstrument rated pilot should so advise the controller and indicating the lack of an instrument rating, declare a distress condition; or
- If the pilot is instrument rated and current, and the aircraft is instrument equipped, the pilot should so indicate by requesting an IFR flight clearance. Assistance will then be provided on the basis that the aircraft can operate safely in IFR weather conditions.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 6-2-1.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on radar service for VFR aircraft in difficulty. Radar-equipped ATC facilities can provide radar assistance and navigation vectors to VFR aircraft when the pilot can talk with the controller and is within radar coverage. It stresses that such guidance is advisory, does not authorize violating the CFRs, and that responsibility for flying safely remains with the pilot.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Can ATC give a VFR pilot vectors when in difficulty?
Yes. The AIM states radar-equipped ATC facilities can provide radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft in difficulty when the pilot can talk with the controller and the aircraft is within radar coverage. This guidance is advisory in nature, and responsibility for flying the aircraft safely remains with the pilot.
What should a non-instrument-rated VFR pilot do near IFR weather?
The AIM advises that if a course of action permits flight and a safe landing in VFR conditions, non-instrument-rated pilots should choose the VFR condition rather than requesting a vector or approach into IFR weather. If continued VFR flight is not possible, the pilot should advise the controller, indicate the lack of an instrument rating, and declare a distress condition.
Does accepting radar vectors let me violate the regulations?
No. The AIM is explicit that authorization to proceed with radar navigational assistance does not constitute authorization for the pilot to violate the CFRs; the guidance information is advisory, and the pilot remains responsible for flying the aircraft safely.