"Ask ATC" Blog

Radar Vectors

Radar vectors are often warmly accepted by pilots as a means to simplify navigation and allow more time to set up for an instrument approach. However, it is important to note the responsibilities of both the pilot and controller while and aircraft is being provided radar navigational assistance.

When under radar vectors, the controller assumes responsibility for terrain clearance. Nevertheless, the pilot should not interpret this to mean that his or her responsibilities have been excused or alleviated. Aircraft may be unintentionally left on vectors either because the controller becomes pre-occupied with another task, or in some instances a communication failure occurs. Ultimately it is the pilot who would pay the heavier price for such an oversight.

For this reason, the controller must always inform the pilot of the purpose of the vectors (traffic) or the position to which the aircraft is being vectored (the localizer). This way, the pilot has a tangible reference as to what position he or she should fly to in the event that communication is lost.

I have had an aircraft suffer a communication failure while I was vectoring him to an approach in mountainous terrain. This is not a comfortable event for the pilot or the controller. Had I not provided him his exact position as he was being vectored and specified that the vectors were for the localizer, the pilot may not have been able to intercept the final approach course on his own and it could have ended tragically. Fortunately, proper procedure was followed and the pilot landed safely.

Though it happens very rarely, it is possible that a pilot could find himself unintentionally being vectored into rising terrain. The pilot-in-command should never concede complete control of his aircraft to anyone, including the air traffic controller. If for any reason there is a misunderstanding, it is incumbent on both the pilot and controller to request clarification from one another so that the clearance, instruction and readback are thoroughly understood.

If for some reason the pilot is unable to comply with an instruction, such as a vector into inclement weather, it is the pilot's responsibility to advise the controller and request and alternate course of action. In the end, the controller cannot see out the front window, and it is the pilot in command's duty to keep the aircraft safe at all times.

Though communication breakdowns do occur, the impact can be mitigated through a mutual respect between pilots and controllers. Taking the time to understand each other is the key element in successful aviation communications.