Vectoring — ATC technique of providing heading instructions to guide an aircraft for spacing or sequencing.

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