Definition
A heading provided by the controller during a radar approach as guidance only, where the pilot retains responsibility for navigation, terrain clearance, and obstacle avoidance. An advisory course is not a radar vector and does not transfer navigation responsibility to the controller.
Plain English
A suggested heading from the controller that helps you stay on track, but you are still the one flying and navigating. The controller is offering help, not taking over.
Context Anchor
Seen in radar approach discussions, where a controller uses radar to help guide the airplane toward the runway.
Derivation
Advisory comes from the Latin advisare, meaning to consult or give counsel. Course in aviation means the intended path over the ground. Together they describe a heading offered as counsel rather than as an instruction.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the aircraft on the proper track to the runway when visibility is too low for visual alignment.
Grounding Statement
Picture the controller watching your airplane on a radar display and giving you path information to help keep you aimed toward the runway.
Intuition Check
Advisory does not mean unimportant; it means the information is provided to guide you. Course does not mean a lesson here; it means the airplane’s path over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
The controller issued an advisory course of 270 to help the pilot intercept the final approach, but reminded him that terrain clearance remained his responsibility.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot held the advisory course until the runway environment came into view at decision height.