Definition
Being given specific headings to fly by an air traffic controller who is using radar to guide the aircraft along a desired ground track, typically for navigation, traffic separation, sequencing, or to position the aircraft for an approach.
Plain English
The controller is telling you exactly which heading to fly, using radar to steer you where they want you to go.
Context Anchor
Seen in IFR flying and landing minimums discussions when ATC guides an aircraft toward an approach instead of the pilot navigating the entire path independently.
Derivation
Vector' comes from the Latin vehere, meaning 'to carry.' In navigation, a vector is a direction with a magnitude. To be 'radar vectored' is to be carried along a controller-assigned direction while the controller watches you on radar.
Why Pilots Care
It provides precise guidance through clouds or at night so the pilot can safely reach the runway environment.
Intuition Check
Radar vectored does not just mean ATC is watching you on radar. It means ATC is actively giving you headings to fly based on what the controller sees.
Example Sentence 1
Approach radar vectored us onto the final approach course about eight miles from the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Approach control kept the airplane radar vectored until it was lined up with the runway.