Definition
An ATC service in which the controller issues specific heading instructions to guide an IFR aircraft onto the final approach course of an instrument approach procedure, positioning the aircraft so it can intercept the course at an appropriate angle, altitude, and distance from the final approach fix.
Plain English
The controller tells you what direction to fly so that you end up lined up with the runway's approach path, ready to start the approach.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument flying when approach control is sequencing an aircraft from the en route or arrival phase onto an instrument approach.
Derivation
A 'vector' in navigation means a directed heading -- a specific direction to fly. 'Radar vectors' are headings assigned by a controller watching the aircraft on radar. The phrase describes the controller using radar to steer the aircraft onto the final approach course.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot navigation workload and allows a stabilized approach intercept even when the pilot has not yet identified the final approach fix independently.
Analogy
It is like being directed onto the correct lane before an exit. The controller is helping you merge onto the approach path, but you still have to follow the instructions until you are cleared to continue on your own.
Intuition Check
Do not read “vectors” as general advice or a drawn arrow on a chart; in this context, vectors are specific headings assigned by air traffic control. Do not read “final” as automatic permission to descend or land; it means the aircraft is being lined up with the final approach path.
Example Sentence 1
Approach control issued radar vectors to the final approach course for the ILS Runway 27, turning us onto a 30-degree intercept about six miles from the final approach fix.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot flew the radar vectors until intercepting the localizer and then continued the published approach.