Definition
An ATC instruction giving the pilot a specific heading to fly so the controller can guide the aircraft along a desired track using radar. The pilot follows the assigned heading rather than navigating directly to a fix or along a published route, until further instructions are received.
Plain English
ATC tells you what compass heading to fly, and you fly that heading until they tell you otherwise. They are steering you with radar.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when air traffic control gives headings to guide an aircraft, including situations where navigation or communication equipment is not working normally.
Derivation
From the Latin 'vector,' meaning 'one who carries or conveys,' from 'vehere' (to carry). In navigation, a vector is a direction of travel. A vector clearance is therefore a clearance that gives you a direction to fly rather than a place to go to.
Why Pilots Care
Vector clearances enable precise ATC-directed navigation for traffic sequencing, weather avoidance, and alignment with final approach courses.
Intuition Check
Do not read “vector clearance” as general permission to steer wherever seems best. It means air traffic control has assigned a specific direction to fly until that instruction is changed or ended.
Example Sentence 1
Approach issued a vector clearance of heading 270 to sequence the aircraft for the ILS.
Example Sentence 2
The controller issued a vector clearance to 270 degrees to intercept the final approach course.