Definition
The provision of navigational guidance to an aircraft by air traffic control, in which the controller assigns specific headings to direct the aircraft along a desired ground track, typically using radar to monitor the aircraft's position.
Plain English
The controller tells you which compass heading to fly, and by giving you a series of these headings, guides you along the path they want you to take.
Context Anchor
You will hear vectoring during instrument departures, arrivals, approaches, and traffic sequencing when a controller gives headings such as “fly heading 270.”
Derivation
From the word 'vector,' which in mathematics and physics means a quantity that has both direction and magnitude. In ATC use, the controller is giving the pilot a direction to fly, hence 'vectoring.'
Why Pilots Care
Vectoring keeps aircraft safely separated, shortens routes in busy airspace, and guides pilots to the runway when visibility is low.
Analogy
Like a ground controller at an airport intersection telling you turn left or right instead of relying on signs alone.
Intuition Check
Vectoring does not mean the controller is flying the airplane for you. It means the controller is giving headings, and the pilot still flies and remains responsible for safe aircraft control.
Example Sentence 1
Approach control began vectoring the aircraft toward the final approach course for the ILS.
Example Sentence 2
The controller issued vectoring to keep us clear of the arriving heavy jet.