Vector

nounStandard termAviation

A specific magnetic heading assigned by air traffic control to guide an aircraft.

A vector is a directional heading provided by a controller to a pilot to establish the aircraft on a specific flight path. Controllers use vectors to sequence arriving traffic, separate aircraft from each other, or guide flights around severe weather. When a pilot receives a vector, they must turn to that exact magnetic heading and maintain it until given further instructions or cleared for an approach.

Heard on the job

Delta 192, turn left heading 240, radar vectors to the ILS runway 27 right approach.

Insider tip

Vector can also be used as a verb, as in ATC vectoring an aircraft.

Also heard as

  • radar vector