AIM ¶ 5-5-6 — ATC Radar Vectors
AIM 5-5-6 explains pilot and controller duties for ATC radar vectors, headings, altitudes, and terrain clearance. Key concepts for checkride prep.
In Plain English
AIM 5-5-6 splits responsibilities between you and ATC when receiving radar vectors.
As the pilot, you must:
- Promptly comply with assigned headings and altitudes.
- Question any heading or altitude you believe is incorrect.
- If you're VFR and a vector or altitude would cause a CFR violation (e.g., flying into clouds), advise ATC and request a revised clearance.
Controllers vector aircraft for:
- Separation from other traffic
- Noise abatement
- Operational advantage to pilot or controller
- Pilot request (available in Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace)
Key altitude rules:
- IFR aircraft are vectored at or above the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) — except for radar approaches, radar departures, Special VFR, or authorized below-MVA procedures.
- When vectoring off a procedure with published altitude or speed restrictions, the controller must assign an altitude (and a speed if needed).
- VFR aircraft not at an ATC-assigned altitude may be vectored at any altitude — and terrain separation becomes the pilot's responsibility.
This is why situational awareness on charts matters: even under ATC vectors, you remain the final authority for the safety of your flight.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-5-65-5-6. 5-5-6. Vectors
Pilot. Promptly complies with headings and altitudes assigned to you by the controller. Questions any assigned heading or altitude believed to be incorrect. If operating VFR and compliance with any radar vector or altitude would cause a violation of any CFR, advises ATC and obtains a revised clearance or instructions. Controller. Vectors aircraft in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace: For separation. For noise abatement. To obtain an operational advantage for the pilot or controller. Vectors aircraft in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class G airspace when requested by the pilot. Except where authorized for radar approaches, radar departures, special VFR, or when operating in accordance with vectors below minimum altitude procedures, vector IFR aircraft at or above minimum vectoring altitudes. May vector aircraft off assigned procedures. When published altitude or speed restrictions are included, controllers must assign an altitude, or if necessary, a speed. May vector VFR aircraft, not at an ATC assigned altitude, at any altitude. In these cases, terrain separation is the pilot's responsibility.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you're VFR on flight following and ATC assigns a vector that would put you into the clouds, what do you do?
Per AIM 5-5-6, if compliance with a radar vector or altitude would cause a violation of any CFR, the pilot must advise ATC and obtain a revised clearance or instructions.
Q2At what altitude must ATC vector IFR aircraft, and what are the exceptions?
Per AIM 5-5-6, controllers vector IFR aircraft at or above the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA), except for radar approaches, radar departures, Special VFR, or when operating in accordance with authorized vectors below minimum altitude procedures.
Q3Who is responsible for terrain separation when a VFR aircraft not at an ATC-assigned altitude is being vectored?
Per AIM 5-5-6, ATC may vector a VFR aircraft not at an ATC-assigned altitude at any altitude, and in these cases terrain separation is the pilot's responsibility.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5