What is a 'radar vector' in navigation?

A 'radar vector' refers specifically to an Air Traffic Control (ATC)-issued direction that guides an aircraft during its flight, particularly in crowded airspace or during various phases of approach and departure. The role of radar vectors is crucial for maintaining safe separation between aircraft and for guiding pilots efficiently to their respective flight paths.

When ATC provides a radar vector, they are using radar surveillance to track the aircraft’s position and provide instructions that may involve changes in altitude, heading, or speed. This allows for real-time adjustments based on traffic conditions, enabling better navigation and overall flight safety.

The other options do not accurately describe a radar vector. A code for complex flight data does not align with the concept of a radar vector, as this term specifically pertains to directional guidance rather than data encoding. Visual cues from the ground are unrelated because they are not issued by ATC and do not represent the systematic guidance provided through radar. Lastly, while weather conditions can affect navigation, a radar vector is not an indication of weather but rather a navigational aid delivered by air traffic controllers. Thus, the notion of a radar vector is firmly rooted in ATC communications rather than in visual or meteorological contexts.