Requesting ATS surveillance assistance as a VFR pilot

A VFR pilot can ask an ATS surveillance-equipped ATC unit for navigation assistance, practice vectors, or emergency help.

All require: flight within surveillance and communication coverage, and identified (RAC 1.5.4).

Navigation assistance (RAC 1.5.4): position information, vectors or track, ground speed checks, on request. Given when:

• pilot requests and traffic permits
• controller suggests and pilot agrees
• in the interest of flight safety

On a vector: pilot stays responsible for avoiding weather below VFR minima (RAC 1.5.4).

Vector would lead into IFR weather: pilot must tell controller, then one of:

• get a vector that stays VFR
• revert to navigation without assistance
• if IFR rated and IFR equipped: may file an IFR flight plan and request an IFR clearance

Obstacle or terrain clearance cannot be maintained on a vector (RAC 1.5.5(b)): pilot must inform controller, then either:

• obtain a heading or climb to a suitable altitude that restores clearance
• revert to navigation without assistance

Practice vectors (RAC 1.5.6):

• request from the appropriate ACC or TCU
• issued as traffic permits
• never follow instructions issued to another aircraft: if more than one target turn at once, ATC can lose track of which is which, a hazard to all

Emergency assistance (RAC 1.5.4): given to a VFR flight that can maintain two-way radio contact with the unit, within coverage, identified. State:

• emergency and assistance needed
• position and weather
• aircraft type, altitude, IFR-equipment status
• whether pilot holds an IFR rating

Trap: a vector into IFR weather is no reason to continue; inform the controller first.

Practice