AIM - RAC 1. 5. 4 - Radar Navigation Assistance To VFR Flights
When requested by pilots, radar-equipped ATC units will provide assistance to
navigation in the form of position information, vectors or track, and ground
speed
checks. Flights requesting this assistance must be operating within areas of
radar and
communication coverage, and be radar-identified.
VFR flights may be provided with this service:
(a) at the request of a pilot, when traffic conditions permit;
(b) when the controller suggests and the pilot agrees; or
(c) in the interest of flight safety.
The pilot is responsible for avoiding other traffic and avoiding weather below
VFR
minima while on a VFR flight on radar vectors.
If a radar vector will lead a VFR flight into IFR weather conditions, the pilot
must
inform the controller and take the following action:
(a) if practicable, obtain a vector which will allow the flight to remain in VFR
weather conditions; or
(b) if an alternative vector is not practicable, revert to navigation without
radar
assistance; or
(c) if the pilot has an IFR rating and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight,
the pilot
may file an IFR flight plan, and request an IFR clearance.
Emergency radar assistance will be given to VFR flights which are able to
maintain
two-way radio communication with the unit, are within radar coverage, and can be
radar identified.
Pilots requiring radar assistance during emergency conditions should contact the
nearest ATC unit and provide the following information:
1. Declaration of emergency (state nature of difficulty and type of assistance
required).
2. Position of aircraft and weather conditions within which the flight is
operating.
3. Type of aircraft, altitude, and whether equipped for IFR flight.
4. Whether pilot has an IFR Rating.
Pilots unable to contact radar but in need of emergency assistance may alert
radar by
flying a triangular pattern (see SAR 4.5).