What does vectoring refer to in air traffic control?

Vectoring in air traffic control specifically involves providing heading instructions to guide aircraft. This process allows air traffic controllers to direct the flight path of an aircraft during various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. By issuing specific headings, controllers can ensure that aircraft maintain safe distances from one another, navigate around obstacles, or comply with airspace regulations.

This guidance is crucial for maintaining the orderly flow of air traffic and enhancing flight safety, particularly in busy airspace or near airports. Through vectoring, controllers can also effectively manage changes in flight paths due to weather conditions, other traffic, or emergency situations.

The other aspects mentioned, such as providing fuel management advice or monitoring weather patterns, are important components of flight operation but do not specifically define the action of vectoring. Altitude adjustments, while relevant to air traffic management, are distinct from vectoring, which focuses primarily on horizontal navigation via headings.