AIM 

4/20/23 

6. 

Following a missed approach, requests clearance for specific action; i.e., another approach, hold for 

improved conditions, proceed to an alternate airport, etc. 

b.  Controller. 

1. 

Issues an approved alternate missed approach procedure if it is desired that the pilot execute a procedure 

other than as depicted on the instrument approach chart. 

2. 

May vector a radar identified aircraft executing a missed approach when operationally advantageous to 

the pilot or the controller. 

3. 

In response to the pilot’s stated intentions, issues a clearance to an alternate airport, to a holding fix, or 

for reentry into the approach sequence, as traffic conditions permit. 

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6.  Vectors 

a.  Pilot. 

1. 

Promptly complies with headings and altitudes assigned to you by the controller. 

2. 

Questions any assigned heading or altitude believed to be incorrect. 

3. 

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. 

b.  Controller. 

1. 

Vectors aircraft in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace: 

(a) 

For separation. 

(b) 

For noise abatement. 

(c) 

To obtain an operational advantage for the pilot or controller. 

2. 

Vectors aircraft in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class G airspace when requested by 

the pilot. 

3. 

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. 

4. 

May vector aircraft off assigned procedures. When published altitude or speed restrictions are included, 

controllers must assign an altitude, or if necessary, a speed. 

5. 

May vector VFR aircraft, not at an ATC assigned altitude, at any altitude. In these cases, terrain separation 

is the pilot’s responsibility. 

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7.  Safety Alert 

a.  Pilot. 

1. 

Initiates appropriate action if a safety alert is received from ATC. 

2. 

Be aware that this service is not always available and that many factors affect the ability of the controller 

to be aware of a situation in which unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or another aircraft may be 

developing. 

b.  Controller. 

1. 

Issues a safety alert if aware an aircraft under their control is at an altitude which, in the controller’s 

judgment, places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions or another aircraft. Types of safety alerts 

are: 

(a)  Terrain or Obstruction Alert. 

Immediately issued to an aircraft under their control if aware the 

aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain or obstructions. 

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Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities