Radar approach: In this method, what does the controller provide?

• A. Direct clearance to land with no guidance
• B. Only altitude assignments
• C. No guidance, pilots navigate visually
• D. Vectors with radar to guide descent to the airport or a specified runway

Answer: (D)

Radar approach relies on air traffic control using radar to actively guide you to the field. The controller provides radar vectors—specific headings to turn you onto the approach path—and assigns altitudes and sometimes speed to help you descend and align with the runway. This guidance continues until you’re established on the instrument approach and cleared for landing. The option describing guided descent with radar vectors to the airport or a specified runway captures what this method provides. The other choices imply no guidance or only limited altitude instructions, which doesn’t reflect how radar approaches steer you to the runway.