Radar Support and Radar Service

Radar support is information provided by a radar-equipped ATS facility to assist you with navigation, traffic information, or separation assurance. Radar support is different from radar control (which is what you receive under IFR in controlled airspace). Radar support is a service often provided to VFR aircraft when they are within radar coverage and when the workload at the facility permits.

Radar support can include:

Radar vectors: Instructions to fly specific headings. The facility provides these to help you navigate or to improve traffic flow.
Traffic information: The facility tells you the position, altitude, and type of other aircraft relative to you, helping you to see and avoid them.
Position information: The facility tells you your current position as displayed on radar, helping you to confirm your whereabouts.
Navigation assistance: The facility can provide headings to help you reach your destination if you are uncertain of your position.

Radar support requires two things:

Radar coverage in your area. Not all airspace is covered by radar. Radar coverage is strongest near aerodromes and along major air routes, and diminishes or disappears in remote areas and at low altitude.
Radar-equipped aircraft. Your aircraft must be equipped with a functioning transponder and the transponder must be transmitting. Without a transponder, the facility cannot provide radar support.