When is radar monitoring required during flight coordination?

Radar monitoring is essential during flight coordination when the aircraft is on a direct route initiated by Air Traffic Control (ATC) outside NAVAID (Navigational Aids) distances. In this scenario, radar monitoring helps ensure the aircraft's safe navigation and separation from other traffic, especially when it is operating outside the range of conventional navigational aids, which may not provide sufficient guidance or support for maintaining situational awareness.

This requirement is critical because direct routing by ATC can lead to shorter flight paths that might not conform to standard navigational procedures, thereby increasing the need for vigilant monitoring to manage potential conflicts with other aircraft. By actively using radar, controllers can track the position, speed, and altitude of the aircraft, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and making necessary adjustments in real-time to prevent incidents.

Understanding this context is important, as it highlights the necessity of radar in enhancing situational awareness and ensuring safety when conventional navigational assistance may be lacking.