What must controllers inform pilots about when using suggested headings?

When controllers provide pilots with suggested headings, it is crucial for pilots to understand that these headings are primarily for visual reference. This means that while the suggestion can guide pilots toward an optimal flight path, the responsibility for the actual navigation remains with them.

Controllers use suggested headings to help pilots maintain safe separation and efficient traffic management, but they do not imply that pilots are required to follow them strictly or that they constitute an official instruction like an air traffic clearance would. By understanding that the suggested heading is for visual reference, pilots can maintain situational awareness and make informed decisions about their flight path while still being aware that they are operating under their own discretion.

This insight highlights the importance of communication between controllers and pilots, ensuring that pilots know when they are receiving a suggestion versus an obligatory instruction, allowing for a safer and more efficient operation in the terminal airspace.