FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
Two airplanes of the same category are converging at approximately the same altitude, and neither is on a head-on course. According to 14 CFR 91.113, which aircraft has the right of way?
- AThe aircraft flying at the lower altitude
- BThe aircraft that first established radio contact with ATC
- CThe aircraft flying at the higher airspeed
- DThe aircraft to the other's right
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The aircraft to the other's right
Per 14 CFR 91.113(d), when aircraft of the same category are converging (except head-on), the aircraft to the other's right has the right of way, and the other aircraft must give way, avoiding passing over, under, or crossing ahead unless well clear.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Altitude is not the deciding factor in the converging rule.
- B. Radio contact with ATC does not determine right-of-way priority.
- C. Airspeed is not a right-of-way factor under 91.113.
Right-of-Way - Converging (91.113(d))
When aircraft converge at about the same altitude (other than head-on), the aircraft to the other's right has the right of way.
- Converging rule applies except head-on approaches
- Aircraft to the right has right of way
- Category hierarchy also applies: balloon > glider > airship > airplane/rotorcraft
Memory trick: 'Right is right' — yield to traffic on your right.