FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
A sport pilot flying straight and level notices a faster airplane approaching from behind and slightly to the left, clearly overtaking. According to 14 CFR 91.113, what action is required?
- ABoth aircraft must descend simultaneously to separate vertically
- BThe pilot being overtaken must alter course to the right to avoid the faster aircraft
- CThe overtaking aircraft must alter course to the right to pass well clear
- DThe pilot being overtaken must climb to let the faster aircraft pass below
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The overtaking aircraft must alter course to the right to pass well clear
Under 14 CFR 91.113(g), an aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way, and the overtaking aircraft must alter its course to the right to pass well clear, regardless of whether the overtaking is occurring in the air or on the surface.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Simultaneous descent is not the rule; only the overtaking aircraft must maneuver.
- B. The aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way and need not maneuver.
- D. Climbing is not the prescribed maneuver; the rule specifies a course change to the right.
Overtaking Right-of-Way
The aircraft being overtaken has right-of-way; the overtaking aircraft must alter course to the right to pass clear.
- 14 CFR 91.113(g) governs overtaking situations
- Applies in the air and while taxiing
- Right turn required, not left
Memory trick: Overtaker turns Right, like passing on a highway