FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
A sport pilot flying a powered airplane observes a glider converging from the left at approximately the same altitude, and a collision hazard exists. Which aircraft has the right-of-way?
- AThe airplane, because gliders must always yield to powered aircraft
- BThe glider, because less maneuverable aircraft have the right-of-way over airplanes
- CWhichever aircraft is flying faster has the right-of-way
- DThe airplane, because the glider is approaching from its left
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The glider, because less maneuverable aircraft have the right-of-way over airplanes
Under 14 CFR 91.113(d), when aircraft of different categories are converging, airplanes and rotorcraft must give way to gliders, balloons, and airships because they have less maneuverability. The 'yield to the right' rule only applies among aircraft of the same category.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This reverses the actual rule; airplanes must yield to gliders, not the other way around.
- C. Speed is not a factor in determining right-of-way under 91.113.
- D. The general right-of-way-to-the-right rule doesn't override the glider priority exception.
Right-of-Way: Converging Different Categories
14 CFR 91.113(d) gives priority to less maneuverable aircraft categories when converging with powered aircraft.
- Order of priority: balloon > glider > airship > airplane/rotorcraft
- Applies regardless of direction of approach
- Aircraft towing/refueling also has right-of-way over other engine-driven craft
Memory trick: 'Balloons Glide Above Airplanes' — priority order from most to least.