FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsHard
A private pilot is flying VFR at 7,500 feet MSL in Class G airspace during the day. The pilot observes a hot air balloon approaching from the right. Which aircraft has the right-of-way?
- AThe hot air balloon, because it is an airship.
- BThe hot air balloon, because it is less maneuverable.
- CThe private pilot's aircraft, because it is under power.
- DThe private pilot's aircraft, because it is on the right.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The hot air balloon, because it is less maneuverable.
When two aircraft are converging, the aircraft that is least maneuverable has the right-of-way. Hot air balloons are less maneuverable than airplanes, thus the balloon has the right-of-way.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While a hot air balloon is an airship, the primary rule for converging aircraft is based on maneuverability, not aircraft type alone.
- C. Being under power does not automatically grant right-of-way over a less maneuverable aircraft.
- D. The 'aircraft on the right' rule applies to aircraft of the same category, but is superseded by the less maneuverable aircraft rule.
Right-of-Way: Converging Aircraft (Maneuverability)
When aircraft of different categories are converging, the aircraft less maneuverable has the right-of-way.
- Balloons have the right-of-way over gliders.
- Gliders have the right-of-way over airships.
- Airships have the right-of-way over airplanes.
- This hierarchy of maneuverability takes precedence over the 'aircraft on the right' rule.
Memory trick: Balloon, Glider, Airship, Plane: The slower, less agile, gets to reign!