FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsEasy
A private pilot is conducting a flight under VFR conditions. The pilot observes another aircraft approaching from the left, at approximately the same altitude, on a converging course. What action should the pilot take?
- AIncrease speed and climb to pass above the other aircraft.
- BAlter course to the right to pass well clear.
- CMaintain altitude and turn to the left to avoid the other aircraft.
- DHold course and altitude, as the other aircraft must give way.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Alter course to the right to pass well clear.
When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft to the right has the right-of-way. Therefore, the pilot of the aircraft to the left must alter course to the right to pass well clear.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This action is not specified by the right-of-way rules and could potentially create a new conflict.
- C. Turning left would put the aircraft further into the path of the aircraft with the right-of-way.
- D. This is incorrect; the aircraft to the left must give way.
Right-of-Way: Converging Aircraft
When two aircraft are converging, the aircraft to the other's right has the right-of-way, and the aircraft to the left must give way by altering its course to the right.
- Applies to aircraft of the same category.
- Aircraft to the right has the right-of-way.
- Aircraft to the left must alter course to the right.
- Ensures predictable avoidance maneuvers.
Memory trick: Right-hand rule always wins in the sky.