Right of Way Rules

A pilot must:

• maintain a visual lookout and avoid other aircraft;
• if having right of way, normally maintain heading and speed;
• still take whatever action is necessary to avoid a collision; and
• when required to give way, avoid passing over, under or in front of the other aircraft unless well clear.

Wake turbulence must also be considered.

Aircraft Head On

When two aircraft approach head on, or nearly head on, both pilots must alter heading to the:

Right

Aircraft Converging

When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude:

Give way to the aircraft on your right.

There are also priority rules between different types of aircraft:

• powered heavier-than-air aircraft give way to airships, gliders and balloons;
• airships give way to gliders and balloons;
• gliders give way to balloons;
• powered aircraft give way to aircraft towing another aircraft or object; and
• all aircraft give way to parachutes.

Aircraft Overtaking