Right of way rules have been established to aid pilots in avoiding each other visually. These right of way rules are found in Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Through the use of these rules, pilot’s can better anticipate each others’ actions.
When aircraft are converging, the right of way is generally given to the least maneuverable aircraft. The aircraft not having the right of way is to pass well clear of the aircraft having the right of way.
Aircraft in Distress
First priority goes to an aircraft in distress. An emergency aircraft has the right of way over everything else.
Balloons and Gliders
Next are balloons, followed by gliders. Notice that a glider is more maneuverable than a balloon. It’s not practical for a balloon to try to move out of the way.
Aerial Refueling and Towing
After gliders come aerial refueling and aircraft towing operations, which have the right of way over all engine driven aircraft.
Airships
Airships are next on the list.
Everybody Else
Lastly, everything else.
Rotorcraft, airplanes, powered parachute, and weight shift control aircraft all share the same right of way priority – the lowest. Since these aircraft are the most maneuverable, it makes sense that they should give way to the others.
Same Category Converging
If the converging aircraft are of the same category, such as two airplanes, then the aircraft on the other’s right has the right of way. This is similar to how a four way stop works, for drivers in the United States, when two cars arrive at the stop sign at the same time. The person on the right has the right of way.
Overtaking an Aircraft
An aircraft being overtaken has the right of way. The aircraft being overtaken is likely unable to see the faster aircraft approaching from behind. The right of way rules require the overtaking aircraft to maneuver to the right to avoid the slower aircraft ahead.
Approaching Head On
If two aircraft are approaching head on, both aircraft should turn right to avoid each other.
On Approach for Landing
Finally, while approaching a runway for landing, the aircraft that is lower has the right of way. An airplane on approach also has the right of way over aircraft or vehicles on the airport surface. The regulations specifically forbid pilots from taking advantage of this right of way rule to cut off another aircraft.
§ 91.113 Right-of-way rules: Except water operations.