What is the required action when two aircraft of the same category converge but not head-on?

What is the required action when two aircraft of the same category converge but not head-on?

• A. The aircraft on the left shall give way
• B. The aircraft on the right shall give way
• C. The higher altitude aircraft has right-of-way
• D. They must both circle until clear

Answer: (A)

Converging aircraft of the same category follow a simple rule to keep everyone predictable: the pilot on the right has the right-of-way. That means the aircraft on the left must give way, adjusting course or speed so the right-hand aircraft can pass safely. This prioritizes the aircraft that’s on the right, helping prevent collisions when paths cross but aren’t head-on. The other choices don’t fit because altitude alone isn’t the deciding factor between the same-category traffic, circling until clear isn’t an established resolution for routine converging traffic, and both aircraft aren’t required to circle just to avoid a collision. The key idea is: give way to the aircraft on your right to maintain safe, predictable separation.

Converging aircraft of the same category follow a simple rule to keep everyone predictable: the pilot on the right has the right-of-way. That means the aircraft on the left must give way, adjusting course or speed so the right-hand aircraft can pass safely. This prioritizes the aircraft that’s on the right, helping prevent collisions when paths cross but aren’t head-on. The other choices don’t fit because altitude alone isn’t the deciding factor between the same-category traffic, circling until clear isn’t an established resolution for routine converging traffic, and both aircraft aren’t required to circle just to avoid a collision. The key idea is: give way to the aircraft on your right to maintain safe, predictable separation.