When two or more aircraft are approaching an airport to land, the right-of-way belongs to the aircraft at the lower altitude, but what must it not do?

When two or more aircraft are approaching an airport to land, the right-of-way belongs to the aircraft at the lower altitude, but what must it not do?

• A. Cut in front of or overtake another
• B. Maintain a steady course
• C. Decrease speed
• D. Land first if possible

Answer: (A)

When two aircraft are on final approach, the one closer to the runway has the right of way. The aircraft higher up must not attempt to cut in front of or overtake the one ahead. That would put you directly in the other plane’s landing path and create a collision risk, plus complicate separation and wake turbulence considerations. Instead, you should maintain safe separation—keeping your course or adjusting speed as needed to stay behind and allow the lower aircraft to land first. The other actions aren’t about who lands first; the critical point is not to try to pass or cut in ahead.

When two aircraft are on final approach, the one closer to the runway has the right of way. The aircraft higher up must not attempt to cut in front of or overtake the one ahead. That would put you directly in the other plane’s landing path and create a collision risk, plus complicate separation and wake turbulence considerations. Instead, you should maintain safe separation—keeping your course or adjusting speed as needed to stay behind and allow the lower aircraft to land first. The other actions aren’t about who lands first; the critical point is not to try to pass or cut in ahead.