Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

What should pilots do if they find themselves on a head-on collision course?

1. Both pilots should reduce speed.

2. Both pilots should give way to the right.

3. Both pilots should climb to a higher altitude.

4. One pilot should descend while the other ascends.

The correct answer is: Both pilots should give way to the right.

In the scenario where two aircraft are on a head-on collision course, aviation regulations state that both pilots should give way to the right. This practice is aligned with the principle of maintaining safe separation and avoiding mid-air collisions. The reasoning behind this rule is grounded in the concept of predictability and mutual understanding during flight operations. By both pilots veering to the right, the chances of collision are minimized, as this is a standardized action recognized within the aviation community. This practice not only helps to manage immediate danger when two airplanes are on a direct path toward each other, but also establishes a clear expectation of behavior that pilots can rely on in emergency situations. It is a crucial part of the "rules of the road" for aircraft, similar to the rules that govern vehicular traffic. Alternatives, such as reducing speed, climbing to a higher altitude, or having one aircraft descend while another ascends, may not effectively resolve the situation of two aircraft on a direct collision course and could lead to confusion or miscalculations. Thus, giving way to the right is the most effective and widely accepted response in this scenario.