Right-of-Way Rules and Dropping Objects

The right-of-way rules create a predictable order for who yields. An aircraft in distress has the right of way over all other traffic, because an emergency takes priority. When two aircraft of the same category are converging, the one to the other’s right has the right of way — a rule similar to yielding to the vehicle on your right. When aircraft approach head-on, both pilots turn right to pass. An aircraft being overtaken has the right of way, and the faster aircraft passes well clear to the right. None of these priorities relieves any pilot of the duty to see and avoid other aircraft. A related rule addresses dropping objects: a pilot in command may not allow any object to be dropped in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property, but dropping is allowed if reasonable precautions are taken to prevent injury or damage. Together these rules keep pilots from creating hazards for others in the air or on the ground.