Right-of-Way Rules
Definition
Right-of-Way Rules in aviation define which aircraft has priority when two or more aircraft are on converging paths. These rules help prevent collisions, particularly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), where pilots are responsible for see-and-avoid separation.
The rules are standardized internationally by ICAO and incorporated into national airspace regulations. All pilots must be familiar with and apply them correctly.
General Principle
An aircraft that has the right of way shall maintain its heading and speed, while the other aircraft shall give way and avoid crossing ahead unless absolutely necessary.
Basic Right-of-Way Hierarchy (Priority by Category)
| Priority Order | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aircraft in distress (e.g., MAYDAY) |
| 2 | Aircraft towed or unable to maneuver |
| 3 | Airships |
| 4 | Gliders |
| 5 | Balloons |
| 6 | Powered aircraft under normal operations |
Note: Lower-priority aircraft must give way to higher-priority types.
Rules Between Aircraft in Flight
| Situation | Who Has Right of Way? |
|---|---|
| Converging paths (same altitude) | Aircraft on the right |
| Overtaking | Aircraft being overtaken (pass on the right) |
| Head-on approach | Both must alter course to the right |
| Aircraft in final approach | Has right of way over others in circuit or on ground |
| Aircraft landing vs. aircraft taxiing | Landing aircraft has priority |
Special Situations
| Situation | Priority |
|---|---|
| Aircraft in distress | Has absolute priority |
| Aircraft landing or on final | Has priority over other air and ground traffic |
| Emergency vehicles on ground | Must yield to aircraft unless under control |
| Approaching uncontrolled aerodrome | Aircraft on final has priority; otherwise apply standard circuit and communication procedures |
Phraseology Examples
- “Holding short, traffic on final”
- “Extending downwind for spacing”
- “Traffic right to left, taking evasive action”
In the Circuit Pattern
- Aircraft already established in the traffic circuit have priority over arrivals
- Aircraft on base or final generally have right of way
- Gliders, paragliders, and balloons usually operate on separate or overlapping circuits and should be avoided with extra caution
Tips for Pilots
- ✅ Maintain visual scanning at all times
- ✅ Announce intentions clearly on traffic frequency
- ✅ Give way early and visibly — avoid ambiguous maneuvers
- ✅ Use LearnATC to simulate right-of-way scenarios in circuits and enroute
Legal Note
Failure to observe right-of-way rules can result in loss of license, safety investigations, or collision risk. These rules apply in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, unless ATC has issued explicit separation instructions.