Right-of-Way Rules

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.

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.

Note: Lower-priority aircraft must give way to higher-priority types.

• “Holding short, traffic on final”
• “Extending downwind for spacing”
• “Traffic right to left, taking evasive action”

• 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

• ✅ 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

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.