FAA Ground School Practice Test

What should both pilots do if a glider and an airplane are on a head-on collision course?

1. Both should maintain altitude

2. Both should give way to the left

3. Both should give way to the right

4. One should dive below the other

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

In the scenario of a head-on collision course between a glider and an airplane, both pilots must adhere to the general right-of-way rules established for aircraft operations. When two aircraft are approaching each other directly (on a head-on collision course), both pilots are required to alter their course in a way that minimizes the risk of collision. The correct procedure is for both pilots to give way to the right. This rule is anchored in the FAA regulations which state that when two aircraft are approaching each other at approximately the same altitude, the pilot of each aircraft should turn to the right to pass safely. This method is designed to enhance safety by ensuring that they move away from each other in a predictable manner, thereby reducing the likelihood of a collision. By both pilots turning to their right, it creates a clear and less ambiguous path for both the glider and the airplane to navigate, enhancing situational awareness and coordination between the two. Therefore, giving way to the right is an effective approach in a potentially dangerous situation.