FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which type of aircraft has the right-of-way over all other air traffic?

1. Commercial aircraft

2. Aircraft in distress

3. Private jets

4. Helicopters

The correct answer is: Aircraft in distress

The correct choice is that aircraft in distress have the right-of-way over all other air traffic. This prioritization is established by aviation regulations to ensure that aircraft experiencing emergencies, such as mechanical failures, loss of control, or any significant situation that threatens the safety of the flight, receive immediate attention from other pilots and air traffic controllers. The rationale behind this rule is to safeguard human life and facilitate a safe resolution to distress situations, which may involve emergency landings or maneuvers that cannot be delayed. All other aircraft must yield to an aircraft in distress to prevent collisions and allow it the necessary space to respond effectively to the emergency. Other options like commercial aircraft, private jets, and helicopters may have their own operational considerations and privileges, but none of them supersedes the critical need to assist an aircraft experiencing a distress situation.