If two aircraft are approaching head-on, what action should you take?

If two aircraft are approaching head-on, what action should you take?

• A. Turn left
• B. Maintain course
• C. Alter course to the right
• D. Speed up

Answer: (C)

When two aircraft are heading toward each other, the standard action is for both pilots to turn to the right so they pass on each other’s left sides. This rightward maneuver creates a predictable, safe path and reduces the chance of a collision. Turning left would risk crossing paths with the other aircraft, maintaining course leaves no lateral separation, and speeding up doesn’t guarantee safety. Altering course to the right is the correct, safest response.

When two aircraft are heading toward each other, the standard action is for both pilots to turn to the right so they pass on each other’s left sides. This rightward maneuver creates a predictable, safe path and reduces the chance of a collision. Turning left would risk crossing paths with the other aircraft, maintaining course leaves no lateral separation, and speeding up doesn’t guarantee safety. Altering course to the right is the correct, safest response.