When two aircraft are converging at about the same altitude, which aircraft must give way?

When two aircraft are converging at about the same altitude, the aircraft that has the other on its right must give way. This rule is established to promote safety and predictability in air traffic. The pilot of any aircraft is required to give way to an aircraft that is on its right, which creates a clear protocol to follow during such encounters.

This rule assists in avoiding collisions by providing a standard response for pilots in a potentially confusing situation. In practical terms, if two airplanes are flying toward each other at the same height and one is approaching from the right, the pilot of the other aircraft must alter their path to avoid the aircraft coming from the right. This way, both pilots have a clear understanding of who has the right-of-way in a converging situation, thus increasing safety in the skies.

Other interpretations such as giving way based on the left or determining priorities based on speed or size are not established priorities in these situations according to standard air traffic regulations. These practices might lead to confusion rather than clarity among pilots as they navigate airborne traffic.