Right of way, in the air and on the ground
Free lesson · Air Regulations · DGCA CPL and ATPL
Two aircraft, one piece of sky. Work out who gives way in the air, then on the taxiway.
Who gives way?
Answer the questions in order. The first yes gives the answer.
- Are the two aircraft head-on?
- Are you overtaking the other aircraft?
- Is the other aircraft landing or on final approach?
- Is the other a balloon, glider, airship or towing?
- Converging, with the other on your right?
- Both turn right
- Turn right, keep clear
- Landing aircraft first
- Give way by type
- You give way
- You have right-of-way
Memory hook: Balloon, glider, airship, power: the less you can steer, the more right-of-way you get.
Takeaway: Head-on both turn right, the overtaker keeps clear, landing aircraft come first, then less manoeuvrable types; otherwise traffic on your right has priority.
Who gives way on the ground?
Taxiing right-of-way
Two aircraft taxiing towards trouble. Tap each scene.
- Head-on stop, or turn right Both aircraft stop, or if they can, both turn to the right and keep well apart.
- Converging other on your right: give way Whoever sees the other aircraft on their right gives way. Here the yellow aircraft sees the white one on its right, so yellow gives way.
- Overtaking overtaken has right-of-way The aircraft being overtaken has right-of-way; the overtaking aircraft keeps well clear.
- Holding positions and stop bars Stop and hold at every runway-holding position unless the tower authorises otherwise. Stop at every lit stop bar; proceed when the lights are switched off.
- Lights on the movement area sunset to sunrise Navigation lights; lights showing extremities unless parked and well lit; lights to attract attention; and lights showing engines are running. Anti-collision lights, if fitted, also by day.
- Taking off has priority An aircraft taxiing on the runways and taxiways gives way to any aircraft taking off or lining up to take off.
Memory hook: On the ground, the same three rules as in the air.
Takeaway: Head-on: stop or turn right. Converging: other on your right, you give way. Overtaken has right-of-way. Hold at holding positions and lit stop bars.