Flight Rules and Procedures
Rights of way, cruising levels and separation
Flight rules questions reward a clear mental model of who gives way. Aircraft in distress have priority over everything. Converging aircraft of the same category give way to the one on the right. Power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft give way to gliders, balloons and airships, and to aircraft towing or refuelling. An aircraft overtaking another, whether climbing, descending or level, keeps clear by altering heading to the right. Head-on encounters are resolved by both turning right. Landing aircraft give way to those already landed or on final; a lower aircraft on final has right of way over a higher one, but no one should force that priority into a hazardous situation.
Cruising levels follow the hemispherical rule based on magnetic track: tracks from 000 to 179 degrees use odd thousands plus 500 feet, tracks from 180 to 359 use even thousands plus 500 feet, above 5000 feet in the standard case. Below that altitude, and in some non-controlled environments, see-and-avoid applies without a mandated level, but disciplined pilots still fly predictable heights.
Traps to watch
Examiners love the overtaking aircraft that is descending, and the glider that is below and to the left. Read the whole scenario before choosing. Another trap is applying hemispherical levels inside the circuit or in a designated training area where local procedures override. Confusing track with heading is also common: the rule uses magnetic track.
Rule of thumb
For any conflict, ask three questions in order: is anyone in distress, who is on the right, and who is more manoeuvrable? The less manoeuvrable aircraft is given way to.