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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-head-on-turn-right

Two aircraft are approaching each other head-on. What must each pilot do?

Each pilot alters course to the right.

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  1. Climb
  2. Turn right ✔
  3. Turn left

Why: Rule 91.113(e) says that when aircraft approach head-on or nearly so, each pilot alters course to the right. Both turning the same way opens the gap.

Huh, didn't know that: When another aircraft has the right of way, you may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear.

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References

Answer: Turn right. Rule 91.113(e) says that when aircraft approach head-on or nearly so, each pilot alters course to the right. Both turning the same way opens the gap.

  1. 14 CFR 91.113 Right-of-way rules (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR4d7cd0e3cc4be86/section-91.113
    each pilot of each aircraft shall alter course to the right.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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