What should both aircraft do if they are approaching head-on?

Study for the Pre-Solo Written Exam. Learn through comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-solo test!

When two aircraft are approaching each other head-on, the appropriate action is for both to alter their course to the right. This maneuver is based on the established aviation rules designed to ensure safety during such encounters. By both planes turning to the right, it helps to create a clear path for each aircraft to pass each other without risk of a collision.

This is grounded in the right-of-way rules outlined in aviation regulations, which clarify that in head-on situations, both pilots should take actions that promote safety and avoid confusion. It emphasizes coordination and predictability in the aircraft's movements, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

Maintaining altitude and speed does not address the potential conflict and could lead to a collision if both aircraft continue on their initial paths. Climbing to a higher altitude might not be effective if lateral separation isn't also established. Altering course to the left could lead to confusion and increase the risk of collision, as this would place the aircraft on conflicting paths without a clear resolution. Therefore, the correct and safest maneuver is for each aircraft to alter course to the right.

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