When overtaking another aircraft, what is the correct action according to right-of-way rules?

When overtaking another aircraft, the correct action according to right-of-way rules is to veer to the right. This is consistent with the aviation regulations that require pilots to give way to an overtaking aircraft. By doing so, the pilot ensures that there is a safe distance and minimizes the potential risk of collision.

This maneuver allows the overtaken aircraft to maintain its course and speed without alteration, as it is the responsibility of the overtaking aircraft to maneuver safely. The preference to veer to the right aligns with typical traffic patterns in aviation, as it promotes a standardized method for avoiding conflicts in the air.

Other actions, such as maintaining a straight course or decreasing speed, do not address the need to change direction to safely overtake the other aircraft. Veering to the left, while it may sometimes seem intuitive, can create confusion and lead to dangerous encounters if both aircraft adjust similarly. Thus, veering to the right is the most effective way to adhere to the right-of-way rules during overtaking maneuvers.