What action should the pilots of a glider and an airplane take if on a head-on collision course?

• A. Both pilots should give way to the right
• B. The glider should turn left
• C. The airplane should descend
• D. One should yield to the other depending on speed

Answer: (A)

When two aircraft are on a head-on collision course, the standard rule is for both pilots to turn to the right. This creates a predictable maneuver so each aircraft passes to the other’s right side, reducing the chance of a collision.

Whether one aircraft is a glider and the other a powered airplane doesn’t change this rule. Both pilots should execute a right-hand turn to avoid crossing paths, even though gliders may have less power and slower responses. Turning right as the agreed direction keeps the avoidance maneuver symmetric and easier to judge from both cockpits.

Turning left or descending unilaterally could place one aircraft into the other’s path or complicate the maneuver, and a simple “yield based on speed” approach isn’t reliable enough to ensure separation. So the safest, most consistent action is for both to give way by turning to the right.