During overtaking, which statement describes the correct passing procedure?

During overtaking, which statement describes the correct passing procedure?

• A. Pass on the left and not accelerate
• B. Pass well clear on the right and not cut in front
• C. Pass on the right and cut in front
• D. Maintain course

Answer: (B)

Overtaking safely means creating a clear separation before returning to your original path. The best procedure is to pass well clear on the right and not cut in front. Passing on the right gives you the best visibility and keeps you out of the other aircraft’s potential wake and blind spots, reducing collision risk. You should also ensure a safe margin—“well clear”—before reestablishing your course. Passing on the left and not accelerating would make the maneuver unsafe or inefficient, since accelerating to pass is typically required to achieve a genuine, safe separation. Passing on the right and cutting in front is unsafe because you’re moving ahead of the other aircraft without ensuring it’s clear of your intended path. Maintaining course means not performing the necessary overtaking action at all.

Overtaking safely means creating a clear separation before returning to your original path. The best procedure is to pass well clear on the right and not cut in front. Passing on the right gives you the best visibility and keeps you out of the other aircraft’s potential wake and blind spots, reducing collision risk. You should also ensure a safe margin—“well clear”—before reestablishing your course.

Passing on the left and not accelerating would make the maneuver unsafe or inefficient, since accelerating to pass is typically required to achieve a genuine, safe separation. Passing on the right and cutting in front is unsafe because you’re moving ahead of the other aircraft without ensuring it’s clear of your intended path. Maintaining course means not performing the necessary overtaking action at all.