If two aircraft converge at the same altitude, which action should the left-hand aircraft take?

If two aircraft converge at the same altitude, which action should the left-hand aircraft take?

• A. Maintain heading
• B. Turn left
• C. Alter course
• D. Climb

Answer: (C)

When two aircraft are on a collision course at the same altitude, changing your flight path is essential to create separation. The safest move for the left-hand aircraft is to alter course, rather than continuing on the same path. In standard practice, this means aiming to pass clear of the other aircraft, typically by turning to the right. Maintaining heading would keep you on a collision course, turning left could move you into the other aircraft’s path, and climbing is not the default remedy unless altitude separation is both safe and feasible. So altering your course provides the needed horizontal separation to avoid a conflict.

When two aircraft are on a collision course at the same altitude, changing your flight path is essential to create separation. The safest move for the left-hand aircraft is to alter course, rather than continuing on the same path. In standard practice, this means aiming to pass clear of the other aircraft, typically by turning to the right. Maintaining heading would keep you on a collision course, turning left could move you into the other aircraft’s path, and climbing is not the default remedy unless altitude separation is both safe and feasible. So altering your course provides the needed horizontal separation to avoid a conflict.