What should you do when overtaking another aircraft flying at your 12 o'clock position at the same altitude?

When you are overtaking another aircraft that is directly ahead of you (at your 12 o'clock position) and at the same altitude, the established procedure for maintaining safe separation is to alter your heading to the right. This action allows you to visually maintain separation from the other aircraft and ensures that you are not on a collision course.

When you are overtaking, it’s also vital to consider the standard rules governing right-of-way in aviation. The aircraft that is overtaking must give way to the aircraft being overtaken. By turning to the right, you typically maneuver into an area where you can more safely bypass the other aircraft, and it helps make the intention to pass clearer to both you and the other pilot.

Altering your heading to the left, descending, or maintaining altitude in this scenario might lead to a situation where the risk of collision increases, as you may not achieve the necessary lateral separation. Therefore, the best practice is to adjust your heading to the right in order to ensure a safe overtaking maneuver.