When two aircraft are converging at the same altitude, which type of aircraft must yield to a glider?

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In the context of aviation regulations, when two aircraft are converging at the same altitude, there are specific rules regarding which aircraft has the right of way. In this case, a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft must yield to a glider. This is primarily due to the fact that gliders are unpowered and require more consideration concerning their ability to maneuver.

Gliders, being lightweight and operating on the principles of soaring, may not have the same level of control or climb rate compared to powered aircraft. Therefore, the rules of the air dictate that powered aircraft (which includes power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft) should initially yield the right of way to gliders in these convergence situations.

Other types of aircraft, such as hot air balloons and helicopters, also have established right-of-way rules; however, in this specific scenario where the focus is on a glider's interaction with a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, the obligation falls on the powered aircraft to give way. This prioritization helps maintain safety in the airspace by allowing the less maneuverable glider to have the right of way in a converging situation.

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