Who has the right of way when two aircraft are converging and one is towing a glider?

The right-of-way rules in aviation are primarily designed to prevent collisions and ensure safety in the airspace. When considering the scenario where two aircraft are converging, and one is towing a glider, it’s important to remember that the glider has specific privileges under the right-of-way regulations.

When two aircraft are approaching each other at an intersection, the glider being towed is treated similarly to other non-powered aircraft, like a balloon. According to the aeronautical rules, a glider generally has the right of way over powered aircraft since it is operating in a manner that puts it at a disadvantage due to its lack of propulsion. Thus, in this situation, the balloon and the glider have the same standing when it comes to right of way, inherently giving the glider the priority.

This provides the reasoning for why the glider has the right of way over the towing aircraft in this scenario, which reflects the established regulations that prioritize the safety of non-powered aircraft. Understanding these interactions is essential for pilots to operate safely and efficiently in a shared airspace, especially when dealing with different types of aircraft.