When one aircraft overtakes another, where must the faster plane pass?

In the context of aviation and the rules of the air, when one aircraft is overtaking another, the proper procedure is for the faster aircraft to pass on the right side of the slower aircraft. This practice is established to ensure a standardized approach to overtaking that minimizes confusion and increases safety.

Passing on the right allows for predictable maneuvers among pilots, as it aligns with the convention used in air traffic management regarding flight paths and visibility. It ensures that the pilot of the slower aircraft can maintain awareness of the overtaking aircraft's position relative to their own, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions. Understanding this rule is essential for pilots, as it promotes safety and situational awareness in shared airspace.

The other options do not align with standard aviation practices. Passing on the left may lead to confusion and potential conflicts in airspace, as it contradicts the established right-hand rule. Passing above or below the slower aircraft would only be justified under specific circumstances and would typically be much less desirable, as it could lead to reduced visibility and increased risk. Thus, the correct answer reinforces the importance of standardized maneuvers in aviation.