When passing a slower aircraft, how should you maneuver?

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When passing a slower aircraft, the most appropriate maneuver is to pass on the right. This practice is rooted in standard aviation protocols and regulations, which encourage pilots to maintain a consistent and predictable flow of traffic. By passing on the right, pilots can ensure better visibility and safety, as this approach is aligned with the convention that most aircraft approach from the left side.

Flying on the right also takes advantage of the way pilots are trained to look out for incoming traffic, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions. Additionally, in many regions, the air traffic control procedures are designed around this practice, as it helps in maintaining chaos-free operations in busy airspaces.

Choosing other options like passing on the left, above, or below could lead to confusion and increase the risk of a close encounter. Each of these alternatives does not follow the established protocols and can create ambiguous situations for both the faster aircraft and the slower one. Therefore, the maneuvering to the right is the safest and most effective strategy when overtaking a slower aircraft.

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