In a scenario where two aircraft are approaching for landing, what should the lower-altitude aircraft refrain from doing?

In a scenario where two aircraft are approaching for landing, what should the lower-altitude aircraft refrain from doing?

• A. Cutting in front of or overtaking another
• B. Maintaining a constant bearing
• C. Radioing the control tower first
• D. Descending after the higher aircraft finishes

Answer: (A)

On approach, keep a stable, orderly sequence and avoid trying to pass another aircraft that’s already in the landing flow. The lower-altitude aircraft is closer to the runway but has not the right to jump ahead of the other pilot who is already established on the approach. Cutting in front or overtaking would force the other pilot to maneuver abruptly, break required separation, and could put you into wake turbulence or a misjudged airspace situation. The safe move is to maintain your path and spacing, communicate clearly with ATC, and land in the established sequence. The other options describe normal, safe behaviors on final—staying on a steady approach path, contacting the tower as needed, and descending in proper order after the preceding aircraft—so they aren’t things to refrain from.

On approach, keep a stable, orderly sequence and avoid trying to pass another aircraft that’s already in the landing flow. The lower-altitude aircraft is closer to the runway but has not the right to jump ahead of the other pilot who is already established on the approach. Cutting in front or overtaking would force the other pilot to maneuver abruptly, break required separation, and could put you into wake turbulence or a misjudged airspace situation. The safe move is to maintain your path and spacing, communicate clearly with ATC, and land in the established sequence. The other options describe normal, safe behaviors on final—staying on a steady approach path, contacting the tower as needed, and descending in proper order after the preceding aircraft—so they aren’t things to refrain from.