When does an aircraft have the right-of-way over all other aircraft?

An aircraft has the right-of-way over all other aircraft when it is in distress. This includes situations where the aircraft is experiencing mechanical issues, fuel emergency, or any other serious issue that threatens the safety of the flight. The rationale behind this rule is to prioritize the safety of an aircraft that is in a critical situation, allowing it to navigate to a safe landing without interference from other aircraft.

In such cases, pilots of other aircraft are required to take actions to ensure the distressed aircraft can safely land or clear the area. This rule is fundamental to promoting safety in the airspace system, acknowledging that the urgent needs of an aircraft in distress take precedence over routine operations or traffic patterns.

While there are other situations, such as under visual flight rules or approaching an airport, where aircraft operations follow certain protocols and give preference to specific maneuvers, they do not override the critical need to provide assistance and priority to an aircraft in distress.