PDA

View Full Version : Approaching head-on & magnetic flight level (360/180°)


177
9th Apr 2021, 11:10
The Rules state... "When two aircraft are approaching head-on or approximately so, both should yield to the right."

But what if they're slightly off to the right of each other? Is it still a good idea to turn right?

https://i.imgur.com/Zr6vz1I.jpg

How to deal with a situation when you need to fly directly southbound (180° mag track) or northbound (360°)? It's impossible to keep a constant track of 360/180° and you will be off-course by +/-1° anyway flying in that direction.

https://i.imgur.com/ilHdj4y.jpg

177
9th Apr 2021, 13:24
The second question is about which FL do you need to stick with when you have to fly directly south or north

parkfell
9th Apr 2021, 16:18
Aircraft head on or nearly so: turn right to avoid. The “nearly so” comes down to common sense aka. AIRMANSHIP (50 shades of grey)

ATC will allocate levels in controlled airspace.

Outside CAS the TR°(M) will normally determine level allocations.
Keep it simple. Don’t look for complications as you will tie yourself up in knots

Contact Approach
10th Apr 2021, 00:26
Just cry cos it’s the only answer

jonkster
10th Apr 2021, 01:13
177

I don't know about elsewhere in the world but would assume it is the same as here, the level chosen depends on your track, not the aircraft's heading (or your ability to hold a heading).
0-179 odd levels, 180-359 even.

I believe the terms track and course have different definitions in different parts of the world - but the concept is the same, ie even if you have a heading that is in the other hemispherical division, it is the intended or planned track, not the aircraft's heading, (which will typically be different due wind), that you use to choose the level.