When overtaking another aircraft, how should a pilot proceed?

When overtaking another aircraft, the established protocol in aviation is to overtake on the right-hand side. This practice helps avoid confusion and minimizes the risk of collision, as it is consistent with the general flight rules that dictate which direction to maneuver when encountering other aircraft. By adhering to this standard, pilots ensure that they are maintaining situational awareness and following common practices that contribute to safety in the airspace.

Overtaking on the left-hand side could lead to potential misunderstandings among pilots, as the right side is typically the designated side for such maneuvers. This maintains consistency in communication and expectations in aviation traffic patterns. Overtaking directly above is also not advisable because it can create issues with visibility and altitude separation. The option of maintaining a safe distance without overtaking, while a safe maneuver in some scenarios, does not involve the act of overtaking itself and thus does not fit the question's requirement. Therefore, the right-hand overtaking fosters safer interactions between aircraft in a shared airspace.