Another Philly fiasco

Guy Elden Jr. wrote:

If I'm not mistaken, doesn't an airplane have right of way over a
helicopter? (Less maneuverable vs more maneuverable?)

I don't know the U.S. rules, but in Canada, that would be true only if the
airplane were towing something like a banner or a glider. Here are the
Canadian rules for right of way (AIP/RAC 1.10):

(a) a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft shall give way to airships,
gliders, and balloons;

(b) an airship shall give way to gliders and balloons;

(c) a glider shall give way to balloons; and

(d) a power-driven aircraft shall give way to aircraft that are seen to be
towing gliders or other objects or carrying a slung load.

There are lots more pickier details following -- for example, a balloon at
lower altitude has right of way over a balloon at higher altitude, etc.


All the best,


David