When two aircraft are approaching head-on, what action should each pilot take?

When two aircraft are approaching each other head-on, the standard procedure according to the rules of the air is for each pilot to alter their course to the right. This action is crucial to prevent a collision and establishes a clear protocol for aircraft maneuvering in these scenarios. By both pilots turning right, they create a separation of flight paths, allowing each aircraft to pass safely without crossing directly into the other's path.

This right-turning maneuver follows the principle of "right-of-way rules" for aircraft, which are grounded in aviation's long-standing practices for preventing mid-air collisions. These rules help ensure predictability in flight behaviors, as pilots can expect the actions of other pilots in such situations, contributing to overall flight safety.

The alternative actions such as climbing or maintaining altitude do not address the immediate need to alter the paths of the approaching aircraft and could result in a dangerous situation if both pilots continue in a head-on trajectory.