Which type of aircraft has the highest priority in right-of-way situations?

In right-of-way situations, aircraft in distress are given the highest priority. This prioritization is crucial in aviation safety as it recognizes that an aircraft facing an emergency may require immediate assistance or a safe path to land. Distressed aircraft often have critical situations that could involve engine failure, fuel shortages, or other emergencies that necessitate an immediate response from air traffic control and other aircraft operating in the vicinity.

The reason this priority is established is to ensure that the safety of human life is paramount. This guideline is part of the regulations in aviation, which dictate the responsibilities of pilots and air traffic control to help prevent accidents and manage emergency situations effectively.

In contrast, private jets, commercial airliners, and military aircraft, while they may have their own priority considerations, do not override the right-of-way granted to an aircraft in distress.