What action should the pilots of a glider and an airplane take if on a head-on collision course?

When two aircraft are on a head-on collision course, both pilots are required to take action to avoid a collision. The correct action is for both pilots to give way to the right. This regulation is established in aviation rules to ensure clarity and consistency in avoidance maneuvers, particularly in situations where spatial orientation and judgment are critical in fast-moving environments.

When both pilots give way to the right, they create a predictable and standardized means of conflict resolution that minimizes the chance of mishaps. Each pilot knows that shifting to the right will lead them away from the path of the other aircraft. This maneuver helps maintain safety in the crowded skies and is an essential part of adhering to the rules of the air.

The other choices would not fulfill the necessary requirements for safe aircraft operation. Continuing on the same course would increase the risk of collision. Similarly, giving way to the left, or one pilot climbing while the other descends, could lead to confusion and the potential for a collision. Thus, both pilots giving way to the right remains the safest and most efficient resolution in a head-on conflict scenario.