Which of the following is incorrect regarding right-of-way regulations?

The principle behind right-of-way regulations in aviation is designed to ensure safe and orderly operation in the airspace and at airports. The incorrect statement pertains to the right of aircraft during takeoff and landing. According to these regulations, a landing aircraft indeed has the right-of-way over a departing aircraft, as the landing phase is generally considered more critical.

When an aircraft is landing, it is part of a sequence that may involve several other aircraft around the airport, and ensuring that this aircraft can land safely is paramount. Departing aircraft, while also following regulations, do not have the same priority during this phase. Therefore, during landing operations, the departing aircraft must yield to those that are landing.

Aircraft in distress are acknowledged to have a legitimate and immediate need and hence are afforded the highest priority in all right-of-way situations. Additionally, balloons are recognized as having the right-of-way over all other aircraft due to their lighter-than-air nature and the unique challenges they face when attempting to navigate the airspace.

Understanding these priority rules is crucial for pilots to maintain safety and avoid potential conflicts during operations.