Definition
The Federal Aviation Regulation that establishes right-of-way rules for aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules. It places the responsibility on every pilot to see and avoid other aircraft, defines which aircraft must give way in various encounter situations (such as head-on, converging, and overtaking), and sets the order of right-of-way priority among different categories of aircraft (for example, balloons have right-of-way over gliders, gliders over airships, and so on, with powered aircraft generally giving way).
Plain English
This is the rule that tells pilots who has to move out of the way when two aircraft meet in flight. It also says that no matter what, every pilot is responsible for looking out the window and avoiding other aircraft.
Context Anchor
You will see this cited in training material about visual scanning, collision avoidance, traffic patterns, and pilot responsibilities during visual flight.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations -- the official collection of U.S. federal rules. 'Part 91' covers general operating and flight rules for civil aircraft, and 'section 91.113' is the specific subsection within that part dealing with right-of-way. The numbering convention (part.section) is how all FAA regulations are cited.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing this regulation ensures pilots understand their legal responsibility to maintain vigilance and yield correctly, directly reducing mid-air collision risk.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a handbook reference or suggestion. It is a federal rule that pilots are expected to follow.
Example Sentence 1
During the checkride, the examiner asked the applicant to explain the right-of-way rules under 14 CFR part 91, section 91.113.
Example Sentence 2
Before the cross-country flight, the student reviewed 14 CFR part 91, section 91.113 to confirm right-of-way procedures for converging aircraft.