Which type of aircraft must have priority over SVFR aircraft?

The correct choice is based on the established guidelines within air traffic control and aviation regulations. IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, aircraft must have priority over SVFR (Special Visual Flight Rules) aircraft due to several critical factors related to safety and reliability in controlled airspace.

IFR aircraft are flying under a set of rules that require them to adhere to specific flight plans and are usually in contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). This structured oversight allows ATC to manage the movement of these aircraft more effectively, as they operate under stricter guidelines compared to SVFR operations. SVFR allows pilots to fly visually in conditions that would normally require IFR, and while this flexibility is beneficial, it can also introduce more variables that ATC must manage.

When IFR and SVFR aircraft are operating in the same airspace, especially in busy terminal environments, it is crucial that IFR aircraft are given priority to ensure safe separation and to minimize the risk of conflict. The safety protocols prioritize IFR operations to maintain controlled and predictable traffic flow in the area where multiple aircraft are navigating.

This priority reflects the importance of maintaining flight safety standards and operational integrity in the airspace system, which is vital for preventing incidents and ensuring efficient operations across different categories of air traffic.