What type of aircraft must a balloon give way to according to priority of right-of-way?

A balloon must give way to all types of aircraft due to the regulations governing air traffic. In the hierarchy of right-of-way rules in aviation, balloons are afforded a lower priority compared to other aircraft categories such as fixed wing, rotary wing, and gliders. This means that when a balloon is operating in shared airspace, it must yield to the passing maneuver of any other aircraft to ensure safety and to prevent collisions.

This regulation is crucial because balloons, which typically operate at lower altitudes and with less maneuverability, can be more difficult to control or get out of the way quickly compared to other aircraft that may be flying at various speeds and altitudes. Therefore, the design of airspace regulations aims to promote safety by establishing a clear hierarchy that gives priority to those aircraft that can more readily avoid others, ensuring a safer flying environment for all.