Definition

1. Noun:
   • A designated route followed by airplanes in flying from one airport to another: A predetermined, often controlled, three-dimensional course in the sky used for navigation and air traffic control.
   • The path of a rocket or projectile or aircraft through the air: The actual or planned trajectory of any object moving through the atmosphere or space.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The air traffic controller cleared the plane for a new flight path to avoid the storm.
  • Scientists calculated the rocket's flight path to ensure it would reach orbit.
  • Due to congestion, our aircraft was assigned a longer flight path.

Advanced Usage

• "To deviate from/alter a flight path": To change course from the planned or assigned route.
  • The pilot had to alter the flight path due to unexpected turbulence.
• "To plot/track a flight path": To calculate or monitor the course of an object.
  • Engineers plotted the satellite's flight path with great precision.

Variants and Related Words

• Trajectory (n): The path described by a projectile, rocket, or celestial body. Often used more in scientific/ballistic contexts than for commercial aviation.
  • The missile's trajectory was tracked by radar.
• Course (n): The direction or route followed, especially over a distance. A more general term.
  • The ship changed its course to avoid the iceberg.
• Route (n): A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination. The ground-based equivalent for roads or a general plan for travel.
  • The bus route goes through the city center.

Synonyms

• Airway: A designated route in the sky, often synonymous with a controlled flight path for aircraft.
• Track: The actual path followed over the ground.

Related Phrases

• Flight plan (n): A document filed by a pilot with flight authorities detailing the proposed flight path, speed, altitude, and other information for a journey.
  • The pilot filed the flight plan before departure.
• Flight corridor (n): A specific, designated region of airspace for flight paths.
  • The aircraft must remain within the assigned flight corridor.

Noun

1. a designated route followed by airplanes in flying from one airport to another
2. the path of a rocket or projectile or aircraft through the air