Definition

Verb: * To pilot an aircraft by visually observing and navigating according to landmarks, roads, rivers, or other geographical features on the ground, rather than by relying primarily on flight instruments.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of aviation and piloting. It describes a fundamental method of visual navigation, especially under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. It contrasts with instrument flying.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The student pilot learned to fly contact by following the highway toward the training airport.
  • In clear weather, it's often easier and more intuitive to fly contact.
  • The flight instructor emphasized the importance of being able to fly contact in case of instrument failure.

Advanced Usage

• "Contact flight" (noun phrase): The practice or state of navigating by visual reference.
  • The pilot maintained contact flight until the clouds forced a switch to instruments.
• The phrase implies a direct, visual "contact" between the pilot and the external environment for navigation.

Variants and Related Words

• Contact Flying (n): The activity or skill of piloting an aircraft by visual reference to the ground.
• Visual Flight Rules (VFR) (n): A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions clear enough to allow navigation by visual reference.
• Pilotage (n): A formal navigation term for determining position and directing course by visual reference to landmarks.

Synonyms

• Fly VFR: To fly under Visual Flight Rules, which inherently involves flying by visual reference.
• Fly by visual reference: A more descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
• Navigate by pilotage: A more technical synonym.

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Fly IFR: To fly under Instrument Flight Rules, relying on cockpit instruments for navigation.
• Fly on instruments: To control and navigate the aircraft primarily by reference to flight instruments, not outside visuals.

Verb

1. fly a plane by using visible landmarks or points of reference