Definition

1. Noun:
   • A low-altitude flight, typically by military aircraft, over a ground-based audience: A "fly-by" is a maneuver where one or more aircraft, often from military or display teams, perform a pass at low height directly over spectators gathered on the ground, usually as part of an air show or ceremonial event.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The air show's finale featured an impressive fly-by of fighter jets.
  • During the memorial service, there was a solemn fly-by in missing man formation.

Advanced Usage

• "To perform a fly-by": This is the standard verb phrase used to describe the action of executing this maneuver.
  • The squadron will perform a fly-by to honor the veterans.

Variants and Related Words

• Flypast (n): A chiefly British English synonym for "fly-by," describing the same event.
• Flyover (n): In American English, this can be synonymous with "fly-by" for a ceremonial flight. (Note: "Flyover" also commonly refers to a bridge that carries one road over another).

Synonyms

• Aerial pass: A general term for a single passing flight by an aircraft.
• Low pass: A flight maneuver conducted at a low altitude.

Related Phrases

• Fly-by salute: A specific type of fly-by performed as a gesture of respect or tribute.
  • The pilot executed a perfect fly-by salute over the naval base.

Noun

1. a flight at a low altitude (usually of military aircraft) over spectators on the ground