flyby

• fly-by

fly +‎ by

• IPA^(key): /ˈflaɪˌbaɪ/

flyby (plural flybys)

1. A flight past a celestial object in order to make observations.

   The upcoming flyby of Halley's comet is expected to provide new information on the nature of the comet.

   • 2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, OCLC 865290061, PC, scene: Maisuth, Ondeste System:

     Farthest from the dim red dwarf Ondeste, the ice dwarf Maisuth has attracted no interest beyond a cursory flyby by automated probe in 1874. No significant resources were noted.

2. (US) A low-level ceremonial flight, typically in connection with an airshow or a military parade.

   Synonyms: (UK) flypast, (US) flyover

   • 1986, Jim Cash; Jack Epps Jr., Top Gun, spoken by Air Boss Johnson:

     Two of your snot-nose jockeys did a fly-by on my tower at over 400 knots!

3. (figuratively) A brief visit.
4. (nautical) A sailby performed by a hydrofoil vessel while hydrofoiling.

• fly-through