What is "flypast"

flypast \fly"past\ (fl[imac]"p[a^]st), n.

1. the upper level of a crossing of two highways at different levels; same as flyover; called in the United States an overpass. [Brit.]

   Syn: overpass, flyover.

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

   Syn: flyover.

n. (context British English) A low-level flight of a ceremonial nature; a flyover (qualifier: US)

1. n. bridge formed by the upper level of a crossing of two highways at different levels; "an overpass is called a flyover or a flypast in England" [syn: overpass, flyover]

2. a low-altitude flight (usually of military aircraft) over spectators on the ground [syn: flyover]

A flypast is a ceremonial or honorific flight by a group of aircraft or a single aircraft. The term flypast is used in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. In the United States, the terms flyover and flyby are used.

Flypasts are often tied in with Royal or state events, anniversaries, celebrations - and occasionally funerary or memorial occasions. Sometimes flypasts occur in special situations, to honour someone or to celebrate certain types of aircraft. They have affinities with parades, of which they form the aerial component. Often they occur in purely display contexts at airshows, but it is the flypasts linked with civic, ceremonial and national pride, that imprint themselves on a nation's memory. These spectacular and daring displays of military - and occasionally passenger - aircraft, are described in broadcast and print media as "historic".

Flypasts are regularly featured in public and ceremonial life in the United Kingdom, where they function as a particular kind of aerial salute. They serve to show respect, display aircraft, showcase flying skills and as a form of entertainment to delight the public, for example, during their annual appearance after Trooping the Colour. Flypasts reflect milestones of national life; varying in scope from personal, to community and local, to military, to national. They may honour individuals in private or public life or commemorate happenings at a particular location. They are also used to honour aircraft. On occasions both small and large they may occur over land or sea, sometimes connected with memorial or thanksgiving services.

In Commonwealth countries, notably Singapore, Canada and Australia, they occur on national days and occasionally on anniversaries. They are seen more rarely in other territories.