fly-by

Low overhead sweep

A fly-by is a flight path that passes close to a target without landing or stopping—typically a spacecraft passing a planet or moon to gather data, or aircraft making a ceremonial pass over a location: The probe's fly-by of Jupiter revealed new details about its moons.

Also spelled flyby.

aerial

overflight

Transit through airspace

formationCreation or arrangement
reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
squadronMilitary aviation unit

airshow · salute · low-pass · jet · fighter · bomber · aircraft · aviation · airspace · altitude

transient

fleeting

Passing very quickly

momentaryLasting very briefly
ephemeralLasting very briefly
briefShort in duration

transitory · short-lived · temporary · quick · passing · evanescent · impermanent · volatile · fugitive · split-second

visit

stopover

Brief halt mid-journey

whistle-stopMinor station or hamlet
drop-inUnscheduled brief visit
pop-inImpromptu brief visit

touch-and-go · check-in · cameo · meet-and-greet · layover · turnaround

passing

sweep

Brush clean with broom

skimPass over lightly
brushBristled cleaning tool
glanceBrief, casual look

glimpse · whiz · zip · dart · swoop · flit · whisk · buzz · streak · flash

surprise

unexpected

Not anticipated beforehand

unannouncedWithout prior notice
impromptuWithout advance preparation
spontaneousArising without external cause

snap · spur-of-the-moment · ambush · curveball · blindside

Opposites

spacecraft/aircraft engagement with target

Descent's final moment

touchdown · docking · soft landing · orbit · rendezvous

depth of encounter or interaction

fly-bydeep dive

Comprehensive examination of topic

permanent residence · immersion · settling in · lingering · encampment

Family

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