Midair

Midair denotes the portion of the atmosphere where an aircraft or other object is airborne. It is the space above the ground where flight operations occur.

In aviation and aviation reporting, midair refers to the phase of flight while the aircraft is in the air, from lift-off to landing.

Flight in midair involves lift balancing weight, thrust overcoming drag, and maneuvering through wind, weather, and turbulence.

Midair collisions are incidents in which two or more aircraft occupy the same airspace at overlapping times. They are mitigated by air traffic control, collision avoidance systems, and established separation standards.

Midair refueling is a military technique in which a tanker aircraft transfers fuel to a receiver in flight, enabling extended range and endurance.

The term also appears in everyday language to describe being suspended in the air during sports and recreational activities, such as paragliding or skydiving.