Straightflying

Straightflying is a term used in aviation to describe maintaining a straight flight path along a planned bearing with minimal change in heading. It contrasts with turning maneuvers, climbs, or descents that involve bank or heading changes. The concept applies to fixed-wing aircraft, gliders, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, and is commonly taught during initial flight training, in navigation procedures, and in instrument flight contexts. In practice, straightflying requires attention to wind correction, airspeed, altitude, and attitude while using navigational aids or visual cues to stay on course.

Techniques used to achieve straightflying include establishing a desired bearing, applying wind corrections to counter crosswinds, and maintaining a steady airspeed to ensure predictable flight characteristics. Pilots may use autopilot or manual control and rely on heading indicators, compasses, GPS, or inertial reference systems to maintain a constant track. Regular cross-checks of position against charts or waypoints help confirm alignment with the intended path.

Applications of straightflying range from long-distance ferrying and aerial surveying to search and rescue operations, where a stable, linear path improves efficiency and data quality. In some forms of performance flying, straight segments serve as settings for precision maneuvers or as part of a broader routine.

Safety considerations include the risk of wind drift if corrections are underestimated, gusts and turbulence that alter track, and the potential for reduced situational awareness if instruments or cues are misinterpreted. See also straight-and-level flight, instrument flight rules, and flight navigation.