Definition
The actual line or trajectory through the air along which an airplane is moving or has moved, described in three dimensions relative to the ground.
Plain English
The path the airplane is actually flying through the sky — where it is going, traced as a line in the air.
Context Anchor
Seen in collision avoidance, traffic scanning, approach planning, and any discussion of whether two aircraft may cross the same space.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing your own flightpath and anticipating others is fundamental to preventing mid-air collisions and maintaining safe separation.
Intuition Check
Do not assume flightpath means the planned route on a chart. In this context, it means the actual path the airplane is moving along or is expected to continue along.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot scanned ahead and to the sides for any traffic whose flightpath might cross their own.
Example Sentence 2
A stable flightpath on final approach helps ensure a safe touchdown.