Definition
A waypoint or fix that must be crossed directly overhead before the aircraft begins the turn to the next leg of the route or procedure. On charts it is shown as a circled symbol to distinguish it from a fly-by waypoint, where the turn is started early so the aircraft cuts the corner.
Plain English
A point on the route the aircraft has to actually pass over the top of before turning. You don't begin the turn until you are right above it.
Context Anchor
Seen on published instrument procedures and electronic navigation displays when a specific point must be crossed before the next turn begins.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft follows the exact protected path, preventing deviations that could lead to terrain or airspace conflicts.
Intuition Check
Do not read fly-over as simply “flying above something.” In navigation, fly-over means the aircraft must cross the point before turning.
Example Sentence 1
The missed approach waypoint was a fly-over, so the pilot held the runway heading until the aircraft was directly above it before starting the turn.
Example Sentence 2
We treated the missed approach point as a fly-over to stay aligned with the published track.