Definition
RNAV waypoints that allow the aircraft to begin turning toward the next leg before reaching the waypoint, producing a smooth, curved transition between two route segments. The aircraft anticipates the turn so it rolls out established on the next leg without overshooting.
Plain English
A point on an RNAV route where the airplane starts its turn early so it can swing smoothly onto the next leg, instead of flying straight over the point and then turning.
Context Anchor
Seen on RNAV STARs, STAR transitions, and other published instrument procedures that use waypoint-based routing.
Derivation
The name describes exactly what the aircraft does: it flies by the waypoint rather than directly over it. Contrast with flyover waypoints, where the aircraft must cross the point before turning.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct turn behavior at these points keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and prevents overshooting the desired track.
Intuition Check
Do not read flyby as optional or casual. A flyby waypoint is still part of the required route; it just allows the turn to begin before the aircraft reaches the point.
Example Sentence 1
Most waypoints on an RNAV STAR are flyby waypoints, so the FMS begins each turn early to roll out smoothly on the next leg.
Example Sentence 2
When programming the arrival, the pilot confirmed all enroute fixes were set as flyby waypoints rather than flyover waypoints.