Definition
Flight in which the airplane maintains a constant heading along a straight ground or air path, with the wings held level and no intentional turn being made.
Plain English
Flying the airplane straight ahead without turning, keeping the wings level and the nose pointed in the same direction.
Context Anchor
Used early in flight training when learning basic airplane control, especially while holding a steady direction by outside visual reference and cockpit indications.
Derivation
“Straight” comes from an older meaning of “stretched out” or “direct, not bent.” That helps here because straight flight means the airplane’s path is not curving into a turn.
Why Pilots Care
Fundamental skill for following a planned route, conserving fuel, and maintaining situational awareness.
Intuition Check
Straight flight does not mean the airplane must be level. It means the airplane is not turning; it may be climbing, descending, or staying at the same altitude.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off at 3,000 feet, the student established straight flight on a heading of 270 and trimmed for cruise.
Example Sentence 2
Once established in straight flight, the pilot could focus on trimming the aircraft for hands-off stability.