A ceremonial flight of military aircraft passing over a location at low altitude, typically as a display of aerial power or as a tribute at state events.
Compound of 'fly' and 'past.' The term is primarily British English, equivalent to American 'flyover.' It emerged in the 20th century with the development of military aviation as a ceremonial and propaganda tool.
The first major flypast at the 1937 Coronation of King George VI featured 600 RAF aircraft and became a defining symbol of British air power! These spectacles served both military intimidation and national pride, and they continue at royal events and military commemorations.
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