fly-by-wire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “fly-by-wire” mean?
An aircraft control system where the pilot's inputs are transmitted electronically to actuators that move the control surfaces, rather than by direct mechanical linkage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aircraft control system where the pilot's inputs are transmitted electronically to actuators that move the control surfaces, rather than by direct mechanical linkage.
Any control system that replaces traditional mechanical or hydraulic linkages with electronic interfaces, commonly extended to automotive systems (steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire) and other complex machinery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes advanced, modern, and often safer aviation technology in both regions.
Frequency
Equally frequent in aviation and engineering contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “fly-by-wire” in a Sentence
[Aircraft/System] + uses/employs/is equipped with + fly-by-wireThe + [innovation/transition] + to + fly-by-wireVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fly-by-wire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not standard as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The new Airbus features a sophisticated fly-by-wire control suite.
- The transition to fly-by-wire technology marked a revolution in aviation.
American English
- The Boeing 777 was one of the first commercial airliners with a full fly-by-wire system.
- Fly-by-wire functionality is now standard in modern fighter jets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in aerospace industry reports and investment discussions regarding technological advancement.
Academic
Common in engineering, aeronautics, and systems design papers.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might appear in documentaries or news about plane technology.
Technical
The primary context, detailing system architecture, redundancy, and control laws.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fly-by-wire”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fly-by-wire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fly-by-wire”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The plane fly-by-wires'). It is a noun/adjective.
- Hyphenation errors: 'fly by wire' (less standard) vs. the standard hyphenated compound 'fly-by-wire'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. It allows for computer-based stability protection, preventing the pilot from exceeding the aircraft's safe flight envelope, and offers redundancy through multiple electronic channels.
Yes, but they are designed with multiple redundant channels and backup systems (often including a direct mechanical or hydraulic backup) to ensure extreme reliability.
Not all, but it is the dominant technology in new large commercial airliners from Airbus and Boeing. Many regional jets and smaller aircraft may still use conventional controls.
Yes, it's a direct analogy. 'Drive-by-wire', 'steer-by-wire', and 'brake-by-wire' apply the same principle of electronic signal replacement for mechanical linkages to automotive systems.
An aircraft control system where the pilot's inputs are transmitted electronically to actuators that move the control surfaces, rather than by direct mechanical linkage.
Fly-by-wire is usually technical in register.
Fly-by-wire: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ baɪ ˈwaɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ baɪ ˈwaɪər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The pilot is in the loop, but the computer is on the wire.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The pilot's wish to FLY goes BY a digital WIRE, not by pulling cables.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE AIRCRAFT IS A COMPUTER PERIPHERAL (the pilot's inputs are signals processed by a central unit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a fly-by-wire system?