fly-by-wire
adjective
: of, relating to, being, or utilizing a flight-control system in which controls are operated electrically rather than mechanically
Examples of fly-by-wire in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advanced fly-by-wire controls in cockpits make aircraft intuitive and safer to pilot.
—
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 June 2025
The unit incorporates a triple-redundant computer system, with fly-by-wire controls for auto-landing and a ballistic parachute.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
Autopilot systems, fly-by-wire controls, and synthetic vision, while not the equivalent of an A.I. copilot, are also all heavily computer dependent.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2025
When fly-by-wire airplanes were introduced, some pilots worried that a haywire computer might run away with things, HAL 9000–style.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2013
Similar to the Rafale, the 10X has multiple control surfaces on the wings that act independently—commanded by its fly-by-wire system—for greater maneuverability, a feature no other competitor offers.
—Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025
By eliminating vertical stabilizers, the aircraft relies on advanced fly-by-wire computer systems for control.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
The cockpit of the BBJ 737-700 Select is equipped with Boeing’s advanced avionics suite, fly-by-wire technology, advanced weather radar, traffic collision avoidance, and more.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
The pilot relies on a redundant fly-by-wire system with hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) and a widescreen HMI.
—New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 June 2025
The unit incorporates a triple-redundant computer system, with fly-by-wire controls for auto-landing and a ballistic parachute.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
Autopilot systems, fly-by-wire controls, and synthetic vision, while not the equivalent of an A.I. copilot, are also all heavily computer dependent.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2025
When fly-by-wire airplanes were introduced, some pilots worried that a haywire computer might run away with things, HAL 9000–style.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2013
Similar to the Rafale, the 10X has multiple control surfaces on the wings that act independently—commanded by its fly-by-wire system—for greater maneuverability, a feature no other competitor offers.
—Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025
By eliminating vertical stabilizers, the aircraft relies on advanced fly-by-wire computer systems for control.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
The cockpit of the BBJ 737-700 Select is equipped with Boeing’s advanced avionics suite, fly-by-wire technology, advanced weather radar, traffic collision avoidance, and more.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
The pilot relies on a redundant fly-by-wire system with hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) and a widescreen HMI.
—New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Fly-by-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fly-by-wire. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share