An insect

housefly, bluebottle, bug, winged insect, gnat, horsefly, fruit fly, tsetse fly.

A ball batted into the air

fly ball, infield fly, high fly, pop fly, sacrifice fly, Texas Leaguer, fungo, aerial*, boost*, hoist*, pop-up*. *

A hook baited artificially

lure, weed, fish lure, dry fly, wet fly, spinner, trout fly, bass fly, minnow.

To pass through the air

wing, soar, float, glide, remain aloft, take to the air, take flight, fly aloft, float in the air, take wing, hover, sail, swoop, dart, flit, plummet, drift, flutter, flap, circle.

To move swiftly

rush, dart, tear; see race 1, speed.

To flee from danger

retreat, run away, take flight; see escape, retreat 2.

To manage a plane in the air

pilot, navigate, control, aviate, jet, take off, become airborne, operate, glide, cruise, climb, dive, manipulate, maneuver, zoom.

To pass over by flying

cross, circumnavigate, shuttle, hop*; see travel 2.