FLYING NEEDLE
  1. an F/N that is a real F/N and so forth, takes off, it flies. You can see it disconnect from the bank and start to function. So it's just a colloquialism; fly a needle, float a needle, F/N, that's all. (Class VIII No. 2)
  2. an earlier definition—a constant rise, constant rapid rise. (SH Spec 181, 6208C07)


Technical Dictionary