fly by the seat of one's pants

Meanings:

• 1.

  historicalglobalneutralliteral
  • To pilot an aircraft without the aid of instruments or a flight plan, relying on visual observation and practical judgment.

• 2.

  USUKglobalinformalidiomatic
  • To improvise or proceed using one's judgment, instincts, and immediate perceptions rather than a predetermined plan or complete information.