Crossword Genius

In flight, is looking out at it frightening? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

awing

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'frightening?' is the definition.
(awing is a kind of frightening)

'in flight is looking out at it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'in' is within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for awing that I've seen before include "Causing reverent fear" , "having dreadful effect" , "inspiring with dread" , "Inspiring reverence" , "Causing dread" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app