Other than applying to different modes of movement, is there a difference? The wording is different, but as far as I can see they both allow a creature to do the same exact thing. And yet powerful air elementals have both, so is there a difference that I'm not seeing?
RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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Other than applying to different modes of movement, is there a difference? The wording is different, but as far as I can see they both allow a creature to do the same exact thing. And yet powerful air elementals have both, so is there a difference that I'm not seeing?
I believe that the only issue is that it applies to different modes of movement. This way, the fighter with Spring Attack cannot have the wizard cast fly on him and make swooping attacks on an enemy. Spring Attack reflects footwork and coordination, Flyby Attack reflects a well-honed skill for flying and fighting on the move at the same time. Very different skills involved in these processes despite very similar mechanics. Give me a good reason why a rogue with Spring Attack can fight just as well in the air as he can on the ground even though he's never flown before. There really isn't one, hence the different feat.
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Other than applying to different modes of movement, is there a difference? The wording is different, but as far as I can see they both allow a creature to do the same exact thing. And yet powerful air elementals have both, so is there a difference that I'm not seeing?
A few differences that I can see:
You can dive with Flyby attack, you cannot charge with Spring Attack.
You can change direction with Spring attack (after you attack) while you cannot do the same flying.
Aside from the above (and the typically longer distances associated with a fly speed) it does look pretty close to the same. They probably gave air elementals both just in case there was any confusion with either feat.
Flyby Attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless you also have Improved Flyby Attack.
they are radically different feats...
spring attack lets you make a melee attack at some point durring your movement, you do not provoke an AoO from the opponent you attack with Spring attack.
fly-by attack lets you take any standard action (melee attack, cast a spell with a standard action casting time, use a spell-like ability, use a supernatural ability or magic item that takes a standard action to activate, fire a ranged weapon, etc.) at some point during your movement (you have to be flying) nothing in the feat prevents attacks of opportunity from anybody including the person you attack if you do indeed decide to use your standard action to attack.
Thanks all!