Crossword Genius

A reason for high-speed flying? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

panic

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

'high-speed flying?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'a reason' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'pic' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for panic that I've seen before include "much unease" , "displaying great fear" , "Go to pieces" , "Frantic fear" , "Losing one's head" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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