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Aircraft

An aircraft is a vehicle that can fly by gaining support from the air, using lift, thrust, or both.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

An aircraft is a vehicle that can fly by gaining support from the air, using lift, thrust, or both. Airplanes are a major subtype of aircraft: powered fixed-wing aircraft commonly used for transport, recreation, military operations, and research. In Canadian and American English, "airplane" is the usual term for powered fixed-wing aircraft, while "aeroplane" is more common in British and Commonwealth usage.

Definition

Aircraft are vehicles capable of flight through aerodynamic or other forms of lift. Airplanes are a specific kind of aircraft with fixed wings and forward thrust.

Types of aircraft

Aircraft are commonly classified by how they generate lift and by their use. Major categories include airplanes, rotorcraft such as Helicopters, gliders, airships, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Examples of fixed-wing airplanes include the Boeing 737 and Cessna 172.

Uses

Aircraft are used for passenger and cargo transport, recreation, military operations, surveillance, emergency response, and scientific research.

Terminology

In Canada and the United States, "Airplane" usually means a powered fixed-wing aircraft. In the United Kingdom and much of the Commonwealth, "aeroplane" is the more common term.

Key facts

  • Aircraft are vehicles that fly by support from the air.
  • Airplanes are fixed-wing aircraft propelled by jet engines, propellers, or rockets.
  • Aircraft include both crewed and uncrewed types.
  • Common categories include airplanes, rotorcraft, gliders, airships, and drones.
  • Aviation is the broader activity and industry surrounding aircraft.
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Canadian context

In Canada, "airplane" is the standard term for powered fixed-wing aircraft, and aircraft are central to domestic travel across a large country, regional aviation, cargo transport, and northern and remote community access.

Frequently asked questions

What is an aircraft?
An aircraft is a vehicle that can fly by gaining support from the air, usually through lift, thrust, or both.
What is a plane?
In common usage, a plane usually means an airplane: a powered fixed-wing aircraft.
Is an airplane the same as an aircraft?
No. An airplane is a type of aircraft, but aircraft is the broader category that includes helicopters, gliders, drones, and other flying vehicles.
What do aircraft do?
Aircraft are used to transport people and goods, carry out military missions, support research, and serve recreational purposes.
What is the difference between airplane and aeroplane?
"Airplane" is standard in Canadian and American English, while "aeroplane" is more common in British and Commonwealth English.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft
    Supports: Definition of aircraft; examples of aircraft; aviation and aeronautics terminology; crewed vs uncrewed aircraft.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airplane
    Supports: Definition of airplane/aeroplane; fixed-wing propulsion; Canadian and American usage of 'airplane'.
  3. flugzeuginfo.net — http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/index_en.php
    Supports: Aircraft encyclopedia scope covering civil and military aircraft, airplanes, and helicopters.