What Is an Aircraft?

An aircraft is a machine designed to fly through the atmosphere by using aerodynamic forces or buoyancy to remain airborne.

An aircraft is a machine designed to operate in the air. Aircraft include aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons and airships. Different types of aircraft stay airborne in different ways. Aeroplanes and gliders generate lift mainly through their wings. Helicopters generate lift through rotating blades, while balloons and airships rely mainly on buoyancy. Therefore, an aeroplane is one type of aircraft, but the term aircraft covers a much wider range of flying machines.

• An aircraft is designed to operate in the atmosphere. • Aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons and airships are examples of aircraft. • Different aircraft use different methods to generate lift or remain airborne. • An aeroplane is an aircraft, but not every aircraft is an aeroplane.