"An airplane (American English), or aeroplane (Commonwealth English), informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine."
A vehicle with wings that is propelled through the air, typically used for long-distance transportation.
Aerodynamics: The study of the properties of air, its interaction with solid objects, and the behavior of bodies in air.
Aircraft systems: The various mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and avionics systems that make up an airplane and allow it to function safely and efficiently.
Air traffic control: The system of procedures and regulations that govern the movement of aircraft in the airspace, from takeoff to landing.
Flight planning: The process of determining the route, fuel requirements, and other factors necessary for a safe and efficient flight.
Navigation: The process of determining and following the course of an aircraft from one point to another using instruments, maps, and other tools.
Weather forecasting: The study of meteorological conditions that can impact flight safety, such as wind, turbulence, and precipitation.
Airspace regulations: The rules and regulations governing the use of airspace, including air traffic control procedures and flight restrictions.
Aviation regulations: The rules and guidelines governing the design, operation, and maintenance of aircraft, as well as the licensing and training of pilots and other aviation personnel.
Cockpit instrumentation: The various gauges, instruments, and displays in the cockpit used to monitor the aircraft's performance and provide navigation information.
Airport operations: The procedures and protocols involved in the safe and efficient operation of airports, including ground support, runway maintenance, and fire and rescue services.
Aircraft maintenance: The procedures involved in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of an aircraft, including inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
Crew resource management: The guidelines and procedures for effective communication and teamwork among flight crew members to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
Human factors: The study of how human behavior, decision making, and performance can impact flight safety and efficiency.
Emergency procedures: The protocols and procedures for dealing with emergencies and contingencies that may arise during flight, including avionics failure, engine failure, and in-flight medical emergencies.
Commercial airliner: A large aircraft used for carrying passengers and cargo on scheduled flights between airports.
Business jet: A smaller, more luxurious aircraft used by corporations and wealthy individuals for private travel.
Regional airliner: A smaller commercial airliner used for regional flights to nearby destinations.
Helicopter: A rotary-wing aircraft that can hover in place and is commonly used for emergency medical services, search and rescue, and transportation of goods and people.
Military aircraft: Various types of aircraft used by military organizations for combat, transport, and reconnaissance purposes.
Cargo plane: A large aircraft designed for transporting goods and large amounts of cargo.
Amphibious aircraft: An aircraft that is capable of operating both on land and water, commonly used for transporting passengers and cargo between islands.
Gliders: An aircraft that has no engine and relies on rising air currents to stay aloft, used for recreational flying and competitions.
Ultralights: A small aircraft and the lightest aviation category, used for personal or sports flying.
Hot air balloon: A unique aircraft that uses heated air to rise and float in the sky, used for adventure tourism and recreation.
Crop dusters: A specialized airplane used for spraying crops with pesticides or fertilizers, helping to ensure a successful harvest.
Seaplanes: An aircraft that can take off and land on water, commonly used for travel to remote locations or as part of adventure tourism activities.
Aerobatic planes: An aircraft designed for performing tricks and stunts in the air, used in airshows and competitions.
Experimental planes: Aircraft that are designed and built by individuals or small companies for personal use or research purposes.
Jetpack: A personal jet engine-powered device worn on the back that allows the wearer to fly, commonly used for stunts and demonstrations.
"The broad spectrum of uses for airplanes includes recreation, transportation of goods and people, military, and research."
"Worldwide, commercial aviation transports more than four billion passengers annually on airliners..."
"...and transports more than 200 billion tonne-kilometers of cargo annually..."
"...which is less than 1% of the world's cargo movement."
"Most airplanes are flown by a pilot on board the aircraft..."
"...but some are designed to be remotely or computer-controlled such as drones."
"The Wright brothers invented and flew the first airplane in 1903..."
"...recognized as 'the first sustained and controlled heavier-than-air powered flight'."
"They built on the works of George Cayley dating from 1799... and the work of German pioneer of human aviation Otto Lilienthal..."
"...who, between 1867 and 1896, also studied heavier-than-air flight. Lilienthal's flight attempts in 1891 are seen as the beginning of human flight."
"Following its limited use in World War I, aircraft technology continued to develop."
"Airplanes had a presence in all the major battles of World War II."
"The first jet aircraft was the German Heinkel He 178 in 1939."
"The first jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, was introduced in 1952."
"The Boeing 707, the first widely successful commercial jet, was in commercial service for more than 50 years..."
"...from 1958 to at least 2013."
"...George Cayley dating from 1799, when he set forth the concept of the modern airplane..."
"...but some are designed to be remotely or computer-controlled such as drones."
"...and the work of German pioneer of human aviation Otto Lilienthal, who, between 1867 and 1896, also studied heavier-than-air flight."