Word of the Month — Aircraft

April 2021 – Yes, we all know the word "aircraft," but let's talk about its significance. Other similar words are aeroplane, plane, airplane. In French it's avion, and in Spanish it's avión or aeronave.

Commonly we'll hear "plane" around the airport: "Just washing my plane" or whatever. There is a certain amount of cultural difference, but I guess the most important difference is that an aircraft can include a hot air balloon or helicopter, whereas an airplane or an aeroplane is a heavier–than-air, fixed wing device type of aircraft.

Sitting between our British heritage and our U.S. neighbours, we can feel relaxed whether we talking about an airplane or an aeroplane. The latter is something you won't hear very often south of our shared border.

So now you know subtleties in the meaning of "aircraft." I hope that's plain!