An engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air, supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings, is called a(n)?

An engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air, supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings, is called a(n)?

• A. Airplane
• B. Airship
• C. Helicopter
• D. Glider

Answer: (A)

Lift is produced by the dynamic reaction of the air against wings, which is how a powered fixed-wing aircraft stays aloft. An airplane fits this description: it is engine-driven, has fixed wings, and is heavier than air, relying on wing lift to fly. An airship stays aloft mainly through buoyancy in air, not wing lift. A helicopter uses rotating blades to generate lift, not fixed wings. A glider is also heavier than air and winged, but it does not have its own engine. So the powered, fixed-wing, heavier-than-air craft described is an airplane.

Lift is produced by the dynamic reaction of the air against wings, which is how a powered fixed-wing aircraft stays aloft. An airplane fits this description: it is engine-driven, has fixed wings, and is heavier than air, relying on wing lift to fly. An airship stays aloft mainly through buoyancy in air, not wing lift. A helicopter uses rotating blades to generate lift, not fixed wings. A glider is also heavier than air and winged, but it does not have its own engine. So the powered, fixed-wing, heavier-than-air craft described is an airplane.