Aircraft Classification Overview

Aircraft Classification Overview

• Aircraft: Defined as any device intended for flight in the air (14 CFR 1.1).

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

• Airplane: Engine-driven, fixed-wing, heavier-than-air aircraft supported by air dynamics against its wings.

• Glider: Heavier-than-air aircraft that relies on air dynamics for lift, without primarily depending on an engine.

Lighter-than-Air Aircraft

• Lighter-than-Air Aircraft: Capable of rising and sustaining flight using gases lighter than air. Includes airships and balloons.

• Airship: An engine-driven lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered; designed for controlled movement.

• Balloon: A non-engine driven lighter-than-air aircraft that achieves flight through gas buoyancy or heating.

Powered Aircraft

• Powered-Lift: Heavier-than-air aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, relying on engine-driven lift devices for low-speed flight and traditional airfoils during horizontal flight.

• Powered Parachute: Features a flexible or semi-rigid wing, not positioned for flight until in motion; contains engine and seats within the fuselage connected to landing gear.

Rocket and Rotorcraft

• Rocket: Aircraft propelled by ejected gases from self-contained propellants, not reliant on outside air intake; includes all detachable parts during operation.

• Rotorcraft: Heavier-than-air aircraft that gains lift primarily from rotor-generated support; categories include gyroplanes and helicopters.

Types of Rotorcraft

• Gyroplane: A rotorcraft whose rotors are initially started by engine but rotate due to air movement during flight; uses conventional propulsion independent of the rotor system.

• Helicopter: A rotorcraft that relies mainly on engine-driven rotors for horizontal motion.

Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft

• Weight-shift-Control: A powered aircraft with a pivoting wing, allowing control via pilot maneuvers to change center of gravity; relies on wing deformation for flight control rather than traditional surfaces.