Why are the words “Flying Machines” used instead of “Aeroplanes” or “Airplanes”?
While it would perfectly proper to apply the term “Flying Machine” to any mechanical aerial device, the term should only refer to machines built or designed prior to the 1903 Wright Flyer. This would clarify the use of the term, which was in vogue prior to the Wrights and which was supplanted by the word “Aeroplane” (in its later meaning, see the next question) and later “Airplane.” Return to Questions What did the word “Aeroplane” first mean? Originally, “Aeroplane” only referred to an inclined flat lifting surface. Even a flat surface will generate some amount of lift when presented at a shallow angle to oncoming air. There was a long debate between designers of the early period of aeronautical design as to whether an “Aeroplane” or an “Aerocurve” (see next question) was better to use on a Flying Machine. “Aeroplanes” were simpler to construct and easier to repair. Of course, an “Aeroplane” didn’t generate as much lift as an “Aerocurve.” Ultimately curved wing structures were develop
