How is an "Airplane" characterized?

An airplane is characterized as any aircraft that is propelled by thrust and kept aloft by wings. This definition encompasses the essential elements that define an airplane: the lift generated by the wings allowing it to fly, and the thrust from engines or propellers that enable it to move forward through the air.

The wings are crucial as they interact with the airflow to produce lift, while the thrust counteracts drag, allowing the aircraft to maintain speed and altitude. This broad definition separates airplanes from other types of aircraft, such as helicopters, which achieve lift through rotating blades, or spacecraft, which operate differently in the atmosphere and beyond.

Knowing these fundamental attributes helps in understanding the mechanics of flight and differentiating airplanes from various other aerial vehicles.