For QuizMonster (or other super-brains)

[Ward-Minter]

what is the difference between an AIRPLANE and an AEROPLANE apart from the spelling. And which one should I use in a formal letter??

[SaxyJag]

The first is US English, second is UK English. Which one you use is a matter of choice - just be consistent.

[Fibonacci]

airplane 1907, from air + plane; though the original references are British, the word caught on in Amer.Eng., where it largely superseding earlier aeroplane (1873, and still common in British Eng.; q.v.).

aeroplane 1866, from Fr. a�roplane (1855), from Gk. aero- "air" + stem of planer "to soar" (see plane (1)). Originally in ref. to surfaces (such as the protective shell casings of beetles' wings); meaning "heavier than air flying machine"

[Quizmonster]

I'd say it is "a matter of choice" only insofar as you need to consider what your own nationality is, W-M. I don't believe any British person would ever use 'airplane'. By the same token, I would not expect ever to see an American write 'aeroplane'.
It's much like tyre/tire, cheque/check and lots of other such differences.

[SaxyJag]

Agreed, Quizmonster. But there's nowt so funny as folk and there's always going to be some awkward cuss determined to break 'the rules'. ;-)

[shammydodger]

As his instructor said to Kenneth More, playing Douglas Bader in "Reach For The Sky", "never, ever, call it a plane. It's an aeroplane!"

[Grunty]

I always say 'aircraft'. Not sure why - it's something I picked up years ago.

[waimarie]

I believe in most professional aviation circles it is called an 'aircraft' and never, never and aeroplane of whichever spelling.

[Ward-Minter]

Thank you guys and dolls.

I think as an Englishman in England I will stick to aeroplane then. Aircraft sounds a tad militaristic in the context I need.

Regards

[Clanad]

We had a similar discussion about airplane-aeroplane-aircraft, some time ago. I'd only add (as I did then) that the term aircraft is taken to mean (in the U.S. at least) any and all machines that ascend (exclusive of elevators). A hot air balloon is an aircraft, but is termed a 'hot air balloon' as opposed, say, to a 'heavier than air aircraft' (a dirigible). An airplane is an aircraft just as is a helicopter. The helicopter, for technical purposes is a 'rotorcraft'... but all are aircraft and an airplane, et al are distinct in their nomenclature... In the U.S., one class of flying machines that are specifically excluded from being called aircraft are the powered parachutes, hang gliders, powered hang gliders or equivalent devices. They are termed "Ultralight vehicles" and are included in a specific regulation not applicable to "aircraft"...