It is not uncommon to hear “drive a plane” from time to time. But, is it speaking proper English to use that expression? If you’re confused about whether to incorporate it or not you’ve come to the right place. Read on because all answers are just a few paragraphs away.
Is “Drive A Plane” Correct?
It isn’t correct to say “drive a plane”. When the aircraft is on land, the pilot is “taxiing” the plane. On the other hand, when the airplane is in the air, the pilot is flying it. So, there are no correct circumstances to say “drive a plane”.
Moreover, becoming a pilot is a difficult endeavor that requires study and practice. Thus, pilots might feel offended when being compared to a driver; a position that needs far less preparation.
Although it isn’t correct to use the term “drive an airplane”, it might be a common term among pilots. For example, a conversation between pilots including the term could be:
- What are you driving these days?
- I’m a 737 driver thanks to him, the captain who formed my wings
- Joe was a Tomcat driver back in the day; boy he was fierce!
This would be an informal way of speaking that is only accepted among colleagues but by no means correct use of the language. Moreover, it is something that a pilot will only accept from a peer without feeling offended.
What To Say Instead of “Drive A Plane”
There are, at least, three terms to use instead of “drive a plane” that are accepted in regular English. According to Google Ngram Viewer, the most widely used is “fly a plane”.
Furthermore, this term is used 300% more than the next in relevance which is “pilot a plane”. Finally, “ride a plane” and “drive a plane” share the bottom of the chart is “drive a plane” the least used of them all.
Ride A Plane
When someone “rides” on a means of transport (except for bicycles and motorcycles) they’re playing a passive role. This means that the person is not the one handling the controls.
In this vein, to ride an airplane could be used to say that you’ll be traveling as a passenger onboard a plane rather than piloting it.
That being said, it is more common to say “take a plane” than “ride a plane”.
Let’s see some examples:
- We rode that plane straight to the Bahamas and had a blast.
- Riding an airplane with a storm like this? That’s madness.
- What kind of plane did you ride to get here? Was it a big jet or a small amphibious one?
- I love riding planes more than any other transport!
Pilot A Plane
“Pilot” is both, a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it is used to describe the person in charge of the controls on a plane. On the other hand, when used as a verb, it is the action of controlling the airplane while in the air.
Thus, to pilot a plane is the perfect way to refer to the task of flying an aircraft.
Let’s see some examples of it:
- Whoever the pilot was he or she did a great job piloting the plane to safety.
- He has been piloting planes for 40 years; it is time to stay at home with the family.
- What I do for a living is my lifelong passion: I pilot planes.
Fly A Plane
When the airplane has already taken off and is in the air, “pilot the plane” or “fly the plane” can be used as synonyms. This is because “flying” is a verb that describes what the airplane does.
That being said, it is a more colloquial way to refer to the act of piloting which includes all stages. By all stages we mean taxi, take off, flying, and landing. Hence, although it is correct to say that a pilot “flies planes” it is a widely-accepted, informal use.
- He was flying the airplane peacefully when all of a sudden, they run into a storm.
- It’s not only hard; you have no idea the degree of concentration flying a plane requires.
- Flying planes every day is what makes me happy.
You may also like:
“On The Plane” or “In The Plane” – Correct Preposition
Difference Between “Ride” and “Drive” (Helpful Examples)
Do You “Ride” or “Drive” A Car? Full Explanation (With Examples)
Do You “Drive” or “Ride” A Motorcycle? Full Explanation!
Do You Drive A Boat? No! See The Correct Verb Here (Complete Guide)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
