Aéronefs

Aéronefs are machines capable of controlled flight within Earth's atmosphere. The term—used in French and often encountered in international contexts—encompasses devices designed to lift and propel themselves through air, carry people or cargo, and be controlled by onboard or ground systems. Aéronefs include both heavier‑than‑air craft (airplanes and rotorcraft such as helicopters) and lighter‑than‑air craft (balloons and airships).

The word derives from the prefixes aéro- meaning air and nef, an archaic French term for ship, emphasizing its concept as a vessel for air travel.

Classification includes fixed‑wing aircraft (avions), rotorcraft (hélicoptères), balloons, airships, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

Flight history began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with experimental gliders and powered flights, culminating in the Wright brothers’ first controlled flight in 1903 and rapid development through the jet era.

Operations are governed by international and national authorities that oversee certification of airworthiness, pilot licensing, and air traffic management. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets standards, while national regulators enforce them.

Today, aéronefs underpin civil transport, commerce, and emergency services, while ongoing research addresses safety, efficiency, and environmental impact, including electric propulsion, sustainable fuels, and emerging concepts such as urban air mobility.