volplane

American  

[vol-pleyn] / ˈvɒlˌpleɪn /

verb (used without object)

volplaned, volplaning

1. to glide toward the earth in an airplane, with no motor power or with the power shut off.

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noun

1. a glide in an airplane.

Other Word Forms

• volplanist noun

Etymology

Origin of volplane

1905–10; < French vol plané glided flight, equivalent to vol flight (noun derivative of voler < Latin volāre to fly) + plané, past participle of planer to glide ( see plane ¹)

Example Sentences

Meanwhile Sir Alan Cobham had been forced by a faulty spark plug to volplane to earth near Nuneaton.

From Time Magazine Archive

Tom soon shut the motor off, and tilted the machine for a volplane down several thousand feet to a new level.

From Air Service Boys Over The Enemy's Lines The German Spy's Secret by Beach, Charles Amory

Before the hitherto climbing air-craft began diving tail downwards, he regulated the elevating planes, and a long volplane ensued.

From The Submarine Hunters A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War by Hodgson, Edward S.

Andy attempted some volplane skits that were fairly hair-raising.

From Airship Andy or The Luck of a Brave Boy by Webster, Frank V.

The British air-craft's long volplane terminated on the surface of the sea miles from the place where she had "spotted" the hostile ships.

From With Beatty off Jutland A Romance of the Great Sea Fight by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)