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

At any rate, his engine was going perfectly, so he was not required to attempt a difficult volplane with a dead engine.

From Battling the Clouds or, For a Comrade's Honor by Cobb, Frank

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.

To volplane from such a height and at such speed is almost the keenest test of courage that can be put upon a man who for the first time seeks to emulate the bird.

From Ruth Fielding Homeward Bound A Red Cross Worker's Ocean Perils by Emerson, Alice B.

Then he would volplane downward at dazzling speed, to resume a horizontal flight when close to the earth.

From The Airplane Boys among the Clouds or, Young Aviators in a Wreck by Langworthy, John Luther