flying machine

a vehicle that sustains itself in and propels itself through the air; an airplane, helicopter, glider, or the like.

Origin of flying machine

First recorded in 1730–40

Let the others toast what they please, but I will drink to wings and to the flying-machine.

The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci |Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky
He had rested it against a tree when he had seated himself in the flying-machine saddle.

The War in the Air |Herbert George Wells
Once a red Asiatic flying-machine came fluttering after them, so low they could distinguish the aeronaut's head.

The War in the Air |Herbert George Wells
Of late years he had scarcely occupied himself with the flying-machine, though he still often thought of it.

The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci |Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky

Nevertheless, its performance was a decided victory for the balloon over the flying-machine.

Every-day Science: Volume VII. The Conquest of Time and Space |Henry Smith Williams