How to Sign "Airplane"

With your dominant hand in the "I love you" shape (index and pinky fingers and thumb extended, middle and ring fingers closed to your palm), extend this shape in the air up toward your forehead and slightly bob it back and forth a couple times (as though to indicate an airplane taking off).

Examples Using "Airplane" in a Sentence

1

I am flying on an airplane tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow', point to yourself for 'I', and then use the 'ILY' handshape, bobbing it upward toward your forehead to sign 'airplane'.

2

Look at the airplane in the sky!

Point up toward the sky to establish where you are looking, then sign 'airplane' by moving your 'ILY' hand upward with a slight double bobbing motion.

3

Have you ever been on an airplane?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'finish' to indicate past experience, and then sign 'airplane' using the upward bobbing 'ILY' handshape.

How to Sign "Airplane"
With your dominant hand in the "I love you" shape (index and pinky fingers and thumb extended, middle and ring fingers closed to your palm), extend this shape in the air up toward your forehead and slightly bob it back and forth a couple times (as though to indicate an airplane taking off).
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like what it represents. The 'ILY' handshape visually mimics the physical structure of an airplane: your extended index finger and pinky act as the wings, while your thumb represents the tail. The upward bobbing motion illustrates the aircraft taking off and traveling through the air.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your middle and ring fingers tucked tightly against your palm so the 'ILY' handshape is clear. Angle your hand slightly upward as you move it toward your forehead. The short, double bobbing motion is the most important part, as it clearly shows you are signing the noun 'airplane' rather than an action.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is making one long, continuous swooping motion instead of a short, repeated bob. A single swoop changes the word from the noun 'airplane' to the verb 'to fly'. Another mistake is using the 'Y' handshape (only thumb and pinky extended) instead of the 'ILY' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Airplane" in a Sentence
1

I am flying on an airplane tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow', point to yourself for 'I', and then use the 'ILY' handshape, bobbing it upward toward your forehead to sign 'airplane'.

2

Look at the airplane in the sky!

Point up toward the sky to establish where you are looking, then sign 'airplane' by moving your 'ILY' hand upward with a slight double bobbing motion.

3

Have you ever been on an airplane?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'finish' to indicate past experience, and then sign 'airplane' using the upward bobbing 'ILY' handshape.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'airplane' and 'fly'?

In ASL, nouns and verbs are often distinguished by their movement. The noun 'airplane' uses a short, repeated bobbing motion. The verb 'to fly' uses the exact same 'ILY' handshape but makes a single, longer swooping motion across your signing space.

Do I use one hand or two hands to sign 'airplane'?

You only use one hand for this sign. Use your dominant hand to form the 'ILY' shape and make the upward bobbing motion toward your forehead.

Which way should my palm face?

Your palm should generally face down toward the ground. This positions your extended fingers perfectly to look like the wings of an airplane cruising parallel to the earth.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!