Plain English Meaning
The main body of the airplane — the long tube-shaped part that holds the people and connects to the wings and tail.
Full Definition
The central body structure of an airplane that houses the cockpit, passengers, cargo, and most systems, and to which the wings, tail surfaces, and (on most single-engine designs) the engine are attached.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight inspection when checking the aircraft body, doors, skin, panels, and attachment areas.
Derivation
From the French fuselé, meaning 'spindle-shaped' or 'tapered.' Early aircraft bodies were long and tapered like a spindle, and the name stuck even though modern fuselages come in many shapes.
Why Pilots Care
The fuselage provides structural integrity, carries the , and protects occupants; damage here directly affects and .
