difficult to fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to fly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an aircraft, drone, or any flying object that presents challenges in operation or control. Example: "The new model of the drone is quite advanced, but many users find it difficult to fly due to its complex controls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the plane, nicknamed the Dragon Lady, is difficult to fly, and missions are grueling and dangerous.

The New York Times

They will spend another night at C1. Weather has drawn in making it too difficult to fly choppers".

The Guardian

Shock waves and unpredictable air flows also make jets particularly difficult to fly just below the barrier.

The New York Times

On both occasions, Kim made comments highlighting that the pair were women in order to suggest that they would find it more difficult to fly planes.

Independent

But the two issues are related because the conditions of the aircraft makes them difficult to fly and increases the frequency of accidents.

The New York Times

The later models of the Bf 109 had excellent diving and climbing performance, but they were less maneuverable and more difficult to fly than earlier versions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

That is because a Boeing 777 is a very difficult plane to fly manually.

The New York Times

"The current airport is probably among the five most difficult airports to fly into in Latin America.

The Guardian

As a result, the Tomcat has become known as one of the more difficult fighters to fly.

Los Angeles Times

It was a difficult airplane to fly, physically, because in the early part of the war, they didn't have hydraulic controls.

Wikipedia

You can then just walk away, since it would probably be a little difficult to actually fly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the handling characteristics of aircraft, consider using "difficult to fly" to clearly communicate the level of skill and attention required from the pilot.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of flying something to the point of unbelievability. Instead of saying "impossible to fly", provide specific reasons why it's "difficult to fly", such as complex controls or unstable aerodynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to fly" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun (like "aircraft" or "drone"). It's an infinitive phrase describing a quality or characteristic, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Sports

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to fly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig. It describes the challenges associated with piloting an aircraft or similar object. It is frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While the phrase is straightforward, remember to provide specific reasons for the difficulty instead of simply stating the object is "difficult to fly". Ludwig's examples further showcase the phrase's versatile application across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging to pilot

Emphasizes the skill required from the pilot.

hard to control in flight

Focuses on the lack of easy control during the act of flying.

not easy to maneuver

Highlights difficulty in changing direction or position.

requires skillful piloting

Stresses the need for a pilot with considerable expertise.

demands precise handling

Emphasizes the need for accurate and careful control.

unstable in the air

Highlights the lack of steadiness or balance during flight.

aerodynamically unstable

Emphasizes the cause of the problem in flight as a physics issue.

presents piloting difficulties

More formally points out that pilot skill is very important and difficult.

tricky to keep aloft

Suggests problems maintaining flight, and needing a lot of effort.

complex to operate mid-air

Focuses on the complexity of the operation while flying.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "difficult to fly"?

When an aircraft or drone is described as "difficult to fly", it implies that it requires a high degree of skill, experience, and attention from the pilot to control it effectively and safely. The challenges could stem from complex controls, instability, or sensitivity to weather conditions.

What factors might make an aircraft "difficult to fly"?

Several factors can contribute to making an aircraft "difficult to fly", including unstable aerodynamics, complex control systems, sensitivity to wind and weather, and demanding handling characteristics. Aircraft design, pilot experience, and environmental conditions all play a role.

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult to fly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "challenging to pilot", "hard to control in flight", or "requires skillful piloting".

Is it correct to say "difficult to be flown"?

While grammatically possible, "difficult to be flown" is less common and sounds more awkward than "difficult to fly". The active voice construction "difficult to fly" is generally preferred because it's more direct and easier to understand.