What type of aircraft uses wings to stay aloft?

Airplanes are designed with fixed wings that generate lift, allowing them to fly through the air efficiently. When the airplane moves forward, air flows over and under the wings, creating a difference in air pressure that lifts the aircraft off the ground. This fundamental principle of aerodynamics is central to how airplanes operate.

While gliders also utilize wings to stay aloft, they lack engines and rely on other means of gaining altitude, such as rising air currents. Helicopters use rotating blades to create lift, which is a different mechanism entirely. Ultralights are lightweight aircraft that may use wings for lift as well, but they are a subset of airplanes and typically adhere to specific regulations regarding weight and operation.

In summary, airplanes represent the primary category of aircraft that rely on fixed wings for sustained flight, making them the correct answer to the question.