The New York Times crossword puzzle is renowned for its clever wordplay, challenging clues, and wide-ranging vocabulary. One common clue that often appears is “Plane landing,” which can be tricky for solvers who aren’t familiar with crossword conventions. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind this clue, possible answers, and strategies for solving similar crossword puzzles.
Understanding the Clue: “Plane Landing”
At first glance, “Plane landing” seems straightforward—it could refer to an aircraft touching down on a runway. However, in crossword puzzles, especially the NYT crossword, clues often rely on wordplay, double meanings, or alternate definitions.
Possible Answers to “Plane Landing”
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“ARR” – A common crossword answer for “plane landing” because “ARR” is the IATA airport code for Waterford Airport in Ireland. Crossword constructors frequently use airport codes as shorthand for plane-related clues.
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“RUNWAY” – While this refers to where a plane lands, it’s less likely to be the answer since it’s more literal.
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“TARMAC” – Another surface-related answer, but it’s more about the ground than the act of landing.
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“ALIT” – An archaic term meaning “landed,” sometimes used in crosswords.
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“DEW” – A stretch, but “plane” can mean a flat surface, and “dew” lands on surfaces overnight.
The most probable answer is “ARR”, especially in shorter puzzles where brevity is key.
Why “ARR” is the Likely Answer
Crossword puzzles often use:
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Abbreviations (like airport codes)
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Short words (3 letters are common in grids)
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Lesser-known terms to increase difficulty
Since “ARR” is an airport code, it fits neatly into the puzzle’s structure. Solvers should familiarize themselves with common IATA codes (e.g., ORD for Chicago O’Hare, JFK for New York Kennedy) to tackle similar clues.
Strategies for Solving Plane-Related Crossword Clues
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Think Beyond Literal Meanings – Crossword clues often use puns or alternate definitions.
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Example: “Plane figure” could mean “AIRLINE PILOT” (a person) or “RECTANGLE” (a geometric shape).
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Consider Abbreviations – Many crossword answers are short forms (e.g., “ETA” for estimated time of arrival).
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Look for Wordplay – Clues might involve homophones or hidden words.
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Example: “Plane landing?” could hint at “PLAIN” (sounds like “plane”).
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Check the Puzzle’s Theme – If the crossword has an aviation theme, answers may relate to flights, pilots, or airports.
Other Common Aviation Crossword Clues
To expand your crossword-solving skills, here are some related clues and their possible answers:
| Clue | Possible Answer | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| “Airport posting” | ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) | Common travel abbreviation |
| “Pilot’s in-flight announcement” | MAYDAY | Distress call |
| “Jet ___” (frequent flyer) | SETTER | Breed of dog, but often clued in wordplay |
| “Flight path” | ARC | A curve, but also a trajectory |
| “Plane seats” | AISLES | Or “ROWS” |
Conclusion: Mastering Crossword Clues Like “Plane Landing”
The key to solving NYT crossword clues like “Plane landing” lies in recognizing patterns, understanding wordplay, and building a mental database of common abbreviations. While “ARR” is the most likely answer, always consider the puzzle’s theme and intersecting letters for confirmation.
By practicing regularly and studying frequent crossword tropes, you’ll improve your solving speed and accuracy. Happy puzzling!
