The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word AIRWORTHY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
I
R
W
O
R
T
H
Y
More clues leading to the result AIRWORTHY
- Show big wheel's fit to leave ground
- . Capable flight attendant passed for take-off
- Planes must be so in war, or hit when failing scrutiny, ultimately
- Throw nuts into spacious environment for such birds?
- I worry that endlessly flying planes must be this
- Ready to fly toy starting with a whirr
- Worry a hit might spoil Dreamliner’s quality?
- Pillar of society, after broadcast, is fit to fly
- Mayor, say, on song and fit for high-level activity
- If it's windy outside, throw out anything that can fly
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "planes must be this" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case planes must be this = airworthy.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AIRWORTHY mean?
AIRWORTHY adjective- Meeting standards for safe flight