The first major difference between airplanes and helicopters is their shape and design. Airplanes, for example, have long, slender bodies with wings while helicopters have round bodies and propellers rather than wings. Another difference between airplanes and helicopters is their speed. Helicopters, on the other hand are much slower than airplanes. The final difference between airplanes and helicopters is their direction of takeoff and flight.
Airplanes take off horizontally and can move in a forward direction only.
They need a lot of space for takeoff and landing. Airplanes regularly carry several hundred passengers. Helicopters, however, take off vertically and can move in any direction. Helicopters require a very small takeoff or landing space, and most helicopters carry only two to five passengers. Because of the great differences between airplanes and helicopters, each is used for a specific purpose.