It flies but destroys a paler one (9)

I believe the answer is:

aeroplane

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it flies' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'destroys a paler one' is the wordplay.
'destroys' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'destroyed' mean this).
'a'+'paler'+'one'='apalerone'
'apalerone' with letters rearranged gives 'AEROPLANE'.

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aeroplane that I've seen before include "Flying craft" , "Lancaster?" , "Flying vehicle" , "Spitfire, for example" , "Flying machine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app