Squadron easily flanks small aircraft (5)

I believe the answer is:

drone

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

'aircraft' is the definition.
(drone is a kind of aircraft)

'squadron easily flanks small' is the wordplay.
'DRONE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drone that I've seen before include "Talk boringly; a parasite" , "Male bee for the queen" , "person averse to work" , "Member of Wooster's club" , "Lounger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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