Will the plane fly?
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: None of your business
Originally Posted by 76supercab2
This question is an interesing internet phenomena. I've seen the discussion on several boards. There was one thread with over 40 pages on this question. Let hear your "logic"
Here you go:
A plane is standing on a runway that can move (like a giant conveyor
belt). This conveyor has a control system that tracks the plane's
speed and tunes the speed of the conveyor to be exactly the same (but
in the opposite direction).
Will the plane be able to take off?
Here you go:
A plane is standing on a runway that can move (like a giant conveyor
belt). This conveyor has a control system that tracks the plane's
speed and tunes the speed of the conveyor to be exactly the same (but
in the opposite direction).
Will the plane be able to take off?
The question states that it is standing on a runway. As I and www.dictionary.com see it, standing means still, not moving. So the airplane is still and the runway is not moving, therefore it won't take off as the air and ground speed are both 0. Like I said it isn't moving relative to it's place on earth, which I'm to assume the runway is also built on.
Now if you say that the plane is in fact moving in a straight line relative to the runway, it will definitely take off once the proper airspeed is reached for the flight configuration.
The ground speed relative to the runway will be 2x the airspeed. The ground speed relative to the earth will be equal to the airspeed.
All that is true so long as the airplane is parallel to the surface.
Mike
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,628
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From: Calgary, Canada
Yes, the first time I saw the question it was worded more like: As the plane starts to taxi, the conveyor................ you know the rest.
This one does sort of look like a trick question.
This one does sort of look like a trick question.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by BLK94F150
I think that the question is flawed.
The question states that it is standing on a runway. As I and www.dictionary.com see it, standing means still, not moving. So the airplane is still and the runway is not moving, therefore it won't take off as the air and ground speed are both 0. Like I said it isn't moving relative to it's place on earth, which I'm to assume the runway is also built on.
Now if you say that the plane is in fact moving in a straight line relative to the runway, it will definitely take off once the proper airspeed is reached for the flight configuration.
The ground speed relative to the runway will be 2x the airspeed. The ground speed relative to the earth will be equal to the airspeed.
All that is true so long as the airplane is parallel to the surface.
Mike
The question states that it is standing on a runway. As I and www.dictionary.com see it, standing means still, not moving. So the airplane is still and the runway is not moving, therefore it won't take off as the air and ground speed are both 0. Like I said it isn't moving relative to it's place on earth, which I'm to assume the runway is also built on.
Now if you say that the plane is in fact moving in a straight line relative to the runway, it will definitely take off once the proper airspeed is reached for the flight configuration.
The ground speed relative to the runway will be 2x the airspeed. The ground speed relative to the earth will be equal to the airspeed.
All that is true so long as the airplane is parallel to the surface.
Mike
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,077
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From: None of your business
Originally Posted by 76supercab2
Not meant to be a trick in that manner. I made some modificatoins / clarifications to the problem in post #11. I agree, the question is oversimplified. But assume the plane starts out on the treadmill-runway at a standstill and the aircrew then performs all steps necessary for a normal take off. Then the question is, as power is applied to the engines, will the plane start moving.
Mike
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by EMB135Driver
You are correct....It didn't say that, and thus my entire arguement is flawed.....conveyor belt can double the planes AIRSPEED and it would still take off....The engine of the plane doesn't act on the conveyor belt, and speed of tires rotating is irrelevant.
Another convert!!!
*don't fly "officially" but took a ground school, was USAF, and have a few hours in bug smashers.
Biggest mistake of my life was during tech school the aero club was 100% free to active duty.....figured I'd do it later.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by Chugalug
I got on a treadmill today and started running, I couldn't get going fast enough to feel any air going around my arms nor wind blowing in my face.
Needless to say, I didn't take off.
Needless to say, I didn't take off.
Still stuck on the wheels (your legs) propelling the airplane......
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 150
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From: Virginia Beach
Originally Posted by furball69
Of course not.
Try it again. Only this time, wear roller skates and attach very large rocket engines to the skates... You won't need wings to be able to tell us if it worked or not.
Try it again. Only this time, wear roller skates and attach very large rocket engines to the skates... You won't need wings to be able to tell us if it worked or not.
He might end up with wings if he doesn't wear a helmet...
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Michigan
I also tried this treadmill idea while wearing rollerskates,but before attempting this I ate four burritos,two bowls of baked beans,and a couple of undesolved Alka-Seltser tablets (for turbo boost effect).I then placed a candle behind the treadmill.Well,I didnt take off,but the insurance adjuster wont buy my story and pay for the fire damage! 
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