Can a Plane on a Treadmill Take Off?

"Greg Copeland" wrote:


In other words, you ASSUMED that speed was not zero
If one applies power to the plane (and yes, I am assuming that is
implied in the question of whether the plane takes off normally), and
the conveyor only moves backward at the same rate as the plane moves
forward, yes, the plane will move forward.

and Cecil ASSUMED
the runway was not driven by it's own motor.
As said before, I saw no such assumption, and in fact would assume the
opposite. I see no way for the conveyer to move without its own power.

Lots of assumptions.
What are you reading?

You then go on to talk about left turns you madel. Simply stated, it
is *all* about wheel speed and lift
Maybe for you. I didn't see anything about wheel speed.

If the wheel is turning
slower than the treadmill, then you are moving backwards.

If you are moving backwards, and the conveyer, according to the
statement of the problem, is moving backwards at the same rate as the
plane is moving forwards, what direction is it moving?

Thusly, a
delta of zero or less means NO LIFT...NO FLIGHT.

I still don't know what delta you are referring to, but I think we are
in agreement that a plane will not fly backwards. (Jokes about canards
aside).

This isn't exactly rocket science...
No, it's the wheels that are confusing folks. Make it "rocket science"
and it would become clearer. g

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