2006-12-03 20:59:04 · 13 answers · asked by anoojmon 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
If by passenger plane, you mean a large commercial airliner, then no. However, there are aircraft that can fly slow enough so that they can hover given a strong enough wind. The German Feisler Storch has a low speed of roughly 30 mph, so any wind stronger than that could potentially cause the plane to either hover or fly backwards. I've seen this plane fly many times, and it's always odd to watch.
2006-12-04 02:50:59 · answer #1 · answered by pdkflyguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say NO. But I think I know where you're coming from on this one. Sometimes when then plane is approaching the landing strip, especially if they possibly run early, the plane really appears from a distance to be stopped in the air. However, that could NEVER be the case since it is essential that the wings provide FORWARD lift to keep the aircraft in the air. But at a good distance when viewing, the plane appears to be stopped or moving VERY slowly. More of an illusion, I think.
2006-12-04 06:30:07 · answer #2 · answered by JoeSalsa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Any time the headwind equals the airspeed the aircraft is standing still in the air. Although not common for large aircraft, lots of smaller, slower craft are able to fly backwards.
A Piper J3 for example that will fly at 30 mph, pointing into a 35 mph headwind will go backwards.
2006-12-05 22:35:03 · answer #3 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. the plane can have a zero ground speed and appear to be sitting still but it can only do this with a very strong wind. It also depends on the weight of the the aircraft for instance the plane i fly on has a max takeoff weight of 350,000 lbs. i take approx 175mph of wind under the wings to lift of. but with a wind of 60 mph(which happens alot the higher you go) can easily lift a smaller plane. the plane must still have the needed airspeed.
2006-12-08 04:46:49 · answer #4 · answered by atheist6.4 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,if an aircraft stalls at 60 knots and has a 65 knot head wind it will maintain enough lift to stay airborne.although it may be very unstable
A Twin Otter can be considered a comercial aircraft.
2006-12-04 19:00:20 · answer #5 · answered by The Steve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, commercial jets all stall about 100kias, or at least I don't know any that fly slower.
An Osprey isn't really a helicopter, that might count, but only the military fly them.
2006-12-04 16:16:12 · answer #6 · answered by Chris H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not, only helicopter can stand still on air.
2006-12-04 11:40:43 · answer #7 · answered by Lai Yu Zeng 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might be able to if the engines were still running at full power, with very strong wind from every directio
2006-12-04 16:43:53 · answer #8 · answered by Boeing 777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the wind blows hard enough
2006-12-04 05:04:04 · answer #9 · answered by Claude 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope.
2006-12-04 09:21:12 · answer #10 · answered by dervin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋