How is it possible to achieve weightlessness in an airplane for an extended period of time?

Question

Like they do to simulate being in space in the movies.

Answer 1

No. To achieve weightlessness in a plane, you have to go in a loop. First the plane accelerates at a 45 degree angle, adding G forces and then goes into a parabolic loop which causes a sensation of weightlessness.

The following comes from a web site (given below) of a company which sells such rides:

"The maneuver feels somewhat like a roller coaster ride, rising up at approximately 45 degrees with the nose up in the air. Then the plane is 'pushed over' the top to achieve the zero-gravity for the parabolas. For approximately the next 30 seconds everything, and everyone, in the plane is weightless. Then the pilot eases the plane into a 30 degree pull-out, which allows you to steady yourself on the aircraft floor. Your instructor is there with you the whole time, to ensure your safety. The pilot then readies the plane so you can go again! This process is repeated 15 times, including a 1/6 G (moon) and 1/3 G (Mars)!"

Answer 2

You can't do it for longer than 30 seconds, because the ground gets in the way of the parabolic diving flight pattern.

In movies they don't use this method to simulate weightlessness. Only Apollo 13 was filmed inside one of these planes. Other methods of simulating weightlessness in films (some of which were also employed for Apollo 13) include wires, CGI, and having the actors move their bodies around while keeping the camera frame tight so you can't see that they are standing on the ground and just waving their bodies around in odd ways!

But if you are making a film in a 'vomit comet' plane, then editing is your friend. If you watch Apollo 13 you'll notice that continuous sequences of weightlessnes where you can actually see things or the whole actor floating around only last seconds. Anything longer and you'll see an edit in the sequence. You have to shoot the scene in pieces and edit them together later on.

Answer 3

When an airplane goes into a parabolic loop the weightless period starts when the plane goes over the top of the loop and starts its downward motion. It lasts only a short time. When you see it in the movies you are seeing several segments spliced together.
The parabolic loop is a little like driving down the road when you go over a hill that drops off drastically on the other side. The loop is just bigger.

Answer 4

The airplane is literally falling for a short (30 seconds or so)period of time. Those in the plane are falling with it. Afterwards the plane pulls out of its dive and you experience some Gs to make up for it.

Answer 5

You can't extend it for too long. You can do about 30 seconds at a time. Planes just can't be pushed any harder.

Answer 6

no