2007-05-04 06:50:21 · 15 answers · asked by Dalhatu 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Planes can in fact have a ground track going the opposite direction than their heading. I am currently undergoing my flight training at Southern Illinois University and I fly a Cessna 152. When I configure the plane for slow flight my indicated airspeed is approx. 35 knots, but if I happen to be flying into a direct headwind of more than 35 knots, my plane will be "flying backwards."
As for commercial aircraft, the 152s I fly are in fact commercial aircraft because they are being flown for hire (I am paying a good sum of money to learn to fly). Any aircraft, if configured correctly and appropriate weather conditions are present, could potentially "stop" in the air. On a routine flight from point A to point B however, an aircraft carrying passengers will not accomplish this as airlines strive to get their passengers to their destination as fast as possible without compromising safety.
2007-05-04 14:55:18 · answer #1 · answered by Bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. A fixed wing aircraft has a minimum airspeed that it must maintain in order to stay in the air. However, an aircraft could appear stopped or actually fly backwards when observing from the ground. This can happen if the plane is flying into 200 mph winds (remember, this is thousands of feet over your head - not a hurricane on the ground), and the plane is moving at an airspeed less than or equal to the wind speed.
2007-05-04 06:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by Zeltar 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
One possibility. If an aircraft encounters the jet-stream, and it is blowing head on, it is possible for an aircraft to maintain a stationary position in the air. The jet-stream would have to be blowing at a couple hundred miles an hour, which has been recorded.
Other than that, no.
2007-05-04 09:41:49 · answer #3 · answered by gromit801 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No commercial aircraft can do that.
The V-22 Osprey can actually (hover) in midair.
The british Harrier has similar capabilities.
I am afraid to ask why you need to know this.
2007-05-04 06:56:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question! what about if a passenger suddenly decides to leave the aircraft?.
I think we all should claims for our rights before take any plane!!
2007-05-04 07:01:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i dont think so but i have seen a plane go soo slow that they look like they stop in the air
2007-05-04 12:22:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore the other answers. Obviously they never heard of air brakes.
2007-05-04 06:57:03 · answer #7 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
What? Are u serious? Did u think b4 u asked such a stupid question? How lame! Stop in the air? HELLO??????????
2007-05-04 06:58:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
yes if they have air brakes. HERE'S YOUR SIGN!
2007-05-04 06:56:34 · answer #9 · answered by richmorecock 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
only if it hits a mountain.
2007-05-04 13:53:59 · answer #10 · answered by mike c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋