/sci/ - Science & Math

[Anonymous No.3196823]

Would an airplane lose altitude when flying over terrain such as the Grand Canyon? Not a troll, just had the thought pop into my head.

[Anonymous No.3196830]

haha OP, nice troll. Brought a smile to my face

[Anonymous No.3196836]

>>3196830
I mean because the bottom of the canyon is lower than the surrounding area (duh). Really not trolling, I know nothing of the science behind flight.

[Anonymous No.3196838]

yes, because airplanes work using ground repulsors

[Anonymous No.3196841]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altimeter

Instead of being trolled, just follow this link and leave this thread forever

[Anonymous No.3196843]

Airplanes are not hovercraft. They don't push off the ground. They fly using the same mechanics a frisbee does. If a frisbee flew off a cliff would it lose altitude? (Immediately, I mean)

[Anonymous No.3196859]

OP's post is kind of ambiguous. I'm not sure if he's referring to the plane's actual altitude or what the altimeter says.

If you mean the first way, then no. Planes don't push off the ground. If you mean the second way, again no. Altimeters use air pressure to figure out the altitude and flying over the grand canyon won't change that.

[Anonymous No.3196862]

no, but it would most likely experience a bit of turbulence.

however, what would happen if it was a helicopter?

[Anonymous No.3196884]

>>3196859
>>3196843
>>3196841
thanks, I'll attempt to educate myself before posting again

[Anonymous No.3196906]

It depends on what kind of altitude you are talking about. Above sea level or above surface.

[Anonymous No.3197005]

>>3196859
Technically, even if he had meant the displayed altitude above surface, it would actually INCREASE. Since now the ground would be farther away.