Quote:
Originally posted by BlueSky:
I disagree, but respectfully. I know the wheels don't control the plane's motion, but I also know they are the means by which engine power is converted to forward motion over the ground when the aircraft isn't flying.

Calling people morons because they don't share your point of view - which very well may be wrong, Einstein - makes you a gold-plated asshat. IMHO of course. [Finger]
Yes, I am an asshat. I have no problems admitting that.

But if you think the force of motion of an airplane is magically created by the tires when a plane is on the ground, but created by the engines when it's in the air, then frankly, yes, you are a moron.

Forward motion of the plane is caused by the engines pushing the plane forward, whether it's in the air, on the ground, on the water, or wherever. Never, ever, is forward motion either caused or restricted by the tires on the ground.

I'm no einstein, but I'm evidently smart enough to know where the force for the motion comes from for a plane, and that it doesn't magically shift from one thing to another based on the plane's position... [Finger]

Blue, the tires DIRECT the motion of the plane on the ground; the same as the ailerons and rudder DIRECT the motion of the plane in the air. NONE of those things either cause or prevent motion that is originated by the force applied by the ENGINES.