Question: Can a conventional powered airplane take off from a conveyor
belt which is moving at the same speed but in an opposite direction?

I was surprised at people's range and passion of answers when I asked
this of my glider club. People were absolutely sure it wouldn't work
or it would work. I guess that goes to show that performing this as a
thought experiment is not easy even for pilots.

Please make your own guess before you watch these Youtube videos (in
order) for the final answer.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KSBFQOfas60 Start
http://youtube.com/watch?v=S377HwOthjo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0ul_5DtMLhc Finish

What I am really surprise about is that the "test" pilot in this video
of the airplane had the wrong answer before his attempt and was very
surprised afterwards. Well, maybe not surprised, he was a light sport
pilot after all. Personally, I knew the correct answer from the get-
go. Hint: The answer is in the wheels.

- John