this post was submitted on 23 May 2025
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[–] qjkxbmwvz@startrek.website 25 points 14 hours ago (2 children)

I think large planes "look" like they can't work because their "relative speed" is really low


that is, their speed relative to their length. We're used to seeing birds cover tens of lengths per second, whereas a large airliner covers ~1ish per second at takeoff.

Or not, but this always seemed like a plausible explanation as to why planes look impossible. (Though given that hovering birds don't look funny, maybe this is a silly observation...).

[–] Sylvartas@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 3 hours ago

Though given that hovering birds don't look funny, maybe this is a silly observation...

Birds flying against the wind and staying in the same spot as a result do look kinda weird though. Especially if you are not aware/don't notice there is mstrong winds

[–] SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone 16 points 13 hours ago

That's a really thoughtful take, I'm glad you shared. I think it has merit. I think proximity is a factor too. The public rarely gets up close to a jet, but I can attest from personal experience they seem much faster when you're closer during takeoff and landing.