[orthodoc]

I changed my mind. Bruce is right; the jet engines aren't pulling air over and under the wings; in fact, the engine doesn't even have to be on the wing. The engines are pushing the plane to achieve atmospheric air flow over and under the wings. Since the treadmill plane isn't moving relative to the atmosphere, the needed air flow around the wings doesn't happen and there's no lift; just a lot of engine revving and wheel-spinning. It doesn't matter what 'ground speed' the instruments record, the plane has no velocity relative to the air around it. The thing won't fly, any more than a kite will fly if you hold its string while running on a treadmill.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. :p