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…).
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.
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…).
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.