Quote Originally Posted by absoludely
i do believe you, IF you can concur that in order for the plane to actually move forward on the treadmill and take off, it's wheels will have to spin at a faster speed than the treadmill. because although i agree there is no power going directly to the wheels (therefore making it different than a car, or a person running), the plane is still "grounded" via the wheels, and needs the wheels in order for traction and to pick up speed with.
Traction? No

Let me ask you this:

A plane is sitting on a huge frozen lake bed. The frozen sheet is slippery. The plane locks its wheels (puts the brakes on) and then applies engine thrust. Will the plane take off?