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.
Take the treadmill out of the equation. Suspend the plane from cables(plane not touching the ground) and fire up the engines. Once the plane has enough thust it will move forward. The wheels merely reduce friction between the ground. At some point the plane's engine overcomes the weight of the plane itself and moves forward.