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I don't know whether this question pertains to physics. But anyways, here goes... If I were to hover 1m above the ground in a helicopter, would the ground below me change after 1 hr due to the rotation of the earth?

dfg
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Jay Raj
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1 Answers1

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You have to clearly define what you mean by hover. One definition is to exert enough downforce to keep you 1m above the ground and whatever sideways force is necessary to keep you above the same point of the ground. If that is your definition, you will stay above the same point of the ground. If you mean exerting enough downward force to counteract gravity, you will be blown by the wind in some direction. If you ignore the wind, you are correct. You will have an eastward velocity that matches the ground. The angular velocity will be reduced by the altitude. Your 1m altitude will reduce the angular velocity by $\frac 1{R_e \cos \lambda}$, where $R_e$ is the earth radius and $\lambda$ is your latitude. This will cause a tiny westward drift relative to the earth's surface. Can you calculate how much?

Ross Millikan
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