In a van down by the river

Name of Myth: Birds in a van

History/Background of the Myth: This myth has several different story lines. One being- if a van weighs 1,000 pounds and has 10 birds inside weighing 1 pound each, the collective weight is 1,010 pounds. If the birds take flight inside the van, does the collective weight change? Another version of this myth pertains to an airplane full of birds, that is just barely over weight for take-off. If the birds take flight inside the airplane, will the plane be able to take-off, suggesting there is less weight?

Hypothesis of the Test: The myth suggests there would be a reduction in the collective weight when the birds take flight because they are no longer in contact with the container and no longer add to the weight.

Ideal MythBuster(s) to Conduct the Test: The three stooges (I say that with the utmost amount of respect) Tory, Kari, and Grant


Best Method to Conduct the Test: The meat of this myth isn't about birds, or vans, or planes. It's about an object suspended in air contained inside another object- does it add to the outer objects weight?

Items needed:
- transparent box
- R/C helicopter
- scale

The best method to tackle this myth is to build a transparent box with a lid that can be opened and closed, but provides a relatively air tight seal when closed. Place an R/C helicopter inside, and place the box on a scale. Record the weight when the R/C helicopter is grounded, and then record the weight when the helicopter is in flight hovering inside the box. Is there a change in weight?

To take this myth one step further, place the R/C helicopter on top of the box and attach it with a rope. Put the helicopter in flight and show that it is capable of lifting the box. Now place the helicopter inside the box, attach a rope to the bottom and see if the helicopter is able to lift the box.

My Prediction: Busted

The weight will not change. Also, the R/C helicopter would not be able to lift the box from the inside.

Test 1:
There is an equal and opposite force pushing against the helicopter regardless if it is on the ground or in the air. If it is grounded, that force is transmitted through the landing gear. If it is in flight, that force is transmitted through the air.

Test 2:
Without having leverage external to the box, the helicopter would not be able to lift the box from the inside regardless of how light the box is. It would be like being able to lift yourself off the ground by pulling on your own hair.

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