The NASA document titled "Derivation and definition of a linear aircraft model" describes a linear aircraft model for a rigid aircraft of constant mass flying over a flat, nonrotating earth. This wording is often misunderstood as evidence that NASA believes the Earth is flat. However, this is a simplification used for the mathematical model in the study, not a statement of physical reality. In scientific modeling, especially in aeronautics, simplified models are often used to isolate and study specific dynamics without the complexity of a more comprehensive model. This approach does not imply that the simplified assumptions (like a flat Earth) are believed to be true in the real world. It's a common practice in various fields of science and engineering to use simplified models for easier computation and analysis.
This is the document these morons cite:
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19890005752
The NASA document titled "Derivation and definition of a linear aircraft model" describes a linear aircraft model for a rigid aircraft of constant mass flying over a flat, nonrotating earth. This wording is often misunderstood as evidence that NASA believes the Earth is flat. However, this is a simplification used for the mathematical model in the study, not a statement of physical reality. In scientific modeling, especially in aeronautics, simplified models are often used to isolate and study specific dynamics without the complexity of a more comprehensive model. This approach does not imply that the simplified assumptions (like a flat Earth) are believed to be true in the real world. It's a common practice in various fields of science and engineering to use simplified models for easier computation and analysis.