A Motion question

[chid]

Hi guys,

Q: A rescue plane flying horizontally towards an adventurer, must drop a package so that it lands next to the adventurer. If the plane releases the package too late with what velocity (up, down,forward or backward) should be given to the suppplies so that they land next to the adventurer?

A:Downward. A downward initial velocity reduces the falling time and hence the horizontal displacement during the fall is shortened.

I thought the answer would be backward since horizontally, x=vt. Reducing the horizontal component of the velocity will reduce the range.
I understand the answer provided, but I'm curious as to why my answer is 'wrong.'

Thanks. 

[cara.mel]

Yours is right as well

The downwards answer is just more practical I guess

[sxcalexc]

I suppose it would be hard to release it backwards because the plane is going forwards and the package already has the same velocity as the plane.

[/0]

Theoretically, backwards in the plane's reference frame would be more 'downwards' in the adventurer's. But it is quite hard to do that in practice, so I guess their answer has a point. It's a silly question if you have to consider the practicalities.