That's wrong then obviously. Though you do have to wonder, if someone invests a huge amount of money into these vehicles without researching it enough to realise he ISN'T getting anywhere with it, well it's their loss really! At least there's something achieved if there is some R&D carried out on the aircraft and engines.
And P.S. talking about engine efficiency, you've reminded me of one of those random facts - although the engines used on the wright flyer were remarkably heavy for the power produced, the propellors were in the region of 75 - 80% efficient. Considering that modern wooden ones reach roughly 85% I find that amazing