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For this question, I will use Burning hands as an example.
The spell's range is "a 15 foot cone". and is illustrated in the back as a triangle shape when aimed diagonally and one squares followed by two sets of three squares when shot diagonally; presumably because the spell's effect hits more than half of the squares in the middle section. This gives us a triangle on a 2-dimensional template, but a cone is a 3-dimensional figure.
However, I never see mention of this spell in regards to someone who is higher or lower than you on the Z-axis.
So, My question is: Can a spell caster using Fly use a cone weapon pointing straight down to create a circular shaped target area, larger or smaller depending on what point in the cone the target is located?
If so, what are the dimensions of this circular section of the cone?
The simple answer would be one five foot diameter at five foot range, 10 ft diameter at 10 foot range, 15ft diameter at 15ft range.
Combat is in 3-d. The book illustrations just happen to be in 2-D. You can point the cone up, down, left or right. It is hard for some to visualize, but a cone does include a circular area so yes that could be done.
I'd potentially give the cone in this case a splash (or even other breath types) (bonus to area of effect) Which is probably why 'historically' A flying firebreathing dragon is a bit more dangerous as it carpetbombs from above and on the move, than the more predictable line/cone of the stationary, grounded dragon.
This question has conjured up some awesome Dragon Ball Z inspired imagery in my head.
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"He's intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking..."