Takeoff

Takeoff – On takeoff, a plane flies straight into the wind.

Let us consider the structure of the wings of a plane. The underside is flat, but the top side of the wing is slightly curved. At the gate, the air pressure is equal on the lower and upper sides of the wing. This balance remains when the plane taxis slowly to the runway.

Runways are designed and placed so that the head wind is coming down the runway; this necessitates the plane flying into the wind.

As the plane begins to accelerate forward, there is air displacement occurring. The air pressure remains steady on the underside of the wing. On the upper side, the slight curve in the wing displaces the air. The air pressure on the underside then pushes the plane upward and takeoff is achieved. The head wind decreases the distance and fuel consumption the plane needs to achieve takeoff.

When landing, again, the plane flies against the wind which is like a brake force and allows the aircraft to make a slower and more controlled approach to the runway when landing.

The predictions for at least the first half of 2021 are not good. Although there is a vaccine for COVID-19, it will be sometime before groundbreaking results are seen. For many months in the new year, wearing masks, social distancing and staying home will still be the most viable behaviors to reduce the rampage of illness and deaths due to the pandemic in the United States. Once vaccinated, an individual should still maintain these protocols to decrease the spread of the disease. The unemployment rate will probably continue to increase and those still employed may just be content to be so. The education systems at every level may be stalled in the development of skills and critical thinking.

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it…” Henry Ford

Nothing you have ever accomplished was without your search for ways to do something better, to assist another in the challenges of life or to add to the quality of life in general. How can you respond differently, creatively to the problems confronting you? Still working? Do you see the problems at work that are decreasing productivity? Do you have ideas that may help? Are there any thoughts as to how to make your position and yourself a greater asset to company, school? Have you considered running for political office – local, state, or national? What do you want to do if you hold such an office? Churches, other nonprofits, banks, and small businesses, what is happening in your demographic area? What is most needed now, and what will be most needed in the 2021? We are on a runway in life and we are taking off into the head wind. The negatives of complacency, self-limitation, and fear press on every side, but they can also increase our determination to triumph over adversity. Buckle your seatbelts. We are in TAKEOFF!

Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC

Senior Associate

Next Step Associates

Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.

CEO & President