Do you know there are about 35,000 to 39,000 passenger aircrafts around the world? This excludes military and private light aircrafts. (Google et al)

Many of them take off on a regular basis and land safely.

Persons who fly do so with confidence. They feel secure and assured of getting to their destinations. Sometimes, there can be a hitch, but certainties largely cushion uncertainty.

Like an aircraft, the calendar year is just taking off. Many including those whose business/service year started last year are conscious of this segment of the calendar. In some ways, it touches their plans.

Aviation experts agree that taking off and landing an aircraft is one of the complex dimensions of flying.

One may not be an aircraft pilot, but one can appreciate this difficulty when climbing a hill or mountain. It may be felt in ones breathing before momentum is gained. Also, those who train for marathon race in mountainous regions understand this very well. But they still train there because it helps them to put their acts together and manage breathing to their advantage in real competition.

Moving uphill challenges, the power to a take-off. The beginning of many useful things go that way. A new calendar year is not an exception. As a base for computation of things not yet seen, it is like a take-off.

On the other hand, some think running down the slope is easier and cool. But it is not always the case. It could be as complex in some ways like taking off. A fall is not uncommon in moving with speed down the slope.

In both taking off and landing (in the short and long term) requires forethought, control and balance. These are critical for stability and success.

The new year euphoria is already weaning.

Tapping from the aviation analogy again, it can be said that the industry prides itself as one of the most reputable safety control systems akin to the oil industry. You are expected to be clear headed as a pilot. You must pass not just basic but mandatory test to fly.

Now you are flying your own aircraft as the new year begins.

Therefore, you must be clear headed as to where, what and how you want to navigate.

There are plans, schedules and routes. These planes keep their flights at altitude assigned. The industry does not leave out things to happen as if operations are dependent on unseen hands. An eye on the system suggests an unwritten maxim: “You should do it right the first time” “When one does nothing, nothing gets done”!  It is not just about doing something. It is doing the right thing all the time. Doing it right all the time makes the difference. Perhaps, peering through International Air Transport Association (IAITA)) code book drills can let a breath in and out.

We can learn from this industry especially in its ideal clime. Be sure to pick up something for everyday life.  What are our plans for the year? What about our schedules and routes? If there is none, try a simulation, then ensure one is created within a week or two? It could make sense if these are documented for periodic review.  Do not say it is getting late now. Drawing a plan right now is better than doing it later or never.

Remember, that consistency is a mark of the aviation industry. For this reason, they always maintain aircrafts to be air worthy. A young boy once made a casual but disturbing hypothesis: “Inconsistent countries hardly own airline of their own that works”. Search this out?

From what we see each day, we draw lessons that could help in making adjustments for our peace and survival. Can we improve on the art of consistent learning from what we see daily?

Sure, we gleaned from the aviation notes.

We also see road construction team every day. It is said that this part of the world spends huge budget on road construction. Yet, do you see many roads in good repair? But that is not the point.

The crunch, you can learn from road builders to aid a good take-off?

Road construction workers operate in team. They confront the work in big and small ways. They work with modern heavy equipment and tools. These reduce tedium and improve efficiency. Workers do different things but there is a vision and unity of purpose, they hold regular meetings for knowledge and safety. They are conscious of time as some of their work are time bound.

This is a snippet.

What else can you learn from road construction team. Use the contingency approach – what applies in your situation? Add them to what is important for a good take-off.

 Review these lines again. Adjust and make it your own lines. You can be sure it will aid a successful take-off and landing as you are already on the runway.

A great wish.