As far as Christmas songs go, some really resonate with me. All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth is not one of them. Christmas is a time for magic, when anything seems possible. Aren’t we supposed to be dreaming a little bigger?
In 1888, respected physician, scientist, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Joseph LeConte wrote in his article, “The Problem of a Flying-Machine,” that heavier than air, powered aircraft flight was impossible for several reasons. The crux of his argument was that we cannot argue with nature. If heavy things were meant to fly, then large birds like the ostrich and emu wouldn’t be grounded. All flying animals have a size and weight limit, so a flying machine and the additional weight of a pilot on board were a pipe dream. LeConte was a two-front-teeth kind of guy. He clearly didn’t have the heart of a pilot. Because, while there are always good enough reasons to quit trying, I’m so glad Orville and Wilbur didn’t listen. Or the makers of the jet engine. Or those who developed a Global Positioning System. Or any of the other developments that make air travel a common and safe part of everyday life now.
But, why should we stop there? It’s Christmas, right? I wonder how much further we can go if we really let ourselves get carried away.
But, why should we stop there? It’s Christmas, right? I wonder how much further we can go if we really let ourselves get carried away. I’ve asked a few of my airport friends to help me out here. “If you could think of one thing you’d like to add to our aviation world, what would it be? Shoot for the moon here,” I told them. “Think of things that might seem totally impossible.”
Here’s what they asked Santa for:
As silly as some of these dreams sound, I’m hoping we look back at this article someday the way people are looking back at LeConte’s 1888 piece. Everything that we once thought was impossible will be proven wrong. Some wonderfully optimistic and intelligent people will find a way to make all this happen and more. This Christmas, let’s not be naysayers. Let’s ask Santa for everything we can possibly think of. And you better believe that list is going to include a whole lot more than two front teeth.