Wikipedia:POTD column/December 28, 2006

An F/A-18 Hornet during takeoff from the USS Kitty Hawk. Takeoff is the phase of flight where an aircraft goes through a transition from moving along the ground (taxiing) to flying in the air, usually on a runway. For a balloon, helicopter and some specialized fixed-wing aircraft (VTOL aircraft such as the Harrier), no runway is needed. Takeoff is the opposite of landing.

Photo credit: Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Chandler, U.S. Navy
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