Eagle’s Wings

Have you ever thought about how a plane stays in the air? Or how the wings on a plane work? It’s quite interesting. Did you know that an eagles wings and plane wings are very similar?

The Plane

The wings of an Airplane are shaped to make air move faster over the top of the wing. When air moves faster, the pressure of the air decreases. The pressure on the top of the wing is less than the pressure on the bottom of the wing. The difference in pressure creates a force on the wing that lifts the wing up into the air.

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On these wings are 3 things that a pilot will use to control the plane. Along with the throttle that controls the engine power. On the wings there are Ailerons: moving the wing up and down using the air flow. Vertical Stabilizer or Rudder: is at the tail of the plane and controls what is called the yaw of the plane. Moving the rudder left and right with the ailerons allows the plane to turn. Horizontal Stabilizer or Elevator: is also on the tail of the plane, and controls the pitch of the plane. Or the up and down motion of the plane. Put it all together and the pilot can control the plane.

The Eagle

An eagle soars very similar to a plane. A style of flying where they hold their wings outward and rarely flap, saving them considerable energy. Instead of flapping, they rely on rising air currents to gain altitude. Using each feather in its wings to adjust the air flow over the wings. An eagle can soar for hours with just the small movements of feathers.  Flying faster or slower by changing the position of its wings. When It wants to fly fast, it turns the front edges of the wings into the wind and “cuts through” the air. When the eagle wants to slow itself down, it turns the wide surface of the wings into the wind, and the wings “drag” through the air.

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Magnificent bird. Reminds me of the bible verse, Isaiah 40:31 … but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Did you know that a mother eagle, when teaching her eaglet to fly, will swoop underneath her baby and soar under it till it gets the hang of using their wings. She does this till they no longer touch her back and can soar above her. Then the sky is the limit. Literally!

When my dad passed, at his funeral, the eagle was used to describe him. He wasn’t just my dad. He was a friend, husband, pastor, church elder, mentor, and leader. He had a way of guiding people. He loved to help and get involved in the community. Of course that meant helping behind the counter at his favorite coffee shop on camp day as a guest server. Yes you guest it, Tim Hortons. Putting an old car show together, driving someone to Toronto for surgery, paying for someone’s food in front of him because they didn’t have enough.

He was passionate about everything he did. As a pastor he mentored men in his church to be the best they could be for their families. To be courageous and stand with faith for what they believe in. As a friend he would stand by you, no mater what. As a father, he was stern yet loving. He gave the best hugs ever. He guided just like the eagle to her babies. Not afraid to push us out of the nest yet wouldn’t leave till we were ready to fly alone. Always close by if we needed him.

The eagle is perfect. One of Gods greatest creations.

So, soar like an eagle. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid to stand on your own and don’t be ashamed of who God made you to be.