And, in fact, if there was a headwind that matched the plane's takeoff speed, it wouldn't move forward, but it would still leave the ground. (Theoretically. I'm sure that getting the wind to blow in that consistent a direction at that consistent a speed is virtually impossible. Maybe in a wind tunnel.)
I can offer personal testimonial that this works
Go to the top of a windy hill.
Strap yourself to a hang glider.
Have some (experienced) people hold ropes tied to the glider.
Angle the glider into the wind.
Rise vertically into the air.
Practise all the banking, climbing and descent controls in safety just a few feet off the ground.
Great fun!
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