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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which numbers are more senior to Gann's?

2. When Gann sees the base of Goose Bay in the middle of such natural beauty, how does he feel about the location of the base?

3. How does Ross seem to handle and respond to Gann's mistakes at Wilkes-Barre and various other stops on their first flight?

4. What are Gann and his co-pilot looking for by following the river through the jungles of South America?

5. What happened to the start-up company Gann worked for after World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does weather affect Gann's route in AM-21 and his ability to land at his stops?

2. How does Gann's demonstration flight go when he first flies for McCabe?

3. Gann is stationed in Maine as a civilian pilot. What does he do as a civilian pilot while stationed there?

4. How does Gann spend his trans-Atlantic flight?

5. Briefly describe the near death situation Gann and his co-pilot Beattie faced as noted in the novel's prologue.

6. What are some of Keim's characteristics and qualities?

7. What does Gann learn about Ross' childhood?

8. How does Gann initially describe Goose Bay?

9. Who is Robbins?

10. How does Gann's crew recover their takeoff when the cargo that they are flying to Goose Bay causes the plane to nearly stall? What does Gann learn from this experience?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This story has a large cast of minor or supporting characters. Choose three minor characters that you enjoyed the most. Provide a brief summary of each character, and note what his role was in relation to the main character. Why was this minor character important to the story or life of the main character?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Gann provides substantial detail of the various planes that he flies or that are being developed. Please choose two planes, and 1) provide a physical description of the plane, 2) explain its use, 3) explain Gann's opinion on the plane, and 4) provide an example from the book of a situation where Gann was flying the plane and what happened. How did knowing so many additional technical explanations and details of the plane enhance the experience for the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the characters that Gann interacts with in the story and compare and contrast Gann and that character. What are their similarities (if any)? What are their differences? How do they differ as pilots and as people?

(see the answer keys)

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