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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. Towards the end of the novel, Gann notes that his favorite old co-pilot is now a pilot. What is the name of this former co-pilot?

2. In Chapter 11, Gann notes that he, as most pilots, flies between Goose Bay and which other stop?

3. Where is Gann's flight from Honolulu headed after landing in Burbank?

4. On one trip, Gann flies with Howe, his co-pilot. How does he view Howe?

5. Gann begins flying for a new airline run by a man named Nelson. Where does this airline fly?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the weather situation during Gann's emergency landing back to Steensville? What does Gann do to land the plane?

2. Who is Dudley, and what is Gann's impression of him?

3. Why does O'Connor's flight from Goose Bay crash-land?

4. What stories does Gann tell Keim about his recent long-distance flight transporting Chinese cash?

5. How did his crash affect O'Connor in the long run?

6. How does Gann feel about flying for the military when he first starts flying for them?

7. What does Gann recall about his actions when he sees a plane crash on the runway in Assam?

8. How do the rescue planes keep track of where O'Connor's downed plane is located?

9. What happens on Gann's flight from San Francisco to Honolulu, causing the plane to have to stop the flight and return to San Francisco?

10. How does Gann describe his flights from California to Honolulu with the new airline he flies for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Weather is a common theme in the novel. Why is weather so important in this novel? How does weather seem to affect Gann and other pilots? Give three examples of weather having an effect or being an important factor in the novel.

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

Gann is considered a dynamic character. What is a dynamic character? How does Gann meet the qualifications of a dynamic character? Use at least three examples from the story that illustrate the idea that Gann is a dynamic character.

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