Dan Roman emerges as the prototypical Gann hero: a strong, independent and lonely man, seemingly washed-up, emotionally or physically crippled. His surname and his nickname, "ancient pelican," suggest the dignity, strength, and longevity of a man dedicated to his career. Once a fearless test pilot, Roman is now tormented by memories of the crash which killed his wife and child and left him with a permanent limp; he seems an anachronism, an old copilot in a profession dominated by young fliers such as the capable Sullivan and the youthful third officer, Hobie Wheeler, who view him as a somewhat pathetic figure hanging on in a world he can neither leave nor control. Yet, of course, Roman's self-discipline, strength, experience, and knowledge of others allow him to calm both the passengers and Sullivan and allow the latter to regain control of himself and his ship.

Sullivan, however, becomes the...