Chapter 4 "A Captain - At Work" Summary and Analysis

Over the next several months, Ross becomes increasingly demanding, and often verbally insults Gann when he repetitively makes the same mistake. Gann learns that Ross grew up in Massilon, Ohio, in a particularly tough neighborhood and easily accepts the fact due to Ross' dominating personality. He considers requesting a transfer to escape Ross' relentless demand for perfection but decides that the honor of flying with Ross—the best pilot on the route—outweighs the drawbacks. Ross is widely acknowledged as a master of the DC-2, and he trusts his co-pilot and shares landings and take-offs on a 50/50 basis. These qualities are rare in most pilots.

AM-21 frequently experiences heavy and sudden thunderstorms. Gann recalls flying through severe weather and learning many tricks from Ross—everything from...