# Endnotes explained — “We”

> Chapter companion for “We” by Charles A. Lindbergh.

## What happens

The endnotes clarify that the flying experiences described in the book occurred during the postwar period before aviation regulations existed, and that modern commercial flying conditions are far safer. They note that risky events were undertaken only by pilots and aeronautical professionals, and that commercial air transport has since developed to a level of safety comparable to other travel modes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Risk, Sacrifice, and Perseverance

The endnotes highlight that the spectacular events involved pilots taking all risks, and that exhibition and test flying were responsible for most of these dangerous incidents.

### Technological Progress and the Future

The note contrasts early risky flying with the rapid development of commercial air transport, which has achieved safety comparable to other means of travel.

## Key lines

> In the following account of flying during the postwar period of aviation, before flying laws and the Aeronautical Branch of the Department of Commerce came into existence, it should be borne in mind by the reader that the experiences and incidents related in this book in no way describe modern commercial flying conditions.

The flying stories in this book took place in the early days before aviation regulations, so they do not reflect today's commercial flying standards.

_Sets the historical context for the reader._

> Commercial air transport has developed rapidly during the last few years, until today it has reached a stage where the safety of properly operated airlines compares favorably with other means of travel.

Commercial aviation has improved so quickly that well-run airlines are now as safe as other forms of transportation.

_Highlights the progress in aviation safety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se/chapters