“We” · Chapter
VII: I Join the Air Mail explained
Lindbergh recounts his barnstorming travels, his second emergency parachute jump, his work as a flight instructor for Robertson Aircraft Corporation, and the preparations for the St.
What happens
Lindbergh recounts his barnstorming travels, his second emergency parachute jump, his work as a flight instructor for Robertson Aircraft Corporation, and the preparations for the St. Louis–Chicago air mail route. He also describes his involvement with the Missouri National Guard and a cross-country race attempt that ended in mechanical failure.
Themes in this chapter
Risk, Sacrifice, and Perseverance
Lindbergh's second emergency parachute jump and the mechanical failures during the cross-country race highlight the constant dangers and determination required in early aviation.
Pioneering Spirit and Aviation
The chapter details the early days of air mail service, barnstorming, and the challenges of establishing commercial airline routes.
Individual Achievement and Collective Support
Lindbergh's role as chief pilot is supported by the Robertson Aircraft Corporation and the National Guard, illustrating the blend of personal skill and organizational backing.
Characters to notice
- Charles Lindbergh
Narrator and protagonist; joins the Air Mail service as chief pilot, instructs students, and performs barnstorming and test flights.
- H. J. Lynch
Mentioned as the pilot with whom Lindbergh flew the Lincoln Standard to Montana three years prior.
Key passages
“For the first time in my flying career I was to be in one plane longer than a few months, so in November, 1925, I enlisted in the 110th Observation Squadron of the 35th Division Missouri National Guard, and was commissioned a First Lieutenant soon afterward.”
In November 1925, Lindbergh joined the Missouri National Guard's 110th Observation Squadron and was made a First Lieutenant, marking his first extended period with a single aircraft.
Highlights Lindbergh's commitment to military service and continuity in his flying career.
“I had just finished removing all loose equipment from the cockpit when a small hand extinguisher arrived and with its aid the fire was soon put out.”
After a carburetor fire, Lindbergh removed loose gear from the cockpit and a hand extinguisher helped douse the flames.
Describes a close call during the cross-country race attempt.