# VII: I Join the Air Mail explained — “We”

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se/chapters/vii-i-join-the-air-mail
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/we_2_se/chapters