Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

This chapter is comprised of a few dozen journal entries, labeled according to specific hours Lindbergh was in the air. The journal entries are attributed to Lindbergh himself, but whether Lindbergh had the opportunity to literally write the entries during the flight or whether he reconstructed them later is uncertain.

Lindbergh expresses annoyance at reporters and a newspaper airplane. He remarks that The Spirit of St. Louis feels like an extension of his body, and he is pleased. He tells himself he must not be too disappointed if this flight fails, and he resolves himself to try again should he fail.

By the third hour, Lindbergh loses sight of the coast of the United States. The third through eighth hours are dedicated to Lindbergh fighting fatigue. In the eighth hour, flying over the coast of Nova Scotia, Lindbergh is dismayed to...