Chapter 6 "Of Numbers - and Their Power to Reduce the Presumptuous Quickly" Summary and Analysis

Gann notes that pilots are deliberately and calculatingly modest about their abilities. Their modesty is just a bluff as they are all jealous and professional men who are immensely proud of their abilities and accomplishments. Gann then notes that two pilots and two co-pilots are killed in two crashes during the period, even as he continues to fly with other pilots. Finally, he is promoted to pilot. He finds it intensely satisfying even though he knows it will not long last and he spends a considerable effort greeting passengers and playing the gracious host. AM-21 happens to be short on pilots, but other areas have a surplus. Thus, he is eventually reduced again to co-pilot as more...