Chapter 8 "Rule Books Are Paper - They Will Not Cushion a Sudden Meeting of Stone and Metal" Summary and Analysis

Sickened by malaria, Gann returns to convalesce in the United States. While he recuperates, several pilots receive their war activation letters. The airline business booms in the war economy and Gann is appointed as a pilot flying a route in AM-21; his friend Mood is also a pilot on AM-21. Gann is invited to attend a special school, run by McIntosh, on celestial navigation. Along with some other pilots, he attends the school for about a month. It is then disbanded and—seemingly—comes to nothing.

After a few months, Gann is extended an offer to fly a cargo plane to Presque Island, Maine. Understanding...