Podcast
Questions and Answers
Describe the setting at the beginning of the story.
Describe the setting at the beginning of the story.
Cessna 406 and the Hampton.
How old is Brian Robeson?
How old is Brian Robeson?
13
Why is Brian unable to carry on a conversation with the pilot?
Why is Brian unable to carry on a conversation with the pilot?
The engine was so loud, you couldn't hear.
With what single word did his thinking always begin?
With what single word did his thinking always begin?
What was 'The Secret'?
What was 'The Secret'?
Why is the pilot rubbing his shoulder?
Why is the pilot rubbing his shoulder?
What has Brian's father designed or invented?
What has Brian's father designed or invented?
Where is his father presently working?
Where is his father presently working?
What would have happened if Brian had gone through regular airport security in today's world?
What would have happened if Brian had gone through regular airport security in today's world?
Explain how chapter one ends.
Explain how chapter one ends.
How did Brian initially react to the situation?
How did Brian initially react to the situation?
What motivated Brian to finally attempt to fly the plane?
What motivated Brian to finally attempt to fly the plane?
Explain how Brian called for help and describe what happened.
Explain how Brian called for help and describe what happened.
What would eventually happen to the plane?
What would eventually happen to the plane?
Why did Brian think that the best place to set down the plane was the edge of the lake?
Why did Brian think that the best place to set down the plane was the edge of the lake?
Describe what happened immediately after the plane's engine coughed and died.
Describe what happened immediately after the plane's engine coughed and died.
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- The story begins on a Cessna 406 aircraft, en route to the Hampton.
- Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy, is the main character grappling with personal issues.
Brian's Personal Struggles
- Brian's thoughts are dominated by feelings of divorce, triggering a recurring inner conflict.
- "The Secret," which pertains to the reasons behind his parents' divorce, weighs heavily on his mind.
Pilot's Situation
- The pilot struggles with communication due to the loud engine noise.
- He is revealed to be suffering a heart attack, adding urgency to Brian's predicament.
Brian's Father's Background
- Brian's father has engineered a revolutionary self-cleaning and self-sharpening oil drill.
- He is currently working on oil drilling projects in Canada.
Consequences of the Crash
- If Brian had gone through modern airport security, the presence of a hatchet would have barred him from the flight.
- Chapter one concludes dramatically with the pilot's heart attack, leaving Brian in a life-threatening situation.
Brian’s Reaction and Actions
- Initially, Brian is paralyzed by fear and stands motionless in response to the crisis.
- The urgent need to save himself spurs Brian into action as the plane loses altitude and faces imminent crash.
Emergency Communication
- Brian attempts to call for help using the radio, but the connection fails abruptly.
Outcome of the Flight
- The plane is destined to run out of fuel and crash, creating a critical situation for Brian.
- He determines that landing at the edge of a lake is the safest option, as it offers a flat surface, unlike the dense trees which could be fatal.
Immediate Aftermath
- Following the critical moment when the plane's engine fails, Brian experiences a severe emotional reaction and vomits, highlighting his fear and stress.
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