To Horst, a 1914 Canadian farmer, building planes and flying them is his life. His 15-year-old nephew, Edward, develops a deep passion for flying as well due to his uncle's influence. When war in Europe develops and all boys his age will be required to enlist anyway, he can't help but feel that he must help fight the war from the sky. He believes it will be safer that way because he will not be as vulnerable as those on the ground or in sea vessels. Canada doesn't have military planes, but the Royal Flying Corps in England does. The road to the RFC is not easy, but his Uncle Horst trains and assists him as if he were in Edward's shoes.
Once in England, he soon realizes how incredibly dangerous the task of being a pilot really is. This truth really hit him hard, especially after witnessing the death of one of his greatest friends. Edward, now 17, has been told for years that he's a natural at flying. Are his skills strong enough to face the Germans, now with their new technology? He can only hope that he has learned enough skills to survive. There's no turning back. Throughout this fiction book (based on real events), first-hand photos are featured for visual representation of objects and experiences mentioned in the story. The last several pages provide a glossary of mentioned terms and definitions that may be uncommon. Note: In this story are age-appropriate mentions of tragedy and war violence. 182 pgs, pb.