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Okay on maneuverability.

Ah.

Terminal velocity next.

Start the dive at 40,000. Make the pull-out at 15.

Calling jas.

Last test.

Terminal velocity.

Level off at 40,000.

Drop your dive brakes.

And pull-out at 15.

Thirty-four thousand.

Thirty-six.

Forty.

Thirty-one.

Twenty-two.

Seventeen.

Fifteen.

Well, sir? = I'm satisfied.

- General? - An excellent showing.

Well, that's it, Willis.

Your plane has passed the qualification test.

Give me that.

Matt, we made it.

Come on down. I'll buy you a drink.

He's climbing again, sir. 25,000 feet.

Brennan, can you hear me?

Where is Matt? = just finished the test.

Make him come down.

I just found out of the plan. He'll kill himself.

Don't let him do it, general. Please!

Who ordered him to do this?

Is this true, bostwick? = he ordered it himself.

He didn't want you to know about it.

39,000 and still climbing, sir.

Brennan, do you hear? Bring that plane down

or you'll never fly again!

How do you want it, Willis?

The easy way or the hard way?

Willis: I don't want any more tests.

Understand, Brennan? No more tests.

Narrator: The hard way.

For Matt Brennan, the only way.

In the air or on the ground...

Today or yesterday...

In another kind of a plane or another kind of a field...

This is bassingbourn airdrome in england.

The time, 1943.

The year of the b-17s

the flying fortresses were being shot to pieces

over hapless Europe.

Major Brennan? The colonel wants you, sir.

Major Brennan, Mr. troxell.

Howdy? = hello.

According to these, he knows all there is to know

about a b-17.

Oh?

Major Brennan's flown more missions

than anybody on his heel.

- How many, major? - Twenty-four.

Only one more, then?

There is always one more.

You've told me often enough what you think

of this man's airplane, Matt.

Now tell him.

You build 17's, Mr. troxell?

- I help. - You're proud of it, huh?

I think it's the finest ship in the air today.

You think? Runaway props

at less than 10 degrees fahrenheit.

At 15,000 feet, my heat control goes phooey!

There's a short every time a 20 mm shell bounces off it.

Wait a minute. Whether you know it or not, major

the plane you've been flying has been tested

in every conceivable manner.

What did you test the electrical equipment with? Bb shots?

The Germans are pumping big stuff at us.

One slug and my wheels are down, waving at the enemy.

I lose 25 mph air speed.

And I can't shoot from my lower turret.

We are suckers for anything coming at us head on.

That should give you a rough idea, Mr. troxell.

Now, what's the answer?

The electrical system has already been improved.

You'll find that as the new ships come through.

For the rest, atmospheric conditions

over Europe seem to be the cause of the trouble.

These I'll have to check into myself.

Did I hear you right, mister?

Do you want to fly a hot mission over Germany?

- That's first step, isn't it? - You're in luck.

We're alerted tomorrow morning at 0600.

I'll see you at the field.

Thank you, colonel.

Pilot to crew.

Altitude 10,000. Put on your mask.

I suggest you do the same thing.

- Give me 2,300. - Aye.

Cylinder head temperature?

Okay.

The anchor bolts?

Okay on the right.

Okay on the left wing too.

Pilot to crew. Let's not have

any frozen guns this trip. Check 'em.

Pilot to crew. Approaching target area.

Keep your eyes peeled, boys.

Navigator to pilot.

Navigator to pilot. Entering bomb run.

Pilot to bombardier. She's all yours, Mitch.

Man 1: Bomb bay doors coming open.

Bombs away.

Chuck: Fighters coming in. 8 o'clock high.

- 12 fighters at 10 o'clock. - Pick 'em up, Chuck.

Chuck: Got 'em! Another group coming in at 2 o'clock.

Chuck, get that bird at 12 o'clock.

I wanna go home!

Chuck: What's the plane off our right wing?

It's got flame coming out of its tail!

Hey, that's a new one. What is it? A robot?

- Holy smoke! - What was that?

I don't know what it was, but it got our number two engine.

Feathering number two prop.

Chuck: Here it comes again!

It's turning!

This time it got our number four engine.

Matt: Feathering number four prop.

Clouds ahead. We're going in.

Maybe we can lose him.

Anybody know what it was that hit us?

Chuck: A guided missile, wasn't it?

Man 2: Guided missile, nothing. It had wings.

That was tomorrow going by. That was an airplane.

Chuck: Airplane? Where was the prop?

- Where say the engine? - No engine. No prop.

That was powered by jets or by rockets.

Man 2: But buck Rogers is supposed

to be on our side, mister.

Chuck: Did they have to save that for our last flight?

Quit yelling on the intercom.

But the axis, they're not working.

Don't tell me. Tell Mr. b-17 behind you.

We're coming out in the open. Watch for fighters.

Matt: Pilot to navigator.

What's the heading for bassingbourn?

Navigator to pilot.

It's 23 minutes to bassingbourn.

We'll be over bromwich in two.

You're growing soft, Chuck. Bromwich is the easy way.

But the landing gear won't extend, chief.

Bromwich is a designated crash landing field.

Well, what do you say, troxell?

Bromwich or bassingbourn?

The easy way or the hard way?

The easy way.

Looks like I got more faith in this airplane

than Mr. troxell has.

Chuck, give me the heading for bassingbourn.

Oh, Mr. troxell, your notebook.

Come in.

They told me I'd find an empty bunk in here.

Oh... yeah.

Help yourself. Rocks in the mattress, but it's a bed.

- Stepping out? - Way out.

No more fuss, flak or fighters.

Strictly armchair stuff from here in.

Oh, that dresser goes with the bed.

What happens after 25 missions?

- A desk in operations? - Ha-ha!

I wouldn't know how to fly one.

No. I'm going to get me a nice big fat general

and fly him around.

Weekend warriors from Washington

on inspection trips.

You can put your stuff over here.

- Are you a pilot? - Yes.

- Hmm. How long? - 12 years.

You know that was an awful kick in the teeth

I got this afternoon.

Tell the next guy you ride with to do it the easy way.

I'm talking about the jet plane.

We thought we were way ahead of the Germans.

It was a quite an awakening.

You realize that the speed of closure

between that jet and our plane

was over 1,000 miles an hour?

You know what that means?

He was in range of our guns for less than

four tenths of a second. Do you realize...

You know, the only speed of closure I'm interested in

right now is between me and that redhead!

Hey...

"See you at 6:40. Jo."

Yeah. And I usually take the 6:10 up to town.

Off to work every morning.

Back to the little woman at night.

Typical American marriage.

Ah, marriage is for civilians.

Don't worry. You'll be back in a blue suit.

But doing what? Barn storming?

Flying pea script for some broken-down freight line?

It took a war to get me a steady job.

What's your version of the happy days ahead?

Well, it can't be as tough as that flight home today.

Don't kid yourself. You got today. Enjoy it.

Tomorrow's got a speed of closure

faster than that jet.

Don't wait up for me.

Ah! Got you.

I was afraid you'd be halfway to London.

Come on. General Shelly is waiting.

He just landed with fist full of medals.

- It's decoration day. - I got a medal.

I'm on my way to London.

You're through in London, bub. You're going home!

We're all going home!

Home? Are you nuts?

I'm telling you. It's stateside.

Tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.

We're going back blinking heroes! The whole crew!

There's a bond tour. New York, Washington

Chicago, and all points west!

Forget it. I'm flying another tour. Where's Hewitt?

Out on the field waiting for you. Get going!

Better tag along, mister.

What happened in wilhelmshaven this afternoon is nothing

to what'll happen to London tonight.

J where bowers and flowers j

j bloomin the sun j

j each morning at dawning j

j birdies sing and everything j

j a sun-kissed miss said "don't be late” j

j that's why I... j

hey, you know, what's for me?

Milk! Out of a cow.

A whole bathtub...

Hello, major. How are you?

Matt, Jo, where you been?

- Jo! - Hi.

Get your gear packed, honey. We take off at 0800.

- Come on, Matt. - Hi, fellas.

I heard you all got nice new medals.

- Hi, Jo, grab a seat. - Charles Johnson, Jo holloway.

Oh, hello. I understand you had quite a ride today.

Bumpy. Did he make it by 6:40?

Only just.

Hey, what's the celebration?

Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Say, who'll drink with me to pawtucket?

Pawtucket! = pawtucket!

Hey, miss, more of this stuff!

Farewell performance.

From here in, it's chocolate malts

fresh eggs and orange juice.

J California here I come j

my wife isn't going to wait for me to get to Chicago.

She'll be right there in Washington

when the plane gets in.

Hey what's biting you, Matt? Come on, fill up.

He's not drinking tonight.

You gotta be in shape tomorrow, haven't you, Matt?

It's a long flight across the Atlantic.

I didn't have the guts to tell you.

It's alright, Matt.

I'm glad you didn't.

So, we'll...

We'll just make it another night at the red line.

Drink it up, major.

Something rather.

Come on. Hink, do something.

Get some life into the party. Go on.

They say there's a bomber just leaving calais!

Bound for old Blighty shore.

Heavily-laden with time-expired men

bound for the land they adore.

J there's many an airmen just finishing his time

j there's many a twerp signing on j

come on, Matt. Come on.

J so cheer up my lads bless them all j

j bless them all bless them all j

j the long and the short and the tall j

j bless the instructors who taught us to die j

j they say that's we're lucky because we're still alive j

j for if ever the engine should stall j

j we're in for a heckuva fall j

j no roses or violets for flat footed pilots j

j so cheer up my lads bless them all j

j bless them all bless them all j

j the long and the short and the tall j

j bless all the blondies and all the brunettes j

j each lad is happy to take what he gets j

j for we're giving the eye to them all j

j the ones that attract or appall &

j for Maggie or susie you can't be too choosy j

j when you're in camp bless them all j

j bless them all bless them all j

j the long and the short and the tall... I

hello, widewing.

This is major Brennan. I want to talk to the general Leighton.

Yes, of course it's important.

Well, then put somebody on who has the authority.

Get me the duty officer.

Hello, this is Matt Brennan, 28th bomb group.

I want to get through to general Leighton.

Well, then bust into his conference. I gotta talk to him.

I want permission to get married. That's what.

Oh, Matt!

Okay, then I will go to his quarters

and get him out of that conference myself.

My name is Brennan. I want to see general Leighton.

I'm sorry, major. The general's with the prime minister.

I believe they're out in London.

Oh.

Alright.

Matt.

We've got six hours.

Narrator: That was yesterday.

The air loud with the roar of their engines.

That the world might sleep secure

in the shadow of their wings.

This is today.

The engines have long been still.

The wings anchored to the earth.

And those who flew the planes...

Many of them are anchored too.

Stay off that rudder.

Stay off that rudder!

No.

No!

Are you alright?

I guess I hit the brakes too hard.

Yeah.

Yeah, I see what you mean.

I'll do better tomorrow.

There isn't gonna be any tomorrow.

You just put the Brennan school of aviation out of business.

- I'm sorry! - Forget it.

Matt!

Matt, how are you?

- Oak leaves, huh? - Major hinkle, sir.

The only way you get those in peacetime

is by boot-licking for some general.

An old friend of yours! = not Hewitt?

Old iron pants himself.

Oh, the nation is in great peril!

What are you doing here?

We're looking over a new plane.

The old man's last word on equipment now.

Come on. We're going over to Leland Willis' house.

The old man will be there. = who's Willis?

Why, he's the guy that's building the plane we're casing.

He also has a bar 80 feet long.

Get into your a-uniform, mister.

- Uh... - Come on. Let's go.

Okay.

Hinkle: You remember maroney, don't you, Matt?

That mullet-head from the 347.

When I got shot down in 43, I worked my way to Paris.

And there was maroney.

In hog heaven, surrounded by a dozen dames.

He didn't even know that the krauts

were occupying his hotel.

- Hello, ed. - Good evening, Mrs. Willis.

Where's Carl?

Carl's with Hewitt. They left the plant together.

Well, go and get yourself a drink, ed.

Thank you.

Who's that civilian with major hinkle?

- Don't you know him? - I thought you did.

To pluthner, the only mess sergeant to get the dfc!

This I want to hear. How does a mess sergeant get...

Well, we were short a waist gunner.

So, we yanked pluthner right out behind his powdered eggs.

Jo. = hello.

Jo, you were never more welcome.

I'm not really crashing, Mrs. Willis. Carl insisted.

Oh, no. They're all in at the bar.

Hello. Mrs. Willis, general Hewitt.

How do you do?

And on our way back, he shot the tip of the wing off.

Hereto regarded as an impossibility.

So, that's what you fellows got medals for.

Well, now the colonel had to figure out some way

to get pluthner back behind that apron.

Matt: Good mess sergeants were hard to find, Mr. Willis.

But the flyers were a dime a dozen.

Get him. An old pilot himself. Running our trade down.

The roads are clogged with trucks driven by good pilots.

What's the matter with you guys? You've been sitting around

for an hour trying to relive the glory days!

Are we ghosts? The show is over!

All that matters now is your social security number.

Never mind the crested on your air medals.

Goodnight, hink. Goodnight.

Hinkle: Good night.

It's alright, Matt.

I'm not one of your ghosts.

Hello, Jo.

It's good to see you again, Matt.

I found him this afternoon, Jo.

I was sort of saving you for the surprise.

Well, let's get the girl a drink.

Would you, hink? I'd... I'd like one.

Coming right up.

What are you doing here?

That's what I was going to ask you.

I came with Carl, Carl troxell. You remember?

Matt! How are you, fella?

On you, those stars look good, general.

Hewitt: Oh, you remember Carl troxell?

Glad to see you again, Brennan.

General, I was getting worried.

Gentlemen, to the bar.

Mrs. Willis, you're a Pearl among women. Come on.

Anyone mentions airplanes the rest of the night

dies of thirst. Right?

This is the kind of party I like.

Everybody knows everybody else.

Sure. = scotch?

Thank you. Yes, we go way back.

We all met in england.

Under different circumstances, I might add.

Very different, general.

Willis: You know, I got quite a bang when I tried

to introduce you to Carl this afternoon

and then when Jo came along...

Sure, Jo was a member of my group.

Practically.

And as for troxell here...

- You still riding, Brennan? - Huh?

Oh, yes, I'm getting a few hours.

Grab that glass, Carl. I feel a toast coming on.

You know, general, the thing that pulled me into this

business was my love of flying. And flyers.

But troxell here has given me the big kick.

Being part of the creation of the ja3.

Well, it's made up for all the grief

of post-war aviation.

Carl.

Matt, let's you and I make ourselves scarce.

We have a few years to catch up on.

What are you doing out here?

Oh, looking around.

This Willis has good liquor.

Oh, nothing's too good for our boys in brown.

I just missed you in Dallas, Matt.

Dallas?

I haven't been in Dallas in two years.

I know. You were stunting

for an air circus, weren't you?

That was Dallas.

General: I went out there just to see you.

I figured you'd be about right.

Why don't you come back in, Matt?

- What, the air force? - Where you belong.

- Flying what? - Oh, that's just for kids.

Right now I need a good exec who can handle things.

No thanks, general. I'm no good at carrying out orders anymore.

The last time I saw that look was in a smoky a London cellar.

You're wrong, Carl.

It's over. Ended. Done.

You keep telling yourself.

I could use another of this.

Another drink, bartender.

In this job, I want all the old gang around me.

How did Jo get in this setup?

She's Willis' private secretary.

Think it over, Matt. There's lots worse...

Troxell get her the job?

I don't know. You could come back in and...

Isn't this the dullest party you've ever been to?

Come on. Let's put some life in it. Come on, hink.

Let's go into the act.

J bless them all bless them all j

j the long and the short and the tall j

j bless the instructors who taught us to die j

j they say that's we're lucky because we're still alive j

j for if ever the engine should stall j

j we're in for a heckuva fall j

j no roses or violets for flat footed pilots j

j so cheer up my lads bless them all j

j bless them all bless them all j

j the long and the short and the tall j

j bless the instructors who taught us to die j

j they say that's we're lucky because we're still alive j

j for if ever the engine... j

what's he trying to prove, general?

He put on the same kind of show before every raid.

But inside his guts were turning.

Till he got up in the air.

Where he belongs right now.

Jo, you know this.

I'd forgotten it, general.

J bless all the blondies and all the brunettes j

j each lad is happy to take what he gets j

j for we're giving the eye to them all j

j the ones that attract or appall &

j for Maggie or susie you can't be too choosy j

j when you're in camp bless them all j

I'll take you home.

This isn't London, Matt.

Would you get my coat, please?

I wrote you a couple of times.

I never got them.

I never mailed them.

Why not?

There's no law against changing your mind, is there?

Not for you, Matt.

No laws for you.

We turn right at the next corner.

- Goodbye, Matt. - Goodbye?

You always used to give me a nightcap.

That was London.

I'll settle for coffee.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe you better come in.

Sit down.

Nice place.

Thanks.

Hello?

This is Matt Brennan.

Yeah.

Yeah, it was nice seeing you again.

Yeah, well, maybe we can.

I'll give you a ring.

Troxell. He wanted to know if you got home safely.

You might've let me talk to him.

Well, he wanted to know if you got home okay.

You're home, aren't you? So I told him.

Hey, what's troxell, the watchdog around here?

What right have you to question me?

Or my friends?

Or anything about me?

Well, I introduced you to him, didn't 1?

That's right, you did. And thanks.

Did he get you the job with Willis?

If it matters, yes.

Anything else you wanna know?

No, I guess not.

Let's get the record straight, Matt.

You taught me quite a few lessons.

I haven't been sitting here

waiting for those letters you didn't mail.

Suppose I'd have mailed those letters.

Suppose we could've get married that night in London.

That would've made everything just perfect

for you, wouldn't it?

A life of one-night stands

following the air circus around.

Watching me make 50 buck parachute jumps

with the yokels just waiting for the day

when my chute wouldn't open.

Is that what you wanted me to write about?

Shacked up in empty hangars.

Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here.

I would've traded that any time for what I didn't get.

I'd have given my right arm to get those letters.

Instead of just being Matt Brennan's girl in england.

Forgotten the moment he was air-born.

How did you think that felt?

Or didn't you think about anything

except being sorry for yourself?

Well...

I had my days of self-pity too.

And nights.

You got over them okay.

You seem to be doing alright too.

Yeah.

Yeah, maybe we both played in luck.

Not finding general Leighton that night in London.

You can skip the coffee.

Troxell: I'm not talking preliminary tests.

I'm talking air force certification.

Maximum speed. Terminal velocity. The works.

Do you think I'll let Brennan or anyone else fly those?

You think I sunk 8 million dollars into this plant

to buy some bush pilot that set of headlines?

I'm not interested in headlines.

Well, I am. They sell airplanes.

The ja3 is a Willis plane.

When it's test-flown, I'll fly it.

And I figured you for a bigtime operator.

A guy who knew all the inside holes.

You've tried a few.

- Have a cigar before you go. - No, thanks.

Anybody ever tell you what Hewitt thinks of Brennan?

Do you know what one word from him could mean?

More than you or me or 20 inspections trips could achieve.

When did all this happen? You worrying about

whether the plane sells or not?

You think I've sweated for four years

to get write-ups in aviation magazines.

I want to see that plane in the air.

And I'm telling you how to put it there.

How to sell not 50 but 500.

What makes you think that Brennan pulls

that kind of weight with Hewitt?

Why do you think he wanted him back in uniform?

Flown everything from p-38's to b-29's?

Including a tour at Wright field testing jets?

Miss holloway. = wait a second.

Keep her out of this.

You know Brennan and you know Hewitt, right?

Yes.

Do you think Hewitt would be impressed by anything

Brennan have to say about the ja3?

Noel Hewitt couldn't be swayed by anything

anybody said about an airplane.

I'll put it this way. If he could be swayed

is Brennan the man to do it?

If he'd listen to anyone

he'd listen to Matt Brennan.

That's good enough for me. Do you know where he is?

Send him a wire. Butter him up. We want him here.

Chief test pilot. $500 a month.

Make it $750. $500 is not enough

for a man of Brennan's caliber.

Get it out right away.

He's your problem, troxell.

You're responsible for him.

Thanks.

Straight wire from Mr. Willis to Matthew e. Brennan.

Windsor hotel city.

Dear Mr. Brennan...

Enjoyed our meeting very much.

Would you be interested in joining our organization

as chief test pilot?

The plane is on the line and ready.

Your trousseau.

What, no brassiere? Here, give me a hand.

As long as you're going to get the feel of the plane

you might as well get the feel of the suit.

It'll keep your guts out of your lap

when you do into a tight bank.

You go in or out of a dive or a tight turn

it inflates to give pressure where you need it.

It forces the blood back into your head

instead of letting it drain down to your toes.

Well, I hate to break your heart

but we had these in Wright field back in '46.

Thanks.

How's that?

A little drafty in the rear.

Okay, coach. Where's the field and who do we play?

Come on.

- Well? - Yeah, if it works.

Better keep your shoulder out of the way.

There's a television camera here.

Later when you take it up, we pick up

your instrument panel on a receiver down here.

Fun for young and old, huh?

Just taxi her up and down the strip a couple times

to get the feel of the ship.

Next week will be time enough to take her up.

I thought someone from the front office

should wish you luck.

- Thanks. - Anything else I can tell you?

Yeah. How do you start this thing?

Clear!

He's just going to taxi around and get the feel of the ship.

Man on radio: Tower to ja3. Runway cleared to taxi.

He's home, isn't he?

Is he?

What do you mean, Carl?

Why do you think I went to bat for him?

Sure, I wanted him in the plane.

He's the best.

But that wasn't the only reason.

I wanted to get rid of a...

Ghost between us.

Well, he's no ghost now.

He's back just the way you had it.

Is that what you want?

Don't ask me, Carl.

I didn't want him here.

I'm scared. Scared stiff.

Forget it.

Boss, where is the scoreboard?

In your hands.

Troxell: Hello, ja3! Hello, ja3!

Matt: What's keeping you guys?

Troxell: Start rate of climb test.

All I want is 18,000 feet a minute.

Don't let her get out of hand. Level off at 50,000.

- You ready? - Right.

Troxell: Hold it down, Matt.

Matt: I'm dragging my feet now.

- Fifty-one thousand. - Do you hear me?

Level off, Matt.

Leveling off. 58,000.

Troxell: Drop your dive break. Bring her down.

Make your pull-out at no more than 6 g's.

Do you hear? Five miles straight up before he could stop it.

I thought he was going through the roof. That's power.

- It's also flying. - Breaks my heart.

What's going on up there and we can't say a thing about it.

Do you realize the publicity we could get?

And troxell keeps stalling me

with these everlasting tests, tests, tests.

How do you feel?

Bostwick can fly this ship.

She's ready, Carl. Let me fly her for Hewitt.

You'll be setting jigs in a week.

No, the plane isn't ready. It won't be ready for two months.

- Two months? You're crazy! - Two months, I said.

Ride with me, Matt. I don't want general Hewitt

and the air force to see the ja3 yet.

Why not? It's what the air force is waiting for.

A power plant that'll fly at supersonic speed

and still give long range. Why sit on it?

What would've happened this morning if you had to bail out

at 58,000 feet and 1200 miles an hour?

I don't like to think about that.

Well, I do. I've got to.

We've all been concentrating on how fast

and how high we can go.

We told ourselves there was a wall up there. A sound wall.

Then yeager cracked it. Well, that settled the wall.

You know all it took was a change in design.

Raised wings, swept back.

Now you can fly as smooth

at 1,000 miles an hour as you could at 200.

Ah, smoother.

So the speed of sound is licked.

Only when yeager went through that wall

he dropped a whole new set of problems in our lap.

Even if you could get out of this at 500 miles an hour

you'd be hit by a pressure below of 2,800 lbs.

At 600 miles would be 4,000.

And I haven't said anything about temperatures.

Up to 60 degrees below zero

at everything above 35,000 feet.

And you could be better than 70,000.

At that altitude, there's no such thing as oxygen.

If you have to bail out, what's the difference

how you get it. You get it.

Connect the air, boss.

That you, Matt. 60,000 feet.

1,200 miles an hour.

You're in trouble. What do you do?

Prepare to sprout wings. What else?

Suppose you could pull a lever like

he's pressing that button now.

Nice toy.

- It works, Matt. - In a wind tunnel, yeah.

But a wind tunnel is a long way from an airplane.

So?

Come on.

Inside is an ejection lever. Pull it.

You pull it in rocket charges on either side

catapult the whole part out.

A pressurized airtight unit.

What happens if the rocket charge knocks the pilot out?

Who pulls the parachute cord then?

It's automatic. Atmospheric pressure opens it

at 30,000 feet.

What about a rough take-off or a crash landing?

Or a short-circuit?

This thing would blow you 400 feet in the air.

It can't happen. The rocket is activated by a solenoid.

It takes the release mechanism to energize it.

You mean you're going to break all these

connections loose simultaneously?

That's what I'm working on now.

Mister, you built yourself a great airplane.

The ja3. Be satisfied.

This thing's as full of bugs as a kitchen drain.

And you're asking the pilot to sit on a keg of dynamite

every time he goes up. Forget it.

What happened to the guy I met in england?

Fighting for the maximum safety factor in airplanes?

There were some excuse then when a plane wasn't perfect.

Here was a war on. But there's no war now. There's no excuse.

I can lick this thing in 60 days, Matt.

I've already run the test with a model.

Willis wants you in his office.

Stick with me on this, will you, Matt?

If Willis speaks to you about the ja3, stall him.

For 60 days anyway.

I'll have the ja4 ready by then.

Even if I liked your cockeyed idea, I couldn't kid Willis.

The seat of my pants were pretty thin

when he gave me this job.

If he asks me if I think the jas is ready

I gotta tell him.

Matt!

You ready? = for what?

Well, I thought maybe you'd like to go out to dinner.

Come on in. I'll feed you.

Oh, that's an offer.

Hello, Matt. = oh, hello.

Sit down. I'll get another plate.

Well, do we leave together or do we try to outsit each other?

Matt, fix yourself a drink.

I'll have a double anything. No ice.

- Celebration? - Anything but.

I could've saved my breath this afternoon.

- What are you talking about? - Haven't you heard?

Willis is taking the wraps off the jas.

Don't look at me. It wasn't my idea.

Carl: No. This dilly was his own idea.

I told you the plane was ready for an acceptance test.

You underestimate Willis.

Nothing so dull as air force tests for him.

This is a range flight.

Honolulu to la.

The first supersonic flight across the pacific.

A hundred thousand cheering citizens at the airport.

Yeah. Yeah, I bet there will be at that.

And what does it prove? Nothing.

It's just a stunt to grab headlines.

That's willis® system.

Headlines sell airplanes.

Well, it's his plane and his money.

What are you crabbing about?

Here take this and relax. = thanks.

Hey, when's the flight scheduled?

Carl: Friday. Bostwick is out at the plant

now checking the plane.

Honolulu to la. 2600 miles.

I'll be bucking headwinds all the way.

Even so, I can make it into a half hours.

You could make it? I got news for you, bud.

You don't make this flight.

You can do the routine tests.

Even the air force certification.

But if you think that Willis is gonna share the headlines

with you or anybody else, you don't know Willis.

Well, I got news for you, I know Brennan.

Either I'm his test pilot or I'm not.

I didn't take this job to be a flunkie.

I make this flight. = don't tell me. Tell Willis.

- I'll tell him. - You'll have to do it by phone.

He's on his way to Seattle.

Left about a half an hour ago in his private plane.

He's gonna inspect some plants.

Why'd you let him get away?

I said my say this afternoon.

Hello?

Yes, here. For you, Carl. Ed bostwick.

Hello?

You what? When?

Where is he now?

Stay where you are. I'll be right over.

Willis crashed about 20 minutes ago.

Lost an engine on the take-off.

- No. - Is he alive?

Yes. Both his legs are broken.

He'll be in a cast a couple months.

Even he can't fly in that condition.

It's in the bag, Matt. The flight's kaput.

I'll get my 60 days. Maybe more.

I'm sorry about dinner, Jo.

I'll get a sandwich.

Does he always do that?

- Why not? - Well, uh...

I'll get dinner.

Headlines he wants, eh?

Uh, I'm terribly sorry

but Leland's not allowed any visits.

Mrs. Willis, it's important that I...

Willis: Let him in! Let him in!

It is easier than arguing.

Oh, why did I let him out of the hospital?

- What do you want? - How do you feel?

How do you think I feel? What's on your mind?

The ja3.

You want your plane on the front page. I can put it there.

I can prove it's the hottest ship in the air.

There. There... put in there.

So you want to make the Honolulu flight, eh?

Honolulu! Planes leave for Honolulu every hour on the hour.

That's kid stuff.

What's the new air front?

What's got Hewitt and all the other top brass worried?

The polar region. That's what I'm talking about.

Nome, Alaska over the north pole to Washington.

Set her right down in Hewitt's lap.

- What's the distance? - 5300 miles. Approximately.

The maximum for ja3 is 4000 miles. It'd be suicide.

Well, it's my neck. All you're risking is an airplane.

An airplane cost me two million dollars!

Here's your answer. Modification of plane.

Flight routes, wind charts. The whole works.

What do you want?

The doctor ordered a hypo at four...

When I want a hypo, I'll order it.

- Get out. - Yes, sir.

Interested, huh?

That Honolulu flight was kid stuff.

A milk run. Now here's something worthwhile.

From nome, Alaska, over the north pole to Washington.

We'll set the ja3 right down in Hewitt's lap.

Carl: Are we gonna start that range flight nonsense again?

Why not? We've got a plane that will climb four miles a minute.

Fly 1400 miles an hour?

A power plant so revolutionary

it gives us the range of a bomber.

We don't need any grandstand play like this.

Willis: I'm a grandstand player.

Any of the old line companies would do things your way.

But I'm a Johnny-come-lately.

And I'm going to sell the ja3 my own way.

Even though it's obsolete?

Obsolete even before it's in production?

You got a better plane out in the secret hangar right now.

- The pod idea? - Yes, the pod, the ja4!

It's only a matter of weeks, maybe even days.

You hope? And if you're right, what of it?

The p80 finished the 51.

The b36 knocked out the 29.

That's the history of aviation!

The b29 was the best there was till

the b36 was perfected.

The ja3 isn't.

Don't you think I know why you're

in such a hurry to sell it.

You don't want the ja4 to come out

till you have an order for the 3s.

The day you sign that, you'll start

cutting jigs and stamping dies.

Why do you think I'm in...

You'll sell the air force all the ja3s you've got.

Then you'll crack out with the 4s.

Why do you care if they've used up their appropriations?

Have to scrap a billion dollar in material.

That's their problem. These stand.

Nome over the pole to Washington!

No soap. It's too far.

Our maximum range is 4000 miles with strong tail winds.

Maximum was 4000. Not anymore.

We're going to seal the wings and fill them with fuel.

We'll make the whole ship a flying tank.

It'd be a flying bomb. Could explode any minute.

I'll take that risk. It's my money that blows up.

Carl: Well, you can fill the wings and you still

won't have fuel enough for the flight.

You're talking about 60,000

feet altitude, I'm talking about 80.

At that altitude, our range can increase as much as 20 percent.

It cannot.

You'll burn up more fuel reaching that altitude

than you'll save when you get there.

We won't.

Will put a kcb rocket on each wing.

They'll shoot us up to altitude and then we'll dump him.

Order those rockets right away.

It's a great idea except for one detail.

No pilot can live at that altitude.

You're so right, the cockpit can't be pressurized

for more than 60,000 feet altitude.

That's why I'm having this suit built.

It can be pressurized to give us an additional 20.

Plus pressurized oxygen running right into his lungs.

It'll take all three. But it can work.

Ingenious.

It's the kind of an idea you're supposed to come up with.

Instead I get it from Brennan here.

What's Brennan's idea, the rockets?

The whole thing.

The flight. Modification of the plane.

Pressure suit. Everything.

He's earned the right to make the flight.

For 30,000 bucks.

Willis: Which I'll pay gladly if you make it.

That's what I'm in business for.

To buy ideas and the know-how that goes with them.

Pay him in silver, will you?

30,000 pieces of silver.

Miss holloway, make out a contract right away.

And a certified check to be ready for Brennan

when he lands in Washington.

Miss holloway.

Yes, sir.

Bostwick, get going on these changes.

Everything's got to be finished in three days.

The ja3 leaves this field for nome

on Thursday morning.

It will be ready.

I'll see you Thursday.

Matt.

You can't make this flight.

Why not? = you can't do it to Carl.

Oh, why don't you quit mothering that guy?

He's a big boy. Let him fight his own battles.

Everything you have you owe to Carl.

How do you think you got this job?

Willis didn't want you. Carl made him take you.

Why?

Because he knew you belonged in the air

and wanted to put you back there.

- That's why. - Okay. So I'm in the air.

Maybe he did get me the job. But I'm keeping it.

Even if it means double-crossing Carl?

For what the 30,000 bucks will mean to me?

Yes.

Anything else?

No, Matt. That's all.

That's everything.

Mr. Willis is waiting for you.

Feeling alright?

I feel fine. Quit sweating, will you?

- Wait for those winds. - Now, don't worry.

I don't leave nome till I've got a typhoon going my way.

It looks like you're not going to make it

set down in some field in Canada.

Set down anywhere. Don't let anything happen.

Who's going to Washington with you?

My wife.

Jeb farley he'll handle the press.

- Miss holloway. - Be sure she goes.

I'll see you there.

- Good luck! - Don't forget your checkbook.

Aren't you going to wish me luck?

Don't do it, Matt.

For troxell's sake.

It was alright taking chances in england.

That was war and you had to.

But not now. Not just for money.

Why, this flight is worse than any mission over Germany.

I remember those days, Matt.

I remember what you used to say.

Anyone who got back from his first mission

was on borrowed time.

How much time can you borrow?

Go back in there, Matt.

Tell him it's over. Tell him he can keep his money.

I'll see you in Washington.

All your gear is stowed.

Okay. = good luck!

Al and Johnny will meet you in nome.

They'll put the rockets on there.

And give you final checkup. = thanks.

I understand I also owe you my job here.

- Thanks for that too. - You don't owe me anything.

The ones you owe aren't here to be thanked.

I thought one day you'd realize your debt to aviation.

But not you. You're a one-man show.

No obligation to anybody but Matt Brennan.

You're playing to the grandstand.

But I'm going to beat you at your own game.

I'm going to steal your thunder and your rotten headlines.

The ja4 will be tested and the pod proven

before you set your wheels on the runway in Washington.

You better get going, brother

'cause I'm not giving you much time.

Clear!

Come on, boys. We are running out of time.

Man on radio: Tower to ja3. Take off when ready.

When the noon shift comes on, keep these men working too.

- Don't let up on them. - Right.

No. Take it up again.

Brennan is in nome.

- Three hours, 37 minutes. - What kept him?

Come on, fellows. Try it once more.

Down on the front line.

Plenty wind.

Yeah. All in the wrong direction.

Him and his rockets!

I'd like to tie one on to him.

I'm glad it's him riding one of these up. Not me.

Yeah, well he can ride them all away

as far as I'm concerned.

The wings full of fuel.

And he's going to light a fire under them.

This guy's got guts. You gotta say that for him.

Say, how long am I gonna be holed up here?

It's 48 hours now.

Thanks.

Jeb: Yeah, yeah, I'll try. No, I can't.

I can't tell you more, ed. When it pops, it pops.

Yeah, I still guarantee that.

Yeah. Right. I'll call you.

Garvey, united news wire.

Bulls in the chute. All of them.

- Waiting for the gate to open. - Let them wait.

For two days now. Nothing but promises.

How long can I hold them?

Well, that's your problem. But you hold them.

Hello?

Yes, this is Mr. Willis' secretary.

Read it, please.

Thanks.

Another 12 hours at least.

Here, dear.

When I want that, I'll ask for it.

I think we'd all better get some sleep.

Well, let's have it.

What do you think?

Yeah. Yeah. That's good enough for me.

Looks like cavu practically all the way.

One front threatening off labrador, but...

Uh, take-off time in two minutes, 1:00 A.M.

Six hours differential, that's 7:00 A.M. in Washington time.

Gives me daylight all the way...

Cruising altitude, 90,000 feet.

Yeah. Yeah. I can do it in four and a half hours.

Wire Washington, tell them my eta's

approximately 11:30, their time.

See ya. = yeah. Good luck!

Four and a half hours!

Farley.

Jo!

He's off! 12 minutes ago!

He'd be here in four hours if he makes it. Get on the phone, Jeb.

I want every radio station in the country.

Every newspaper hanging on this story!

Jo, call Hewitt. Get him up here.

Get me the operator at fort meyer.

We've got to test effect of atmospheric

pressure on the discharge valve.

He's off!

18 minutes ago. He left nome.

- Come on, guys. On your feet. - Take it easy, Carl.

These guys are all in. They need sleep.

They can sleep tomorrow. We gotta finish this thing.

Ja3 to point barrow radio.

Man on radio: Go ahead, jas.

Give me my present bearing. Over.

Man on radio: Present bearing 340 degrees.

Approximately 200 miles of the station.

You're right on course.

Ja3 to point barrow. Position report.

Altitude 90,000 feet.

Ground speed approximately...

1400 miles an hour.

Estimated time of arrival at the north pole

zero-eight-two-zero, eastern standard time.

As long as the air force insignia's on

that plane, it's under our jurisdiction.

And this flight isn't just stupid. It's criminal.

Go ahead, general. Say what you like.

But when we set down at the national airport

you will be singing a different tune.

We set down?

Are you flying that ship?

This is a suicide mission for Matt Brennan and you know it.

Ja3 calling point barrow radio.

If you read me, I'm now over the north pole.

I am now over the north pole.

Picking up new heading to Washington DC.

Man on radio: Baffin bay radio calling ja3!

Can you receive me, ja3?

Come in, ja3!

Answer, ja3!

Calling ja3!

Go ahead, baffin bay.

Man on radio: Point barrow gave me your position report.

What happened? Are you in trouble?

No. I just dozed off for a minute.

Man on radio: I've been trying to check your eta at the pole.

Right on the button.

Relay my position to Washington, D.C.

Man on radio: Baffin bay relay station

calling Washington radio.

Washington radio to baffin bay. Go ahead.

Man on radio: Experimental plane ja3 passed over north pole

at 8:20 A.M. eastern standard time.

Ground speed. Approximately 1400 miles per hour.

Now heading toward your station.

Some comedian says he's over the north pole.

Those screwballs from Mitchell field again!

Okay, baffin bay. Give my regards to the eskimos.

Radio control. Yes, general Hewitt.

What, ja3? Yes, we just...

Over the north pole.

But if we thought, that is... I...

Yes, sir.

That guy wasn't kidding.

Washington radio calling baffin bay...

Ja3 calling fort georges radio.

Man on radio: Come in, jas.

Estimated position

50 miles north of your station.

Whoops. Sorry. Just passed you.

- Did you fix that wheel, Jim? - Okay, boss.

I'll give you the instrument readings

all the way up.

Keep the recorder going.

I want everything I say on tape.

We'll go over it as soon as I land.

Did you get the cover off that feeder tube?

You're all set. = good luck!

See ya.

Clear!

Ja3 calling any station. Ja3 calling any station.

Come in, any station.

Man on radio: This is Ottawa radio.

I've been trying to reach you.

Roger.

Man on radio: Where are you, ja3?

Washington is going crazy.

I should've been over your station 12 minutes ago.

Do you have a wind change to report?

Man on radio: 90 degree change.

Front moving in from southeast.

Yeah, I thought so.

I'm up to my ears in meteor dust. What's the velocity?

Man on radio: 90 miles an hour and increasing.

What is the best altitude?

Man on radio: On your course, it makes no difference.

Broad winds all the rest of the way.

Roger. Stay awake, will you?

Ed: Calling ja4... calling jaa.

Come in, ja4.

Carl: Leveling off at 60,000.

She took the climb beautifully.

What about the release mechanism?

We find vibration in the pressure Gauge.

I don't know if I have constant pressure

in the ejection chamber or not.

Ed: Well, let's check it once more.

That's what I'm up here for.

Come on down, Carl. Don't take any chances.

I'm coming down in the pod.

Ed: I've got the recorder going. Keep in touch with me.

Carl: Find me a nice soft spot, ed.

Here I come.

National airport calling jas.

Man on radio: Rabbit leader calling formation.

Rabbit leader calling formation.

Close up those number three position.

9124, 10 miles northwest field.

Request landing instructions. Over.

- Was that runway 2-4 or 3-4? - Put me on b channel.

All planes in this area. All planes in this area.

This is general Hewitt.

Air force emergency.

Get off b channel. Get off b channel.

Man on radio: Wilco. Roger.

National airport calling jas.

National airport calling jas.

Hewitt on radio: National airport calling jas.

Go ahead, national airport.

- Hello, Matt, this is Hewitt. - Hiya, general.

Got the reception committee ready?

Are you alright? Are you going to make it?

I gotta make it.

- I am the guest of honor. - Where are you now?

Corner of third and main in Harrisburg.

How's your fuel? = what fuel?

You're talking to a glider pilot.

Brennan. This is Willis.

Remember what I told you.

Don't try to stretch it.

What you mean, don't try to stretch it?

I got to. = set down now.

Anywhere, on the nearest field. Use your head, Brennan.

Hewitt: Matt. This is Hewitt.

Hold it, general. I think I see Washington.

Are you sure? = I[T better be.

Man on radio: Your attention, ladies and gentlemen.

Your attention, please.

Announcing the arrival of air force

experimental ship ja3 from nome, Alaska.

By way of the north pole.

The new plane took off from nome at 7:00 A.M.

Eastern standard time.

Pilot Brennan reported over the north pole

at 8:20 eastern standard time.

And last reported over Harrisburg.

Estimated time of arrival, this field

11:27 A.M. easter standard time.

Don't take a chance of the flameout.

Cut your turbos now.

I got no turbos. I'm coming in dead stick.

Clear the area!

Attention all planes...

Standby ambulances. Emergency landing.

Emergency landing! Repeat...

Come on, give us a break, brother.

Alright, colonel, you looking alright.

Get me out of this buck Rogers monkey suit, will you?

Hey, where is Willis? Where is Jo?

They're over at the radio control room.

Congratulations.

Congratulations, boy.

Congratulations, Matt, congratulations!

The finest bit of flying ever done.

I get more than a handshake, don't 1?

You certainly do. Your check's waiting.

Hey, where is Jo? = she's here.

Miss holloway! Miss holloway!

Congratulations, Matt.

Here's his check, Mr. Willis.

Brennan, this is a pleasure.

Hold it right there. Shaking hands!

I'll take it.

Hello.

Yes. Yes, this is Mr. Willis' secretary.

I'll take it. Put him on, please.

I just come 5300 miles

to say something to you.

I can't wait.

You should be out there with the reporters.

What, do you think I made that flight for that stuff?

I did it for this. I did it for us.

I didn't tell you before because I wasn't sure I could make it.

How many stunts like this do you think I got left in me?

You said it yourself.

You said I've been flying on borrowed time.

Well, I'm through borrowing.

We are through borrowing.

All my life, I've waited for this.

Even if the ground may, we can still eat.

Maybe I did step on a few toes to get it. But I got it.

Now what about you?

Are you gonna marry me?

Or are you going back to California to bandage up

the toes I've stepped on?

I got to, Matt.

Hello.

Yes, we were cut off.

Hello, ed.

No, Mr. Willis is with reporters. He can't.

What is it?

Oh, no!

- What's the matter? - It's Carl.

The pod failed.

He's dead, Matt.

Maybe you didn't authorize troxell's flight

but he made it.

And that plane was air force property.

Did you know troxell's plans before you left for nome?

I knew he was gonna prove his pod.

How he was gonna do it didn't interest me.

You were the test pilot. Why didn't you make the test?

It wasn't ready when I took off for nome.

And if it was ready now?

I follow the bosses orders, general.

But that one I would have to think over.

Buzzing around in the sky

at 12 to 1400 miles an hour that's one thing.

But being shot into the air

at that speed without wings...

That's something else again.

Acceptance test for the ja3

Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.

Willis: We'll be ready.

And by the way, what are you going

to do about that pod, Willis?

You got a duplicate ship out in the hangar.

It can stay there. I never had any faith in it.

I had.

I had faith in any idea of Carl troxell's.

Willis: You heard what Brennan said, it's a death trap.

Every plane that was ever built

was a death trap, mister

until somebody proved otherwise.

And if research will save the life of any flyer

he's entitled to that research.

I'm satisfied with the ja3.

- Hello, Matt. - Hello, Jo.

What's it about?

Ed's been trying to see you and Willis all day.

He's in there. = oh?

- Hello, bostwick. - Hello, Matt.

And why the recorder?

I've got a message for you from troxell.

He gave me his message the last time we met.

You think his test is a failure, don't you?

Oh, wasn't it? = it wasn't a failure.

That plane sitting out in the hangar.

That duplicate jaa.

Isn't an unproved plane.

You've got to use that ship on Saturday.

And commit suicide?

It's easy to sit on the ground

while somebody else does the flying.

Troxell didn't sit on the ground...

- Troxell is dead. - They're burying him tomorrow.

But if you don't use that pod on the Saturday

they will not only be burying Carl troxell

they'll be bearing all the hundreds of kids

that'll never have the chance he wanted them to have.

You owe him that much.

I don't owe him anything.

Or you or Willis or anybody else.

Carl: Leveling off at 60,000.

She took the climb beautifully.

Ed: What about the release mechanism?

Carl: There's a slight vibration in the pressure Gauge.

Don't know if I've got constant pressure

in the injection chamber or not.

Ed: Let's check it once more.

- That's what I'm up here for. - Come on down, Carl.

Don't take any chances.

- I'm coming down. In the pod. - I've got the recorder going.

Keep in touch with me.

Carl: Find me a nice soft spot. Here I come.

Ed: Carl, can you hear me? Are you out?

Carl? Carl, are you out?

Did you make it? Carl, can you hear me?

Are you out?

Carl: Only half out, ed. I'm wedged in.

The planes out of control.

- In a vertical dive. - What happened?

Carl: We out-guessed everything but the pressure.

We need at least 240 pounds.

Put a manual pump next to the switch.

Tell Matt if his pressure Gauge shows less than 240 pounds

he won't get full combustion.

He can adjust it to the booster. Got that?

Ed: Got it.

- What was that? - It's a wing.

Heaven knows how fast I'm going.

There goes the other. I'm a flying bullet now.

- Ed, any word from Matt? - Not yet.

Carl: I hope he doesn't wash out too.

Tell Jo if I would've been in his boot

I would've done the same thing.

But I didn't wash out either.

This thing isn't a failure, don't forget that.

Don't let the pod die with me.

I leave it in your hands.

Yours and Matt's. He'll prove it for us.

Get out! Get out!

Is that your answer?

Yes, you sadistic...

Get out.

Come on, ed.

You want me to fly his crazy ship, don't you?

You want me to commit suicide like he did?

That would square it for everybody, wouldn't it?

No, it wouldn't, Matt.

I don't know what I want you to do.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

All I know is Carl is dead and we killed him.

We killed him?

Why don't you grow up?

You didn't kill him any more than I did.

You think I forced him up there?

Well, he was better than that.

Nothing forced him up there but the churning in his own guts.

Men have died since the beginning of time

trying to lick the air.

All through the ages, you'll find them up there

staking their lives against the challenge.

Sure, troxell lost.

Just as everybody loses who's fool

enough to think he can lick it.

But he didn't care if he died.

He wasn't thinking about that.

Well, you can't make me care either.

He got what he wanted. He was up there. And he licked it.

For one little moment, he was champion of earth and sky.

He had immortality right in his fist.

You want to feel responsible for him?

Go ahead. Weep for him.

Bury him with tears.

But I am alive and I'm gonna stay alive.

Saturday I fly the ja3. And then I am through.

Through with the whole weeping, wailing bunch of you.

Okay on maneuverability? = yeah.

Terminal velocity next.

Start the dive that 40,000. Make the pull-out at 15.

Calling jas.

Calling ja3. Last test.

Terminal velocity. Level off at 40,000.

Drop your dive brakes. Rollout at 15.

Man 3: Thirty-four thousand.

Thirty-eight thousand. Forty.

Twenty-two.

Fifteen.

Well, sir? = I'm satisfied.

- General? - An excellent showing.

Well, that's it, Willis.

Your plane has passed the qualification tests.

Give me that.

Matt, we made it.

Come on down. I'll buy you a drink.

He's climbing again, sir. 25,000 feet.

Brennan, can you hear me?

Where is Matt? = just finished the test.

- Make him come down. - What's wrong, Jo?

He's flying the ja4. He's going to test the pod.

- What? You're crazy. - She's right, Willis.

That isn't the ja3 up there. It's the jaa.

And Matt's going to test that pod.

I just found out of the plan.

He'll kill himself. Don't let him do it, general.

Who ordered him to do this? Is this true, bostwick?

He ordered it himself. He didn't want you to know about it.

Man 3: 39,000 and still climbing, sir.

Brennan, do you hear? Bring that plane down

or you'll never fly again.

How do you want it, Willis?

The easy way or the hard way?

I don't want any more tests.

Understand, Brennan? No more tests!

Okay, Willis. The hard way.

Something's wrong, general. Radio contact broken.

Calling ja4. Calling ja4.

- Calling ja4. - Here, here, give me that.

Hello, Matt!

Ed: If you don't use the pod on Saturday

they won't only be burying Carl troxell

they'll be burying all the hundreds of kids

who'll never had the chance he wanted them to have.

Jo: I remember what you used to say

"anyone who comes back from his first mission

is on borrowed time."

How much time can you borrow?

Didn't washout either.

This thing isn't a failure. Don't forget that.

Don't let the pod die with me.

I'm leaving it in your hands.

Yours and Matt's.

He'll prove it for us.

Jo: No, it wouldn't, Matt.

I don't know what I want you to do.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

Jo: All I know is Carl is dead.

And we killed him.

Matt, Matt...

Matt, this is Hewitt.

Answer me if you can hear me, Matt.

Matt! Is there anything...

Jo.

- Jim, get me a Jeep. - Yes, sir.

Now, you're in aviation, Willis.

Now, you see how a death trap can be turned into a life raft.

Why did you take a chance, Matt? Why did you do it?

Well, there I was

up 60,000 feet...

And it was the quickest way to get down to you.