The Kink by Thomson Burtis (1931)
"The Kink" by Thomson Burtis is a story centered around Lieutenant James Finley, a seasoned test pilot at McCook Field, and his interactions with a younger, brash pilot named "Kink" Forell. Finley, once a celebrated pilot, is now relegated to flying outdated aircraft, which frustrates him. Despite his experience, he faces a series of unfortunate accidents, leading to doubts about his capabilities. Forell, on the other hand, is a talented but arrogant pilot who often mocks Finley, exacerbating the tension between them. The narrative explores themes of aging, obsolescence, and the relentless march of progress in aviation. Finley grapples with the realization that his flying days are numbered due to deteriorating eyesight, a fact confirmed by a medical examination. Meanwhile, Forell's reckless flying style and disdain for caution highlight the generational clash between the two men. A pivotal moment occurs when both pilots are tasked with a mission to Nashville. During the return flight, they experience engine trouble and are forced to land in a challenging field. Finley, despite being grounded from flying, uses his experience to guide Forell through a difficult take-off, proving his worth and challenging Forell's bravado. The story concludes with Forell acknowledging Finley's contribution, suggesting a newfound respect between the two. Overall, "The Kink" delves into the complexities of mentorship, the inevitability of change, and the enduring spirit of aviators who push the boundaries of flight.
By Thomson Burtis · First published 1931 · Genre: Aviation Fiction, Military Fiction, Adventure · 10,567 words
First lines
Finley strode to the desk of the operations clerk in the flying office and inquired with a sunny Irish smile --
"Well, what old hulk do I haul around the field for flying time today?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Kink is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomson Burtis, dated 1931 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomson Burtis
- Date: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Aviation Fiction, Military Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Action
- Length: 10,567 words
- Structure: 1 section, 254 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Kink by Thomson Burtis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Aviation Fiction — The narrative centers on early flight, detailed test piloting, and the technical challenges of flying, making it primarily an aviation tale.
- Military Fiction — Set within a military framework that emphasizes service pilots and operational airfields, it aligns closely with military storytelling.
- Adventure — Daring aerial maneuvers, life‐threatening situations, and high-risk incidents provide a strong sense of adventure.
- Historical Fiction — The story is steeped in the context of early aviation and military innovation, reflecting historical settings and attitudes.
Tags
mystery · thriller · crime · pulp fiction · adventure · suspense · detective · noir · vintage · action · intrigue · betrayal