An illegitimate Greg Elliot inherits an Australia steeped in conservatism.

From his early days in suburban Port Melbourne, we follow him to a farm in Northeast Victoria, and from there to a promising career as an Airline Pilot based in Sydney. A simple accident occasions the loss of his airline pilot license, but a significant inheritance from previously unknown grandparents facilitates an alternative career in business.

Ultimately, on-going research leads to a revision in the medical standards for commercial pilots, and takes him back to his first love – aviation. He re-enters that field at a time of profound change in the structure of Australia's regional airline services, and his passion for the industry is passed on to his younger daughter, Glenys, and she too inherits more than a simple love of flying.

Set against a background of agriculture, aviation and industry, their journey reflects the subtle changes in Australian community standards, values, and attitudes that commenced with post-war development and industrial expansion...