Airspeed

13-year-old Nicole Stone feels neglected by her wealthy father due to his business priorities. During the emergency she demonstrates resilience, quick thinking, and growing resourcefulness. She must improvise to save the injured adults, ultimately guiding the plane toward a landing.

Raymond Stone is a wealthy businessman whose demanding career creates distance between him and his daughter. His focus on work contributes to the emotional conflict at the story's start. The crisis forces a reevaluation of his relationship with Nicole, revealing a more protective side beneath his busy exterior.

Pilot Greg is one of the two pilots who is knocked unconscious by the plane's sudden electrical surge. He is incapacitated early in the crisis, highlighting how quickly the situation devolves and leaving Nicole to take control.

Co-Pilot Terry is also incapacitated during the emergency, removing the crew's ability to manage the flight. His condition emphasizes Nicole's need to improvise and assume leadership in a high-stakes scenario.

Air traffic controller Jeff becomes the critical link between the cockpit and the rescue efforts. He collaborates with Nicole and coordinates plans, offering instructions that guide the landing despite dwindling resources. His presence highlights the importance of steady guidance in moments of crisis.