Fly Away Home

Fly Away Home

Year: 1996

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Carroll Ballard

AdventureDramaFamily

After a family tragedy, a young girl named Amy moves to Canada to live with her distant, unconventional father. There, she discovers a clutch of orphaned goose eggs, leading to an unexpected adventure as she and her father work together to raise the goslings. Guiding the birds on their maiden migration proves to be a transformative experience for both Amy and her father, strengthening their bond and bringing them closer together.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Fly Away Home (1996)

Trace every key event in Fly Away Home (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tragic Loss

Thirteen-year-old Amy Alden faces the emotional turmoil of losing her mother, Aliane, in a tragic car accident. This event sets the stage for her chaotic transition from her home in New Zealand to the unfamiliar landscape of Ontario, Canada.

New Zealand
2

New Beginnings

Relocating to Ontario, Amy struggles to adapt to life with her estranged father, Thomas Alden, and his girlfriend, Susan. Each day brings new challenges as she tries to navigate her new family dynamics while dealing with her grief.

Ontario, Canada
3

Discovery of the Eggs

While exploring her surroundings, Amy stumbles upon an abandoned clutch of 16 goose eggs after a construction crew disrupts a nearby wilderness area. Ignoring the advice of those around her, she decides to nurture the eggs herself in an old dresser.

Ontario, Canada
4

Hatching Goslings

The goose eggs hatch, and Amy experiences the joy of becoming an unexpected mother to a brood of goslings. However, her initial excitement quickly turns into a challenge as she takes on the responsibilities of caring for the growing birds.

5

Imprinting and Regulation

As Amy grows attached to the geese, Thomas consults Animal Regulation officer Glen Seifert, who informs them that the goslings have imprinted on Amy. He warns them about local ordinances regarding domestic geese, further complicating their situation.

6

Building the Ultralight

Determined to help the geese migrate naturally, Thomas designs an ultralight aircraft. However, he soon realizes that the geese will follow Amy, prompting her to learn piloting skills with his encouragement and guidance.

7

Plans for Relocation

David arranges for the geese to be relocated to a sanctuary in North Carolina before the approaching November 1 deadline. The pressure mounts as they must navigate various challenges to ensure the birds reach safety.

Before November 1 Bird Sanctuary, North Carolina
8

Emergency Landing

During a flight, Igor, the weakest of the goslings, collides with Amy's aircraft, forcing her to make an emergency landing. This incident escalates tensions as Glen Seifert returns to confiscate the goslings, prompting an important decision.

Remote Forest
9

Defiant Decision

In a moment of courage and defiance, Amy and Thomas resolve to liberate the geese. They refuse to let Seifert take them away, which sets off a series of events filled with determination and bravery.

10

Risky Journey

Amy takes the riskier route of securing Igor in her cockpit, embarking on a journey to guide the geese to their new sanctuary. The adventure forces both her and Thomas to confront their fears amidst challenging weather conditions.

11

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

The duo makes an unexpected landing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, which brings them into the spotlight. This popularity results in an offer from a compassionate elderly woman who provides them with shelter for the night.

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
12

Father-Daughter Conversations

Amidst the warmth of their shelter, Amy gathers the courage to ask Thomas about his past. This leads to an emotional conversation, revealing unresolved issues that have lingered between them due to years of separation.

13

Onward to the Sanctuary

As the night comes to an end, Thomas discovers that his aircraft has sustained damage, which forces him to seek help on foot. Undeterred, Amy continues the journey to the sanctuary, showcasing her determination and resilience.

14

Reunion at the Sanctuary

Amy successfully reaches the sanctuary, where a heartwarming reunion takes place with her goslings. The joy from this encounter not only uplifts her but also resonates throughout the community, highlighting the bond they share with nature.

Bird Sanctuary, North Carolina
15

Community Celebration

The reunion and successful relocation of the geese lead to a celebratory event in the community. This marks a significant milestone for both the Aldens and their newfound community, underscoring the power of resilience and support.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:50

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Fly Away Home Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Fly Away Home

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