To save his kidnapped son's life in Colombia, California millionaire Thomas Hartwell of Hartwell International Transportation must allow a cartel the use of one of his cargo planes for drug smuggling. The FBI instructs him to convince the crew he is really in charge.

In Denver, navy pilot David Jennings returns from Vietnam and stays with his best friend, police officer Randy Erickson. Dave plans to marry Debra Anderson, a nurse in Glenwood Springs. Staying at his nearby cabin, Dave goes cross-country skiing and is shot after he sees a helicopter drug-drop. He recovers in the Glenwood hospital. From Randy, he learns he has the opportunity to replace the arrested cartel copilot and be a mole. Dave jumps at the chance to fly for Mr. Hartwell and help stop drug traffickers. He and Debra put their marriage on hold.

Can he convince the cartel crew he is a mercenary who doesn't hold grudges? The mechanics, Al and Marko, are the men who shot at him. Reggie, the Russian pilot, dressed like a man. What happens when he discovers her secret?