John Smith is as average as his name. But he wants to excel at something, like his big brother, the "super achiever". So, when John discovers he really wants to fly airplanes, he takes steps toward earning enough money to attend ground flight school.

Since his parents are unconvinced, and even unsupportive, John takes on two part-time jobs. He doesn't know that he'll soon have to struggle with friends who let him down, a physical injury, and two girls hinting at romance.

And one of those girls has a jealous boyfriend who is out to get him.