The co-pilot Paul Mittelstedt is feeling good about his final flight before the test for his pilot's license, but then he finds out that Marlies has fallen in love with another man.
The IL-62 needs an inspection after being struck by lightning. This means that only Paul Mittelstedt can go see the Cuban pilot Santiago Cordoba. Paul falls for Santiago's fiancée. When Santiago finds out he challenges Paul to a duel.