Always

Close friends Pete Sandich and Al Yackey take their vintage water bombers to battle intense wildfires. Their daring efforts highlight the challenges they face as they risk their lives in the cockpit.

Pete's daredevil flying style raises alarms with both Dorinda and Al, who express their fears for his safety. Despite their concerns, Pete remains undeterred by the risks involved in firefighting.

Al informs Pete about a new air attack training base to be established in Flat Rock, Colorado. The position of commanding officer is opening up, presenting a new career path for Pete.

That night, Dorinda shares her feelings with Pete, urging him to consider a more stable job. Hesitant but hopeful for their relationship, Pete agrees to think about it, setting the stage for potential change.

While battling a fierce blaze, Al's plane collides with a burning tree, igniting his engine. In a split-second decision, Pete performs a steep dive to drop retardant on Al's aircraft, saving him but provoking disaster for himself.

As the fiery chaos unfolds, Pete's plane becomes engulfed in flames during a desperate maneuver. Tragically, Pete's aircraft explodes, marking a heartbreaking turn of events for his loved ones.

In the aftermath of his death, Pete wanders through a charred forest and meets a mysterious woman named Hap. She reveals to him that he is dead but assures him his spirit will guide a rookie pilot.

Six months after his death, Pete watches his protege, Ted Baker, at the training base in Flat Rock. He is relieved to see Al in a commanding position, emphasizing the connection between them even after death.

Ted, attempting to follow in Pete's footsteps, shows a lack of preparation, notably in a mishap involving dousing Al with retardant. Pete's spirit influences Al to reconsider Ted's potential despite initial reservations.

Al travels to San Diego to reconnect with Dorinda, who has been working as an air traffic controller. He hopes to rekindle their bond while helping her adjust to life after Pete's death.

Despite Al's warnings, Ted continues to pursue his air attack certification at Flat Rock, leading him to Dorinda's residence. Here, Pete reassures himself, witnessing Dorinda's steadfast love enduring beyond his passing.

Pete encounters Hap again, who tells him he's wasting his spirit by interfering in Dorinda's new life with Ted. She encourages him to let go of his attachment to her to embrace his own freedom.

During a significant wildfire, Dorinda decides to commandeer Ted's plane to lead a rescue mission. Pete, though concerned for her safety, aids her through this treacherous operation, helping her to stay calm and effective.

Pete finally expresses his undying love for Dorinda during a moment of crisis. As Dorinda faces near-death in a malfunctioning plane, Pete appears to rescue her spirit, allowing her to return safely to the surface.

Back on the airfield, Al and Ted support Dorinda as she navigates her new reality. Pete steps away, content with letting go, having found peace as he releases Dorinda to begin a new chapter in her life.