In 1916, a group of enterprising young Americans embarks on a journey to France to join the French Air Service, known as L'Aéronautique Militaire, amidst the chaos of World War I. Under the command of the dedicated Captain Georges Thenault (Jean Reno), these recruits find themselves mentored by the seasoned flying ace Reed Cassidy (Martin Henderson).
As the pilots face the relentless challenges of aerial combat and prepare for the intense dogfights that characterize their front-line missions, Blaine Rawlings (James Franco), a Texan with a troubled past, decides to enlist after watching a harrowing newsreel depicting the ferocity of aerial warfare. Battling both the foreclosure of his family ranch and his looming fears, he is also captivated by a local woman named Lucienne (Jennifer Decker), a French girl grappling with her own struggles while she lives with her orphaned nephews and niece in a brothel.
Their first encounter comes under tragic circumstances when Blaine's plane crashes due to a fuel shortage, leading to a fateful rescue by Lucienne. Initially mistaking her for a prostitute, Blaine's perceptions rapidly change as their relationship blossoms, but tensions rise as Lucienne fears for his life in the face of danger.
Among the recruits is Briggs Lowry (Tyler Labine), a reluctant army volunteer caught in the grip of his father's expectations. Although the U.S. volunteers are provided with comfortable living conditions, Reed imparts a sobering truth: the average life expectancy of a fighter pilot is a mere six weeks. The squadron is equipped to fly the Nieuport 17, a state-of-the-art French fighter, but their training is minimal, relying on makeshift methods and ingenuity.
Reed instructs the young pilots on practical survival skills in this perilous field, including unconventional tips on dealing with engine failures and fires. Blaine soon learns that Lucienne's presence at the brothel was merely for practical reasons, bringing a sense of relief as they grow closer, yet the specter of imminent danger looms overhead.
On their first perilous mission escorting bombers to strike a German ammunition depot, the rookie pilots find themselves ambushed. Tragically, two of their comrades perish mid-flight, while another is killed on the ground by the ruthless German pilot known as "The Black Falcon" (Gunnar Winbergh). Meanwhile, a fellow pilot named Beagle (David Ellison) finds himself under suspicion for not yet claiming a German plane, with shocking revelations about his past misdemeanors surfacing. Despite this, the camaraderie among the pilots prevails as they choose to place their trust in him.
As the battles unfold, Blaine's confrontation with the chivalrous German pilot Franz Wolferd reveals a complexity in their conflict, as Wolferd spares Blaine's life in a rare act of honor. Together, the pilots face a slew of challenges, including a harrowing rescue mission to save Lucienne and her family when German forces threaten their village. For his heroic efforts, Blaine earns the prestigious Croix De Guerre medal.
The conflict reaches a critical point during an assault on a German Zeppelin, where Reed faces a fatal showdown with the Black Falcon, sacrificing himself for victory. As Blaine and Lucienne’s paths entwine again in Reims, their emotional reunion is shaped by the ongoing turmoil of war.
Blaine’s resolve culminates in a vengeful quest against the Black Falcon, with the support of his fellow pilots, including Jensen (Philip Winchester), who valiantly saves Blaine during an intense dogfight. After a fierce aerial duel, Blaine finally avenges his fallen comrades and defeats the Black Falcon, marking a turning point in their grueling combat experience.
Ultimately, their harrowing journey shapes their destinies; Jensen heads back to a hero’s welcome in Nebraska, whereas Rawlings, despite building a successful ranch in Texas, is left to ponder the absence of Lucienne and the bittersweet memories of his flying days, never to take to the skies again.
