Zero Hour!

The closing days of World War II see six Royal Air Force fighters die due to a command decision; Stryker survives but carries the guilt. He blames himself for the losses and sinks into depression, losing the will to fly. Years later in Winnipeg, the aftermath of the war continues to haunt him as his civilian life falters and his marriage strains.

In civilian life in Winnipeg, Stryker tries a string of jobs to keep busy while the memories of the war weigh on him. His guilt hampers his confidence, and his marriage deteriorates as he struggles with depression and anxiety. The city becomes a backdrop to his ongoing inner battle to reclaim his sense of purpose.

Stryker discovers a note at home revealing that Ellen has taken their son Joey and flown to Vancouver. He rushes to Winnipeg Airport to catch Cross-Canada Air Lines Flight 714, begging for one last chance to repair their marriage. Ellen refuses, stating she cannot love a man she does not respect.

Stewardess Janet Turner begins meal service and announces meat or fish. A number of passengers and the co-pilot fall ill, and a doctor aboard identifies the fish as the culprit. The pilot becomes seriously ill as well, and before losing consciousness he engages the autopilot to keep the plane aloft. The immediate crisis demands action from someone with flying experience.

The stewardess realizes Stryker is the only passenger with flying experience, but he has not flown in a decade and has never piloted an aircraft this large. He is reluctantly drawn into piloting duties as the cabin crew and doctor look to him for a solution. Ellen joins him in the cockpit to help with radio communications.

Dense fog prevents landing at Calgary or any airport east of the Rockies, so the plane must continue on toward Vancouver. Passengers face the uncertainty of their fate as the crew tries to delay the landing until help can arrive. The decision to push on tests Stryker's resolve and skill.

Stryker's wartime superior, Captain Treleaven, is summoned to Vancouver Airport and makes it clear he blames Stryker for the wartime deaths. He has little faith in Stryker, but he has no choice but to work with him to land the plane. Treleaven begins to use Stryker to learn the aircraft while Ellen assists with the radio.

As Vancouver lies shrouded in fog, Treleaven orders a hold for hours in the hope the weather lifts. Stryker, however, decides to press for a quick landing because passengers need medical attention urgently. The tension between caution and action peaks as the flight progresses.

Stryker makes a rough landing but manages to touch down without injuring any passengers. The risky descent marks his return to the cockpit and the first step toward reclaiming his self-belief. Ellen and Treleaven witness the achievement, beginning to reassess him.

The successful landing allows Stryker to conquer his demons and win back the respect of both Ellen and Captain Treleaven. With his confidence restored, he takes the first steps toward rebuilding his life and continuing to fly again. The flight that tested him ultimately becomes a turning point in his personal and professional redemption.