The film's three episodes - illustrating the importance of aircraft in the maintenance of remote pioneering communities - are linked by letters written by a family of brothers.

Andrew McNeil, living in the Outer Hebrides, hears how Malcolm was rescued by a De Havilland Otter after breaking a leg while gold prospecting in Canada, and John writes about his family's dependence on the weekly airplane which visits their Australian cattle station. Several American-style ballads are introduced as an aid to atmosphere.