Leaving an arranged marriage to Reverend Rankin Barnes (James Stephens), Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes (Bertinelli) takes an interest in flying light planes in the 1920s, and soon rivals Amelia Earhart (Nance Williams), breaking world speed records. Barnes is hired by Howard Hughes (David Kockinis) to do stunt flying for the film Hell’s Angels, instigates the formation of the Associated Motion Picture Pilots, was a World War II Air Force Civilian Pilot Trainer, and establishes the Happy Bottom Riding Club as a mess hall for pilots and former servicemen.