Based on the novel of the same name by A. Bakhvalov. The plot is based on a story-interview about the testing of the new strategic missile carrier Tu-22K and Tu-22M2/M3 (for well-known reasons, in close-ups, instead of them, the film shot the then less secret Tu-134 UBL - a combat training laboratory) and the tragic events associated with them, given to journalist Odintsov by test pilot Borovsky. Testing of a new jet aircraft, the psychology of human life, the problems and joys of life of pilots...