Air America is a 1990 action comedy starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. as two pilots who join a CIA-backed airline in Vietnam. The film is a classic of its genre and is still regularly quoted today. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable quotes from the movie.
Gene Ryack: “I’m not a soldier, I’m a pilot.”
This line is spoken by Gene Ryack (Gibson) when his partner, Billy Covington (Downey Jr.), is questioning his dedication to their mission. It’s a great line to sum up the character’s commitment to flying and his reluctance to get involved in politics or the war.
“You don’t have to be a hero, just a good pilot.”
This line is spoken by Billy Covington to Gene Ryack as they prepare to take off for their first mission. It’s a great reminder that, even in the midst of conflict, it’s important to stay focused on the task at hand. It’s also a nice sentiment for the audience, as it encourages us to be brave in the face of adversity.
Billy Covington: “This is just like flying a lawnmower, only louder.”
This is a classic line from the movie that perfectly sums up the experience of flying an old-school prop plane. Even though the plane’s engine is loud, it’s still a relatively simple task to keep it in the air. It’s a great line to show the audience how skilled the pilots are, even with the outdated technology.
“This is no longer a war, it’s a business.”
This line is spoken by Gene Ryack to Billy Covington when they arrive in Vietnam and start to understand the scope of their mission. It’s a great illustration of how the war had become less about political ideals and more about making a profit. It’s a sobering reminder of the human cost of war.
“There’s always a way out, no matter how tight the situation is.”
This is another line from the movie that speaks to the ingenuity of the two main characters. They are always able to find a way out of any situation, no matter how dire. It’s a great reminder that, with a little bit of creativity and determination, even the most impossible problems can be solved.
“Sometimes you have to take a risk to get what you want.”
This quote is spoken by Billy Covington when he and Gene are in the middle of a dangerous mission. It’s a great reminder that, sometimes, in order to achieve our goals, we have to take a leap of faith. It’s a powerful statement that encourages us to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are against us.
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
This line is spoken by Gene Ryack when he and Billy are talking about their mission. It’s a great reminder that, sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination. It’s a powerful statement that encourages us to enjoy the moment and appreciate the process, rather than simply focusing on the end goal.
“If you want the job done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself.”
This line is spoken by Billy Covington when he and Gene are having difficulty getting their mission accomplished. It’s a great reminder that, often times, we have to take matters into our own hands in order to get the job done. It’s a powerful statement that encourages us to take ownership of our actions and to strive for excellence.
A Classic Movie with Classic Quotes
Air America is a classic action comedy with some truly memorable quotes. The lines quoted above are just a few of the many memorable lines from the movie. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for some inspiring words, these quotes from Air America are sure to provide some powerful motivation.