Missing his father, who is stationed in London, Harry befriends all the pilots, especially the heroic squadron leader, Captain Ted Dawson. Although the events occur in another place and time, the inspiration for the characters is a little closer to home. To keep the books from becoming tedious for inexperienced readers, Patterson writes in short chapters that keep the stories moving. He is also mindful that being easily readable does not mean being overly simplistic. In addition to combining a young protagonist with whom the reader can identify, exciting aerial action sequences, and some cool airplanes, Patterson is also careful to include some important lessons in such values as friendship, courage, heroism, and responsibility.
Art is an important component of the series.
Patterson found the illustrator quite by accident when he noticed an advertisement in a historical aviation magazine. Sonny Schug had 20 years of experience as an aviation illustrator, creating pictures of all types of aircraft for publishers and the airline industry. At Patterson's suggestion, Schug, who had never illustrated a children's book, created a retro, 1940s style for the illustrations. The look is both realistic and nostalgic, with just the right amount of detail. Patterson wanted a softened realism.