Paul McElroy has covered aviation as a reporter and is considered a media expert on the topic of air traffic control. To achieve such a high level of technical accuracy and realism in the novel, the author interviewed more than 100 aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, pilots, avionics specialists and others. He also logged some 80 hours on the scopes at six different control towers, radar rooms, and an en route center. His skill at describing technical concepts in lay terms has won him acclaim from air traffic controllers for his authentic portrayal of their profession.