The movie is based on the 1964 novel Nebeští jezdci by Czech World War II RAF and Soviet Air Force air gunner Richard Husmann, writing as Filip Jánský.

312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF pilot, and a member of Guinea Pig Club.

In 1969 Hodder & Stoughton published an English translation of the book as Riders in the Sky.

The name of the book was inspired by a country song Riders in the Sky by American songwriter Stan Jones.

Several members of Czechoslovak RAF Squadrons were present, including Air Marshal Karel Janoušek, KCB.