The main character is 2nd Lieutenant Uchida Kazuhiro, a helicopter pilot in a search and rescue wing of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

The anime is a part of the Rescue Wings media franchise produced by Bandai Visual which also includes a live-action film released in 2008, where the main character is a female pilot played by Yuko Takayama,[1] as well as two manga series with different stories focusing on search and rescue squads and personnel.

[2] JDS Haruna (DDH-141), on which Hongou lands on to refuel in Episode 3, is a real ship of the JMSDF.

[3] Uchida Kazuhiro joined the JASDF hoping to fly fighter jets, however midway through the pilot training program he was transferred to the rescue helicopter course and was eventually deployed to the Komatsu Rescue Squad as a SAR helicopter pilot.

Initially depressed at his assignment, Uchida's experiences eventually cause him to change his mind.