[5] During World War II, Tilton served as a combat merchant marine in the U.S. Navy.
'"[12] The soundtrack to the film features American jazz musicians Willie "The Lion" Smith, Pee Wee Russell, and Pops Foster.
Following its release, the Edmonton Journal wrote that Pilots North "recalls a bold era" with "breath-taking photography.
"[13] The Edmonton Journal also celebrated the film for depicting how "pilot navigators challenged the elements to supply and service the inhabitants of the [Canadian] North and open the way for present aerial routes linking Eastern and Western Canada with the North and Far South.
"[13] Pilots North was narrated by Lanny Lee Hagen and Canadian aviator Stanley Ransom McMillan worked as a technical advisor for the film.