Dale Crane was involved in aviation for more than 50 years. His credentials included: Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, Designated Mechanic Examiner, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor (airplanes), and Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor.

Dale began his career in the U.S. Navy as a mechanic and flight engineer in PBYs. After World War II, he attended Parks Air College. After college, he worked as an instrument overhaul mechanic, instrument shop manager, and flight test instrumentation engineer. He spent the following 16 years as an instructor, and then became director of an aviation maintenance school.

Dale was active as a writer of aviation technical materials, and a consultant in developing aviation training programs. He participated with the FAA in the Aviation Mechanic Occupation Study, and the Aviation Mechanic Textbook Study. ATEC presented to Dale Crane their special recognition award for "his contribution to the development of aviation technicians as a prolific author of specialized maintenance publications."

He also received the FAA's Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award for 50 years of service in and contributions to the aviation maintenance industry, and "the recognition of his peers for his excellence in aircraft maintenance as a leader, educator, and aviation safety advocate." Dale Crane was the author of ASA's three-volume "Aviation Maintenance Technician Series" textbooks for AMTs, as well as the "AMT Oral & Practical Exam Guide," the original "Fast-Track Series" FAA Test Guides for AMTs, the "Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms," "Practical Electricity for AMTs," and many more publications during his lifetime.

The Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms is updated by the ASA editorial team.