Author Details

This handbook was originally written by Dale Crane. The eighth edition has been updated and edited by Keith Anderson.

Keith Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Applied Aviation Science Department in the College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science at LeTourneau University. He obtained his A&P certificate in 1983 and received his Inspection Authorization (IA) rating in 1997. He is a commercial pilot with Instrument Rating and is a certified flight instructor. He has an Associate Degree in Aviation Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Aviation Option from LeTourneau University, and an MBA with Management Certificate from Corban University. He has been employed as a mechanic and director of maintenance at several maintenance facilities, including shops operating under Part 135 and Part 121. In addition to his maintenance experience, he flew for eight years for a non-profit mission organization in Venezuela and Guatemala and additionally served as chief inspector for one year for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Uganda.

Following his overseas experiences, he was employed as a design engineer, director of engineering, and director of customer service for a company developing a new single-engine turboprop utility airplane, with additional duties as an Administrative Designated Engineering Representative (DER), and he was the primary point of contact with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office for the successful certification of the aircraft. Keith later became the vice president of engineering for a well-known company that developed supplemental type certificates (STCs) for corporate aircraft and also served as the director of engineering for an aircraft simulation company.

In addition to serving as technical editor for the Aviation Mechanic Handbook, Keith is also the technical editor of the Aviation Mechanic Series General and Airfame Systems textbooks.

Dale Crane (1923–2010) has been part of more aircraft mechanics’ lives than any other author. He loved teaching and it showed in his work. Dale will live on in his work and in the mechanics he helped train.

Dale Crane was involved in aviation for more than 50 years. His credentials include: 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.

For the past 30 years, 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.”

Dale Crane 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.