This textbook is based on the original text written by Dale Crane, updated and edited by Dennis Wilt.

Dennis W. Wilt is the Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Consultant, and founder of Wilt Aviation Consulting, LLC. Mr. Wilt has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Florida, as well as a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s of Science in Aviation—Aviation Safety from Florida Institute of Technology. He has been working in the aviation field for over 30 years. He has had a varied career as an engineer and engineering manager working for several major engineering firms. He has done everything from testing oil and gas wells on oil rigs offshore in Louisiana, to managing the program development and certification of the first radios on the Boeing 777. While working on the NASA Small Aircraft Transportation Systems program in the early 2000’s, he assisted in the development of the very first synthetic vision systems used in general aviation.

Mr. Wilt has been a pilot and aircraft owner since 1980. In 2011, he and his wife, Dr. Donna Wilt, completed building an Arion Lightning Experimental—Amateur Built aircraft. Mr. Wilt is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and is the former president and current treasurer of EAA Chapter 1288. He is also a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the AOPA Airport Service Network Volunteer for Sebastian Municipal Airport (X26) in Sebastian, FL, and a member of The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). Aviation is a passion for Mr. Wilt.

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.