AVIATION THERAPY
A Story of Perseverance and Personal Growth from the Cockpit
A US Air Force pilot’s life journey..
Take flight on an inspiring journey of personal growth, resilience, and adventure—perfect for aspiring pilots, military history buffs, and anyone seeking a story of perseverance and triumph! Aviation Therapy is a deeply personal aviation memoir—an intersection of extraordinary world events and one man’s transformation through flight. Packed with gripping firsthand accounts and invaluable life lessons, Aviation Therapy is “Chicken Soup for the Skies”—a testament to how aviation can shape character, build confidence, and inspire a sense of purpose.
USAF KC-10 Cockpit
The KC-10 was retired to the Arizona desert in 2024.
USAF C-37/G-V Cockpit
KC-10
Operation Desert Storm in Muscat, Oman, Jan 1991
Dutch KDC-10s
The Royal Netherlands Air Force fleet in formation over Holland in 1995
C-37 (Gulfstream V)
A brand new C-37A over Tampa in July, 2001
Testimonials
“A fantastic read!”
David Dale’s Aviation Therapy is a fantastic read! It was my honor to serve with him in the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron flying that Gucci jet, the KC-10. I laughed out loud and teared up over the experiences he describes so well – the wonderful life-long friends, the laughter and the terrors and surprises that happen when you travel worldwide, and most of all the challenges of growing your operational and leadership skills. What really struck me was recalling so many fine officers and pilots who taught and modeled those skills for us. Those are lessons we both have used in life at every level and are well worth highlighting, especially the importance of your spouse and family, sweating the details, and most of all humility in your service to your country. A great read whether your career is in the rear-view mirror or you are just starting out. Enjoy!
Pam Melroy
Former Deputy Administrator of NASA
Space Shuttle Astronaut and Commander
Air Force Colonel, Retired
About the author..
My Story
Hi! I’m David Dale and I’ve been a pilot since 1978. I started flying as a teenager outside of Houston, Texas earning my Private License at age 18, one week before starting college. I enjoyed a 20-year Air Force career, navigating the B-52 during the Cold War, flying wartime missions in the KC-10, and finishing my military career flying VIPs and military leaders around the world in the Gulfstream G-V.
I’ve enjoyed creative writing from junior high through my college years at the University of Texas. I’ve had articles published in local newspapers and aviation magazines, such as AOPA, and Plane and Pilot. What I’ve discovered is that I started as a shy teenager but my confidence increased because of aviation. Some children overcome challenges with the help of Equine (horse) Therapy. I’ve come out of my shell thanks to Aviation Therapy.
Climb aboard and learn what a pilot goes through during training, how they overcome an engine failure, and what they are thinking when flying a challenging approach during a blizzard. You too can benefit from Aviation Therapy!
Contact the Author:
If you are interested in chatting with me about my book or a career in aviation,
send me an email.