Stories of Perseverance and Personal Growth from the Cockpit
Aviation Therapy chronicles Dale’s remarkable transformation through flight—from B-52 nuclear alert missions during the Cold War to wartime refueling in Desert Storm and Bosnia, then flying General Tommy Franks after 9/11. This inspiring memoir reveals how aviation shaped one man’s journey from quiet navigator to commanding an elite squadron.
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. From navigating B-52 nuclear alert missions during the Cold War to wartime air refueling in Desert Storm and the Bosnian War, to flying General Tommy Franks after 9/11, Dale’s journey took him from a quiet navigator to commanding an elite squadron responsible for flying the nation’s top military leaders.
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 resilience, and inspire personal growth.
Fasten your seatbelt—your journey into the skies begins here!
Category: Memoir, Nonfiction
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
ISBN (paperback): 978-1-965766-22-4
ISBN (ebook): 978-1-965766-23-1
Pages: 398
Trim size: 6 x 9
Retired Air Force Colonel Pam Melroy, Former NASA Astronaut, STS-92, STS-122, STS-120, Former Deputy Administrator of NASA“David Dale’s Aviation Therapy is a fantastic read! It was my honor to serve with him in the 32ARS 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!”
Barbara Radnofsky, co-author of The Barber, The Astronaut, and The Golf Ball“A heartening, handsome aviator’s memoir. We experience Dale’s schoolboy intensity, thrills, achievements — and an early, shuddering near-miss which sets the stage for life lessons from a distinguished aviator’s career.”
Terry Pappas, retired pilot, USAF and NASA“This book is an inside look at a USAF officer, who’s career included being a USAF navigator and then transitioning to being a USAF pilot. It’s highly personal and well written. It covers many of his training and operational events. As a retired USAF pilot myself, I enjoyed many of David’s descriptions of his flying experiences. If you like aviation, you’ll like this book.”
Retired Air Force Colonel Pam Melroy, Former NASA Astronaut, STS-92, STS-122, STS-120, Former Deputy Administrator of NASA“David Dale’s Aviation Therapy is a fantastic read! It was my honor to serve with him in the 32ARS 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!”
Barbara Radnofsky, co-author of The Barber, The Astronaut, and The Golf Ball“A heartening, handsome aviator’s memoir. We experience Dale’s schoolboy intensity, thrills, achievements — and an early, shuddering near-miss which sets the stage for life lessons from a distinguished aviator’s career.”
Terry Pappas, retired pilot, USAF and NASA“This book is an inside look at a USAF officer, who’s career included being a USAF navigator and then transitioning to being a USAF pilot. It’s highly personal and well written. It covers many of his training and operational events. As a retired USAF pilot myself, I enjoyed many of David’s descriptions of his flying experiences. If you like aviation, you’ll like this book.”
Retired Air Force Col. Dennis Dolle“Every military career is unique, but David captures the excitement, the challenges, the highs of victory, the lows of disappointment, and the satisfaction of serving his country in the wide variety of assignments a career officer can be expected to complete. He, his wife, Karin, and their children comprise the quintessential Air Force family, facing all the highs and lows of military life together and supporting others on the same path. They are just a single example of thousands of military families who have served, and serve today, throughout the world. David’s book will be of interest not only to those who are just looking for a really good read, but also to young men and women contemplating service to their country as Air Force officers and airmen. David tells it like it is!”
Retired Air Force Col. Bruce Hurd, author of Amazon No. 1 best seller Aim Point: An Air Force Pilot’s Lessons for Navigating Life“Aviation Therapy is the engaging story of Air Force pilot David Dale, a lifelong aviator who soloed at age sixteen, and got his pilot’s license one week before starting college. His remarkable adventures directly intersect with important points in our recent history, including the Cold War, Gulf War, Somalia, Rwanda, 9/11, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, among other pivotal events. With an often-expressed sense of humor, he describes the life of a career Air Force pilot, officer, and crew member in a very engaging and personable way. Skillfully told from the perspective of a family man with faith, integrity, and pride in what he represents, this book is for all military, aviation, and history enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper appreciation of each of those areas. Enjoy.”
Lucy Pendleton, Purple Pen Copy Editor“Aviation Therapy puts you in the cockpit with vivid descriptions, taking you through training, testing, and actual missions for multiple Air Force aircraft. David gives us a unique view of world events from his “work space” forty thousand feet in the sky. This book shares military success, yes, but also relatable tales of failure that extend beyond military life. It is through these disappointments that we see the grit and determination to reach one’s goals—and, when that doesn’t work, the flexibility to forge a new path. Ribbons of family, friends, love, and leadership wind their way through these captivating stories.”
Retired Southwest Airlines captain and retired Air Force Lt. Col. W.J. “Dub” Splawn“This remarkable memoir of Dave’s life and career reminds me again that a man makes his plans, but it’s the Lord who directs his steps. And, in the end, God’s direction far exceeded Dave’s initial hopes and expectations. That’s especially true for one blessed with a wife to encourage him along their path. What an exceptional path that has been! It’s been a distinct joy and privilege for me to have served with Dave both in the KC-10 and at Southwest Airlines.”
Retired Air Force Col. Carl Meade, former NASA astronaut, STS 38, 50, and 64“I thoroughly enjoyed reading of David’s incredible pathway through the labyrinth of military life as an Air Force pilot! The diversity of adventures and experiences, along with his bits of wisdom, are truly inspiring. I just wish the book was available before I started my own career. It would have saved me a lot of angst. Very well written, and a great read.”
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