Dale and Deborah are from Zimbabwe. Shortly after his schooling, Dale obtained his commercial pilot’s license. His experience and that of others showed him the value of being a mechanic as well as a pilot. Mike Dunkley, then a mechanic with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) introduced Dale to missionary aviation. An MAF pilot/mechanic in Zimbabwe told Dale about maintenance training at MMS Aviation. The Coates came to MMS for training and, when that was completed, joined the MMS Staff.

At MMS, Dale is the Chief Inspector. He obtained an FAA A&P mechanic certificate in 1996, and holds an Inspection Authorization.