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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RTCA, Inc.
1150 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-9339
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, DC – May 25, 2023 – Aviation pioneer and inventor C. Don Bateman passed away this past weekend at the age of 91 in Washington State. Over his career, Mr. Bateman received over 40 U.S and 80 foreign patents on aircraft terrain avoidance systems, automatic aircraft flight control systems, stall warning systems, head-up displays, speed control/auto throttle systems, and weight and balance systems. He spent most of his career as the Chief Engineer for Flight Safety Avionics at Honeywell, retiring on July 21, 2016.
Mr. Bateman was the inventor of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). This device, which began to be installed on aircraft in the 1970s, has resulted in a significant reduction in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents thereby saving thousands of lives. This device is now required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be installed on all turbine powered aircraft which carry more than six passengers.
“Many RTCA standards are rooted in the technical work Don had accomplished. I had the distinct honor and privilege of knowing and spending time with Don many times”, said Terry McVenes, President and CEO of RTCA. “In addition to his brilliant mind, he was a man of impeccable integrity, great passion for aviation, and sincerely humble regarding his significant impact to our industry.”
RTCA sends its condolences to the Bateman family as they celebrate Don's life.
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About RTCA, Inc.
RTCA is a private, not-for-profit association founded in 1935 as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics. The mission of RTCA is to inspire the creation and implementation of integrated performance standards that meet changing global aviation environment and ensure the safety, security, sustainability, and overall health of the aviation ecosystem. For further information please visit the RTCA website at www.rtca.org
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