Passing of Don Bateman
Jun 7, 2023, 12:22 pm
#1
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Passing of Don Bateman
Don Bateman, who I think could be considered the inventor of an early version of what became the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, died on May 21, 2023, in Bellevue, Wash.
I knew a little, but learned much more from the obituary in the New York Times. I believe there was also one in the Seattle Times. It was interesting to learn how his interest in airline safety began at the age of 9 after witnessing 2 military planes collide outside his classroom window.
It was sad to read of his re-tracing of the route of AS1866 and reaching the conclusion his invention wouldn't have prevented that 1971 crash. But after the TWA514 crash on December 1, 1974, the FAA mandated the use of his improved device.
(Sad, strange coincidence that another B727, NW6231, also crashed that day due to other causes).
He seems like a true, "unsung" hero who potentially saved many lives.
I knew a little, but learned much more from the obituary in the New York Times. I believe there was also one in the Seattle Times. It was interesting to learn how his interest in airline safety began at the age of 9 after witnessing 2 military planes collide outside his classroom window.
It was sad to read of his re-tracing of the route of AS1866 and reaching the conclusion his invention wouldn't have prevented that 1971 crash. But after the TWA514 crash on December 1, 1974, the FAA mandated the use of his improved device.
(Sad, strange coincidence that another B727, NW6231, also crashed that day due to other causes).
He seems like a true, "unsung" hero who potentially saved many lives.
Jun 7, 2023, 5:26 pm
#2
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Jun 7, 2023, 7:27 pm
#3
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Fascinating fellow, I was unaware of him, which seems ironic given the nature of his most significant contribution to our safety.
I find it amazing that he retired from Honeywell at the age of 84 and hope I can beat that record.
Thank you for sharing!
I find it amazing that he retired from Honeywell at the age of 84 and hope I can beat that record.
Thank you for sharing!
Jun 8, 2023, 9:50 pm
#4
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Thanks for his engineering skill
Avherald.. News: He probably saved more lives than any single person in aviation history
Avherald.. News: He probably saved more lives than any single person in aviation history
He probably saved more lives than any single person in aviation history
By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, May 26th 2023 18:05Z, last updated Friday, May 26th 2023 18:05Z
Flight Safety Foundation's CEO stated: "It is accepted within the industry that Don Bateman has probably saved more lives than any single person in the history of aviation."
Don Bateman, inventor of the GPWS and dedicating all his life to aviation safety, passed away on Sunday (May 21st 2023) aged 91. Don began working as electrical engineer with Sunstrand Corporation and subsequently joined Honeywell for most of his career, and pioneered the Ground Proximity Warning System in the late 1960s (the related patent was granted in 1976) subsequently improving the system into EGPWS as well as other innovative and cost effective avionics devices.
By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, May 26th 2023 18:05Z, last updated Friday, May 26th 2023 18:05Z
Flight Safety Foundation's CEO stated: "It is accepted within the industry that Don Bateman has probably saved more lives than any single person in the history of aviation."
Don Bateman, inventor of the GPWS and dedicating all his life to aviation safety, passed away on Sunday (May 21st 2023) aged 91. Don began working as electrical engineer with Sunstrand Corporation and subsequently joined Honeywell for most of his career, and pioneered the Ground Proximity Warning System in the late 1960s (the related patent was granted in 1976) subsequently improving the system into EGPWS as well as other innovative and cost effective avionics devices.