New Market, Virginia

Inducted in 1996, Donald M. Thompson holds an Aeronautical Engineering Degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  He served as an Aeronautical Engineer during WWII, working on many experimental projects including remote control bombers.  After WWII, Don helped launch more than 150 aircraft mechanic careers and "a couple thousand pilots" have been awarded their pilot ratings since 1949 when Don was designated a FAA Pilot Examiner.  He holds the following licenses: Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single and Multi-Engine Land, Airplane Single and Multi-Engine Sea, Rotorcraft-Helicopter, Certified Flight Instructor Airplane Single and Multi-Engine, Certified Instrument Flight Instructor, FAA Ground Instructor, Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic, and Aircraft Inspector.  He has dedicated his life to teaching others about all aspects of aviation including flying, building and repairing aircraft.