C. Donald Bateman’s net worth at death – Charles Donald Bateman, a Canadian electrical engineer best known for creating the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death.
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Bateman’s estimated net worth is largely derived from his work as an electrical engineer.
Don Bateman, as he was lovingly known, graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in electrical engineering before commencing his work at Sundstrand Corporation (later Honeywell).
Bateman spent most of his career at Honeywell as Chief Engineer, Flight Safety Avionics.
He created innovative, cost-effective avionic flight systems throughout his career, but he is most recognized for inventing the initial Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) in the late 1960s.

Honeywell has made nearly a billion dollars from their GPWS technology.
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On July 21, 2016, Bateman announced his retirement from Honeywell.
Before retiring, Bateman improved the GPWS into the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS), which addressed the inadequacies of the GPWS by incorporating GPS into its terrain analysis.
The EGPWS can currently forecast the aircraft’s route and the terrain ahead of the aircraft for several miles. Computerized terrain maps with dangerous obstructions and features alert the pilot when it is time to pull up.
Additionally, with EGPWS, landing does not inhibit the performance of the system. In fact, the main focus now is making landing and departure safer, as they are the most dangerous aspects of flying.
Bateman died on 21 May 2023 at age 91.


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