Don Knutson's whole career has been focused on aviation-related work. He started in the aviation industry working as an FAA A&P mechanic on numerous models of airplanes and helicopters, and continued his career working as a Mechanical Engineer involved with testing, analysis and accident investigation. Don has "hands-on" aviation experience as an engineer, mechanic, pilot (airplane and helicopter) and accident investigator. He has been an A&P mechanic since 1981, a pilot since 1984, a mechanical engineer since 1990, and has conducted more than 170 comprehensive aircraft accident investigations throughout the world. Aviation is both his profession and hobby, where he utilizes his FAA Inspection Authorization, stays active as an airplane and helicopter pilot, and helps build light aircraft. Don also develops and teaches accredited aircraft accident investigation courses to undergraduate and graduate engineering students as well as journeymen engineers through the Wichita State University Aerospace Engineering Department (Wichita, Kansas). Boeing's military operations in Wichita used his basic and advanced courses for training their engineers who are slated for supporting U.S. Air Force investigations.