Doug Stimpson
Doug is currently the Chief Aviation Accident Investigator for A.I.R., Inc. of Denver, Colorado and Ko Olina, Hawaii.
He has investigated and performed accident reconstructions on more than 1,550 aviation accidents.
He began his aviation career in the USAF in the capacity of helicopter mechanic, helicopter flight engineer and flight engineer instructor/examiner. He maintained helicopters and served as a helicopter crewmember in Vietnam and other areas of Southeast Asia and received the Air Force Commendation Medal as a member of the 20th Special Operations Squadron.
He currently holds FAA maintenance certificates for A&P and IA and is ATP rated for both multi-engine and single engine airplanes and commercial rotorcraft. Doug also holds Certified Flight Instructor ratings for single, multi-engine, instrument and seaplane. He is a Certified Aircraft Dispatcher for both part 135 and 121 aircraft operations and holds an advanced ground instructor certificate.
He worked for Piper Aircraft Corp. in Lakeland, Florida and Lock Haven, Pennsylvania in the areas of production, R&D, experimental and as a maintenance and flight instructor in Pipers training division. While at Piper he participated in building prototype development aircraft as well as flight testing including obtaining FAA certification.
Doug was responsible for the start-up operations of two large FBO’s obtaining FAA certification for their part 145 Certified Repair Station, part 135 on demand charter and part 141 Approved Flight School. He has received FAA STC approval for aircraft system designs and PMA approval for aircraft parts manufacturing. He was also responsible for establishing, staffing and managing departments in avionics, turbine and piston engine overhaul shops, line and fuel operations and 24 hour aircraft service departments.
He has been continuously employed in the aviation industry for over 41 years and continues to maintain currency in both fixed-wing and helicopters.
Doug has attended a number of USC courses including Helicopter Accident Investigation, Human factors in Aviation Safety, Role of the Technical Witness in Litigation and Safety Management for Aviation Maintenance.