Dr. Blanton earned three degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and was employed with the General Electric Company for 36 years in design, management, and consulting positions in gas turbine technologies applied to aircraft propulsion and electric power generation. Along the way he was also an Instructor at Virginia Tech and an Adjunct Professor at Union College and the University of Cincinnati. In 2016 he founded Classic Engineering, LLC, provider of technical education and consulting services in gas turbine technologies. He also has joined Practical Aeronautics, Inc. as Teaching Associate. Dr. Blanton has been an active leader and passionate supporter of AIAA and ASME throughout his career and is a Fellow of both societies. He received the Dedicated Service Award from ASME, Distinguished Service Award and Sustained Service Award from AIAA, and was inducted into the Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Society of Distinguished Alumni.