Dick Rutan, a decorated Vietnam War pilot who co-piloted the history-making Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, refuel-free circumnavigation of the globe, passed away on May 3 at the age of 85.
By Government of the United States – <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external free” href=”http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm”>http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm</a>], Public Domain, Link
Rutan, alongside his co-pilot Jeana Yeager and his brother, renowned aeronautical engineer Burt Rutan, etched their names in aviation history with the successful completion of the Voyager project in 1986. The project, a culmination of six years of meticulous design and testing, pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible in flight.
The journey was fraught with potential pitfalls. The specially designed Voyager, a lightweight graphite aircraft, faced challenges during testing, including mechanical failures and the inability to handle turbulence when fully loaded. Additionally, the pilots faced the daunting task of enduring a lengthy flight with minimal sleep. However, Dick Rutan’s unwavering optimism and unwavering trust in his brother’s engineering skills kept the team focused on their objective.
Despite a near-disastrous takeoff incident where the plane’s wingtips scraped the runway due to its heavy fuel load, Rutan’s exceptional piloting skills ensured a smooth liftoff. Nine days and three minutes later, they had achieved the seemingly impossible, landing to a hero’s welcome as thousands gathered to witness a historic moment in aviation.
A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Rutan flew more than 300 combat missions and received numerous accolades, including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Beyond his military service, Rutan was a true adventurer, known for experiences like a harrowing multi-day stranding at the North Pole. His pursuit of pushing boundaries continued beyond Voyager, as evidenced by his 2005 feat of piloting a rocket-powered aircraft for the first time with U.S. mail aboard.
Dick Rutan’s life serves as an inspiration for his unwavering courage, dedication to innovation, and relentless pursuit of dreams. His contributions to the world of aviation, encompassing his service as a military pilot, his groundbreaking flight on Voyager, and his continued exploration of flight possibilities, solidify his place as a legend in the history of aerospace exploration.
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