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Dick Rutan | ||||
Voyager aircraft's non-stop and unrefueled flight
around the world in December of 1986 placed Mojave proudly on the map and
placed Dick Rutan in the history books.
In December of 2005, Dick set
another world record. This record was set in the EZ-Rocket for the longest
distance in a ground launched rocket powered aircraft. He flew from the
Mojave Spaceport to the California City Airport. Touted as the "shortest
long distance flight," this record is recognized by the National Aeronautics
Association (NAA), and is in the record books. On board that flight, Dick
carried mail to be delivered to California City, as well as American flag
patches and flight covers that will be sold to raise money for The Dick
Rutan Scholarship Fund, a fund that awards multiple scholarships each year.
In April of 2006, Dick was awarded the NAA "Most Memorable Flight of 2005"
award in Washington, DC for the flight from the Mojave Spaceport to the
California City Airport. Also, for that record setting flight, Dick was
awarded the Louis Bleriot Medal in November of 2006. This prestigious medal
was established in 1936 in memory of Louis Bleriot, a great aviation
pioneer.
In 2003, Dick Rutan was elected as a director of the East Kern
Airport District (EKAD). With the launches and successes of Burt Rutan's
(Dick's brother) SpaceShipOne, the EKAD has attained status of Spaceport as
well. Dick is proud to be a governing member of this newly emerging space
tourism industry.
In June of 2003, Dick Rutan became an Eagle at the
Gathering of Eagles in Montgomery, Alabama. This prestigious honor was his
in 1988, two years after the Voyager flight, and they brought him back for a
second induction to honor his service in the Air Force. He will join the
ranks with aviation and space greats including Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan,
Neil Armstrong, Pete Conrad, and other flyers that include Pappy Boyington,
Joe Engle, and many others.
In July of 2002, Dick Rutan was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. This esteemed enshrinement honored Dick and three other Americans "whose heroism helped define 20th Century America."
In 2001, Dick Rutan became the chief test pilot for XCOR and has been flying the first-ever rocket powered experimental Long EZ (pronounced Long Easy). Named the EZRocket, this air vehicle has not only set a world record, but the proof of concept is also setting the future for rocket travel and the intensifying sport of rocket powered aircraft racing.
In May of 2000, Dick Rutan was a last minute addition to a sightseeing airplane trek to the North Pole. The biplane, a Russian AN-2 Antonov, landed beautifully on the glass-like ice, but within seconds, the joyride was headed for disaster. Unseasonably thin, the ice quickly began to stress and crack under the weight of the plane. A quick power-up to 'go-around' and locate a thicker spot on the ice resulted in the aircraft suddenly dipping nose first through the ice, sinking toward the freezing ocean, and certain death. The wings of the AN-2 suspended the aircraft so the crew could retrieve their survival equipment that was packed in the rear of the sinking plane. For more than a dozen hours, the crew was stranded at the top of the world. In the distance, they heard a faint engine and soon would see the Twin Otter from First Air that would rescue them and return them to their families.
Dick obtained his balloon pilot's license
in 1995 (Commercial free air balloon; helium and hot air). In 1998, Dick
Rutan attempted to make the first ever flight around the world in a balloon
in the Global Hilton. That attempt ended three hours after takeoff. The
balloon's helium cell ruptured (due to a manufacturer's defect) while the
team floated at 30,000 feet. When the crew was at a safer 6,000 foot
altitude, the crew dramatically bailed from the crippled craft. The capsule
landed unmanned in Texas and burst into flames.
Within minutes of
landing on terra firma, Dick pledged to try again, and built a second
capsule called World Quest. This, with a new constrained volume helium
lifting system (super pressure style) held promise Dick would indeed succeed
in balloon world flight. The World Quest Project ceased when a rival team
captured the milestone in March of 1999.
From April 4th to June 24th of
1997, Dick completed The Spirit of EAA Friendship World Tour, along with
flight lead, Mike Melvill. This "Around The World In 80 Nights" flight was
completed in two small experimental Long-EZ aircraft that Dick and Mike
built side by side two decades ago.
Since Voyager's world flight, Dick
has been traveling the world on the lecture circuit, telling his tale of the
magnificent Voyager project and flight and of the North Pole adventure. The
Voyager story is one of tremendous courage, of vision, and of adventure and
is often referred to as 'aviation's last first.'
Dick received both his
solo pilot's license and driver's license on his sixteenth birthday. At the
age of nineteen, Dick joined the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, was
commission Lieutenant and later received a Bachelor of Science Degree at the
American Technological University through the Air Force Professional
Education "Boot Strap" Program.
As a Tactical Air Command fighter pilot during most of his two decades in the Air Force, Rutan flew 325 combat missions in Vietnam, 105 of them as a member of a high-risk classified operation commonly known as the "MISTY's." While on his last strike reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam in September of 1968, he was hit by enemy ground fire, and forced to eject from his burning F-100. Dick evaded enemy capture and was later rescued by the Air Force's "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter team. Before retiring from the Air Force in 1978, Lt. Col. Rutan had been awarded the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals and the Purple Heart.
After retirement, Dick joined his brother, Burt, as Production Manager and Chief Test Pilot for Rutan Aircraft Factory. Dick Rutan flew the test flight development program of many military and civilian experimental aircraft and set numerous world speed and distance records in his Long-EZ, a popular Rutan designed home-built airplane. Dick was awarded the Louis Bleriot Medal by the prestigious Federation Aeronautique Internationale during a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium in recognition of these record-setting flights.
In early 1981, Dick Rutan resigned from his brother's company and founded Voyager Aircraft, Inc., and prepared to complete the first-ever around the world, non-stop, non-refueled flight. On the morning of December 14, 1986, a fuel laden Voyager took off on the history making flight. Nine days, three minutes and forty four seconds later, Dick set the storm-battered Voyager down on the dry lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, successfully completing the six-year quest. The Voyager is now proudly suspended in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum's "Milestones of Flight" gallery in our nation's capitol.
Four days following the historic flight of the Voyager, President Ronald Reagan awarded Dick the Presidential Citizen's Medal of Honor at a special ceremony. The medal has been presented only sixteen times in the history of the United States.
Dick's wife, Kris, is a
kindergarten teacher. Together, they have four daughters and nine
grandchildren.
Dick remembers
his very first aviation adventure vividly. He was six years old when he and
his mother went to an old farm field for a true barnstorming ride. Mom Rutan
was armed with a fist full of hard-earned dollar bills. The duo climbed into
the old plane and Dick begged his mother to allow him to stand so he could
see out of the window. The little plane hopped and skipped down an old bumpy
dirt road and suddenly was airborne. As Dick saw the earth beneath him, his
view of how he wanted to see the world was changed forever.
Dick's narration about his career
in the Air Force, Voyager's flight around the world, a second world flight
in a homebuilt, record setting in a rocket powered airplane, being stranded
on the North Pole, and many other adventures will keep your audience on the
edge of their seats!
This program is best at 90 minutes, but can be
abbreviated to fit your schedule.
Dream, Believe, Accomplish (60-90
minutes with multimedia)
Dick shares his experience with believing in one's self and one's team. His
view of setting goals and sub goals and reaching toward the impossible are
irresistible messages for everyone - from youth to executive, from laborer
to professional, his message will spark the creative genius within! Your
audience will be empowered to begin their own journey of setting and
reaching goals they never believed possible. A master story-teller, Dick
Rutan's recall of his many dramatic adventures will prove that, "You are
limited only by what you can dream."
An Arctic Adventure (60 minutes
with multimedia)
In May of
2000, Dick Rutan was a last minute addition to a sightseeing airplane trek
to the North Pole. The biplane, a Russian AN-2 Antonov, landed beautifully
on the glass-like ice, but within seconds, the joyride was headed for
disaster. Unseasonably thin, the ice quickly began to stress and crack under
the weight of the plane. A quick power-up to 'go-around' and locate a
thicker spot on the ice resulted in the aircraft suddenly dipping nose first
through the ice, sinking toward the freezing ocean, and certain death. The
wings of the AN-2 suspended the aircraft so the crew could retrieve their
survival equipment that was packed in the rear of the sinking plane. For
more than a dozen hours, the crew was stranded at the top of the world. In
the distance, they heard a faint engine and soon would see the Twin Otter
from First Air that would rescue them and return them to their families.
Learn and laugh at Dick's
disappointment that the rescue came so soon!
Keynote Address (20-40 minutes -
lecture only, no multimedia)
For meeting and conference kick-offs or wrap ups to
leadership or management groups, Dick Rutan is at the ready to inspire and
excite the members of your audience! Lecture tailored to your group, Dick
can parallel the theme and messages from your company through his
entertaining and motivating address.
Donn – New Albany, IN
Dick Rutan’s presence at our event
and his presentations were a thrill for us and all of our attendees. Many
people complimented me on our decision to have Mr. Rutan as our keynote
speaker. His overall theme of courage, risk and reward was a perfect fit for
our summit. Everyone was commenting on how they didn’t realize a tenth of
the real drama, danger, heroism and skill involved with the Voyager mission.
On top of his legacy and presentations, Dick’s speaking skills are
excellent. I highly recommend Dick Rutan and your organization for anyone
who is planning an event.
Joseph Feord – Munro & Associates, Inc. – Troy, MI
He is one of the best motivational
speakers I’ve ever heard. He described the Voyager project in a broader
context of dreams, goals, and an innovative, creative spirit. Dick Rutan is
very patriotic and speaks his mind about the military and the future of
aviation and space. His mix of humor and genuine sharing of emotions makes
for a powerful, inspiring speech. This clearly is the highlight of the trip
for me. If you ever have a chance to hear Dick’s story or talk with him,
don’t pass it up!
Earl – Cincinnati, OH
I just wanted to thank you for the
speech at the FAA IA renewal at Merrill Field in Alaska. I have been in
aviation for 18 years, the thrill and luster has worn down, but you are very
inspirational!! You challenged me to try a little harder, accept a challenge
and never quit dreaming. I just wanted to thank you for taking time out of
your life and away from family to visit us. You affected many of us that
day.
Shannon –
Anchorage, AK
I believe our audience was truly entertained and
received a message from Dick. I think we made a great choice.
Jack – Simi Valley, CA
You are
truly a remarkable person and an inspiration. After many, many luncheons and
dinners, I can honestly say that you are one of only two keynote speakers
that left such an impression on me. You tell your story with an excitement
and heartfelt emotion that permeates the room.
Keep on dreaming – we can’t wait
to see what you do next!
Denise – Albuquerque, NM
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