Dick Rutan was a pilot who, in 1986, became one of the first two pilots to circumnavigate the globe in a non-stop flight without refueling.
- Died: May 3, 2024 (Who else died on May 3?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho of complications from long COVID at the age of 85.
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Dick Rutan’s legacy
Before he became internationally known for his groundbreaking flight, Rutan had a decorated career in the U.S. Air Force. He served from 1959 until his retirement in 1978 as lieutenant colonel, including distinguished service in the Vietnam War. He was a founding member of Operation Commando Sabre, the famed “Mistys” who flew “Fast FAC” aircraft to direct bombings for greater accuracy. He once had to eject when his plane was hit by enemy fire. Rutan was honored with such decorations as the Silver Star, 16 Air Medals, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and a Purple Heart.
Rutan was the older brother of aircraft designer Burt Rutan, and after his military service, he flew test flights in many of his sibling’s designs. The most notable was Voyager, a lightweight aircraft that held more than four times its weight in fuel. It was designed to fly around the world with no stops and no refueling, and in 1986, Rutan and his then-partner, Jeana Yeager, set out from California’s Edwards Air Force Base to test it.
Their flight took nine days, during which Rutan and Yeager took turns at the helm. However, he reportedly piloted the plane for most of the first three days without a break, due to the close quarters of the cockpit making it difficult to switch positions. Rutan later noted that he was sure he would die on the record-breaking flight, but they made a safe landing at Edwards AFB with just 18 gallons of fuel remaining.
After their successful flight, Rutan and Yeager traveled widely to make media appearances, and they were honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Ronald Reagan (1911–2004). Rutan set several other records in aircraft of his brother’s design, such as the Rutan VariEze and the Long-EZ. He is a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Notable quote
“In 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew a harrowing flight across the Atlantic. Now you can buy an airline ticket and do that. We are constantly advancing in technology and creating breakthroughs. For the Voyager flight, GPS was in its infancy, very few satellites were up. You could get positioning every 24 hours or so. Now it’s in your car and on your cell phone … That’s progress.” — from a 2005 interview with Mark Trulson
Tributes to Dick Rutan
Full obituary: Air Force Times
