Dick Rutan
| Dick Rutan | |
|---|---|
Dick Rutan standing next to the engine of the XCOR EZ-Rocket
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| Born |
July 1, 1938 Loma Linda, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | Reedley Junior College |
| Occupation | Air Force pilot, test pilot |
| Known for | Record-breaking aviator |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Geri Rutan (divorced) Kris Rutan |
| Children | Jill Rutan Hoffman, Holly Rutan |
| Parent(s) | George and Irene Goforth Rutan |
| Relatives |
Burt Rutan Nell Rutan |
| Call-sign |
“Killer” (USAF) KB6LQS (FCC) |
“Killer” (USAF)
Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan (born July 1, 1938) is a record-breaking aviator who piloted the Voyager aircraft around the world non-stop with co-pilot Jeana Yeager. He was born in Loma Linda, California, where he gained an interest in flight at a young age. He is the older brother of aerospace designer Burt Rutan.
He soon began a military career, joining the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program at age 19 and later becoming a lieutenant in the Air Force. Rutan served during the Vietnam War as one of the founding members of the “Mistys” of Operation Commando Sabre, the 1st time pioneering use of tactical jets as a “FastFAC” (Fast Forward Air Controller) for the FAC(A), Forward Air Controller (Airborne), mission, searching for and marking targets with “Willie Petes” (White Phosphorus rockets) ahead of the strike package, and flew 325 missions, but he had to eject when his “Hun” (North American F-100D Super Sabre) aircraft was hit. He had to eject a second time in his Air Force career when his aircraft suffered an engine failure over England. Through his career, he was awarded the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, and a Purple Heart.
He also acted as a test pilot throughout his career, flying multiple designs such as the Fairchild T-46 in 1981 and the XCOR EZ-Rocket in 2001.
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Wikipedia