! Home !

Burt and Dick Rutan Birthday Bash

June 28th marked the birthday celebration of Burt and Dick Rutan at Mojave, California and a few hundred of their friends dropped in to attend the party.  Many canard pilots (about 100 in number) flew to Mojave in canard aircraft that were created by the design genius of Burt Rutan.  They just kept coming - some flew in as early as the day before so they would not be weathered in at their local airports - and they came from all parts of the country.  And a whole bunch who could not fly in, drove (400 attendees in all).  Such is the love and admiration that they feel for the man that changed the face of the homebuilt experimental aircraft movement - and many other segments of the aircraft industry as well.

Myriad winglets stand in salute in the hot Mojave sun.

The brothers entertained the gathering with an informal discussion on Burt's design activities over the years and Dick's adventures in the air, from his military days to the Voyager around-the-world flight and now rocket powered Long-EZ flights.  Then Burt gave an engrossing presentation that covered the design history of Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled Composites.  The number of original designs he has done over the years is legendary, and it was pointed out that in all of the extensive test programs flown in these dozens of aircraft, not a single life was lost - a remarkable record when compared to other government and corporate aircraft test programs. 

Then, to much applause, Burt gave a detailed presentation on the space flight program that they have embarked upon at Scaled.  It included many photos of the White Knight and SpaceShipOne.  Then he showed great videos of some of the test flights and rocket tests.  The videos of formation flights of the White Knight and Proteus were beautiful, and a segment showing the climb capabilities of the White Knight as it climbed rapidly away from Proteus (also in a climb and no slouch in that department) was extremely impressive. 

The pilots (and future astronauts) who pilot these craft were in attendance, and when Burt was asked if he was going to be a future passenger, replied.... "You bet your sweet a** I am".  Had he asked, he would have had over 200 more volunteers!

Then came the announcement that everyone was hoping for.  There would be a tour of the Scaled hanger to see the White Knight and SpaceShipOne close up.  Burt and Mike Melvill conducted two large groups through the hangar where Burt described the craft, explained their construction, answered questions, and allowed close examination of these incredible machines.  Unfortunately, no photos were allowed, so you'll have to trust me when I tell you that this was a truly remarkable experience.

Tonya Rutan organized a party that fed over 200 people

Burt is now 60 years old and Dick is 65, and many of those in attendance were 'mature" enough to show gray or balding heads, but it was a group of people young in spirit and full of excitement for what is to come.  The builders and fliers came to say "Thank you, Burt" for the many hours and years of pleasure and adventure they have enjoyed while building and flying his creations.  They honored two people who have been an inspiration to thousands of aviators, homebuilders, and future aviation entrepreneurs. 

It was also an opportunity to greet old flying friends, trade a few stories, and wander around admiring each others airplanes.  Some of them are shown below....

Boomerang

Mike Melvill (right) with his around-the-world Long-EZ

   


Thanks, Burt!