Nationality American Alma mater Reedley Junior College Relatives Burt RutanNell Rutan Role Aviator Books Voyager | Citizenship American Name Dick Rutan Spouse Kris Rutan Siblings Burt Rutan | |
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Call-sign “Killer” (USAF)KB6LQS (FCC) Children Jill Rutan Hoffman, Holly Rutan Hoffman Parents Irene Goforth Rutan, George Goforth Rutan | ||
Attitude flying with dick rutan
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.
Contents
- Attitude flying with dick rutan
- Decision making with dick rutan
- Early career
- Campaign for congress
- Records
- Awards and honors
- References
Decision making with dick rutan
Early career
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.
Campaign for congress
In 1992 Rutan ran as a conservative Republican against Democratic congressman George Brown, Jr. in California's 42nd congressional district; comprised mostly by the San Bernardino region of southern California and viewed as a swing district. In the Republican primary, Rutan upset San Bernardino County Supervisor Rob Hammock, who had run a strong race against Brown in 1990. In the general election, Rutan ran on a platform that called for reforming congress and lowering taxes. Brown, first elected in 1962, was long known for surviving close elections and prevailed once more with 79,780 votes (50.7%) to Rutan's 69,251 (44%). Fritz Ward, a Libertarian, received 8,424 votes or 5.3% of the vote.
Records
Besides the records Rutan set while flying Voyager (which consisted of multiple distance records, a speed record and being the first plane to fly non-stop around the world), he has also set a number in his personal LongEze, including: