Dick Rutan | |
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![]() Rutan standing next to the engine of the XCOR EZ-Rocket in 2001 | |
Born | Richard Glenn Rutan July 1, 1938 Loma Linda, California, U.S. |
Died | May 3, 2024 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, U.S. | (aged 85)
Alma mater | Reedley College |
Occupation(s) | Air Force pilot, test pilot |
Years active | 1959–2005 |
Known for | Record-breaking aviator |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Geri Rutan (divorced) Kris Rutan |
Children | 2[1] |
Relatives | Burt Rutan Nell Rutan |
Call sign | "Killer"[2] (USAF) KB6LQS (FCC) |
Richard Glenn Rutan (July 1, 1938 – May 3, 2024) was an American military aviator and officer. He was also a record-breaking test pilot who in 1986 piloted the Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, non-refueled around-the-world flight with co-pilot Jeana Yeager. Rutan was born and raised in Loma Linda, California, where he gained an interest in flying at a young age. He was the older brother of famed aerospace designer Burt Rutan, whose many earlier original designs Dick piloted on class record-breaking flights, including Voyager.