anyone ever met Burt Rutan?

[jim]

Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into space.
He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that laided
back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space, is he a
dick or a cool dude?

[George Patterson]

jim wrote:
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into space.
> He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that laided
> back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space, is he a
> dick or a cool dude?

Depends -- don't let him start talking if there's any indication that there are
people in the audience who objected to the Vietnam War. Other than that, I
listened to him speak to a small group at the Oshkosh museum. Pretty cool guy.

George Patterson
There's plenty of room for all of God's creatures. Right next to the
mashed potatoes.

[Montblack]

("jim" wrote)
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that
> laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space,
> is he a dick or a cool dude?


A: Dick is Burt's brother. Dick flew the Voyager around the world,
non-stop, with Jeana Yeager.

Richard "Dick" Rutan was born in Loma Linda, California, on July 1, 1938. An
eager individual, Rutan earned both his pilot's and driver's licenses on his
16th birthday. At the age of 19 he joined the Air Force Aviation Cadet
Program and was later commissioned a lieutenant in the Air Force. He flew
325 missions over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War until September
1968, when his F-100 plane sustained a hit from enemy fire and he had to
eject from his aircraft. He evaded capture and was rescued by American
forces. Due to his exemplary military record, Rutan received the Silver
Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, and a Purple Heart.

B: I will meet Burt Rutan in 3 weeks - I'll let you know if he is a cool
dude.

C: For the tough jobs, they always call in the minivans!!
http://tinyurl.com/7qa9s
http://tinyurl.com/cpegd


Montblack

[BTIZ]

just a quick introduction when I was touring the Voyager at his place in
Mojave after the round the world trip.. he was busy but did stop to say
hello... must have been my AF Flight suit with B-1 patches..

BT

"jim" > wrote in message
...
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that
> laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space,
> is he a dick or a cool dude?
>

[Morgans]

"Montblack" > wrote

> C: For the tough jobs, they always call in the minivans!!

> http://tinyurl.com/cpegd

Man, that is one good looking hunk, in that orange hat! <g>
--
Jim in NC

[Ron Natalie]

jim wrote:
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into space.
> He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that laided
> back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space, is he a
> dick or a cool dude?
>
>
I got to ride around on a golf cart with him when he came to Margy's
museum. He seemed pretty cool to me. Very gracious to the museum
staff and the hoards of aviation groupies that wanted to meet him.

[Ron Natalie]

George Patterson wrote:

>
> Depends -- don't let him start talking if there's any indication that
> there are people in the audience who objected to the Vietnam War.

He's certainly not afraid to express his opinions. He has rather harsh
words about NASA (which he pronounced "NAY-SAY" during the talk I attended).

[Jay Honeck]

> Man, that is one good looking hunk, in that orange hat! <g>

Yeah, he's showing off his better side....


;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[jim]

"Montblack" > wrote in message
...

>> is he a dick or a cool dude?
>
>
> A: Dick is Burt's brother. Dick flew the Voyager around the world,
> non-stop, with Jeana Yeager.

Haha I forgot he had a brother named Dick.

[John Ousterhout]

jim wrote:
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into space.
> He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that laided
> back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space, is he a
> dick or a cool dude?

I talked to Burt for two minutes once at Oshkosh. He was polite and
patient answering my stupid questions. I also talked to Dick Ruton
once. Likewise.

Mike Melville was a treat to talk to last summer. He seems just like
one of us.

- John Ousterhout -

[Ronald Gardner]

I meet Burt back about '77 at the Watsonville EAA fly in. He was there with
his first Vari Eze. I talked to him for 10 or 15 minutes. Yes he was very
laid back and down to earth friendly, but you just knew this guy really knew
what he was doing and had much more potential. If I hadn't been a poor Air
Force SGT I would have bought a Vari Eze on the spot. I still want one or a
Long Eze, but the timing and money never seem to match up. That Vari Eze is
now in the Smithsonian, along with Art's Chipmunk that I also got a chance to
climb on. Man that makes you feel old!

Ron Gardner

jim wrote:

> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into space.
> He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that laided
> back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space, is he a
> dick or a cool dude?

I attended a talk he gave at UCLA earlier this year. He seemed real nice and
had a passion for what he does. After the presentation was a reception (with
free food! we college students rejoiced.), and Burt came in to get some food
and mingle. Of course, he was instantly and constantly surrounded by
students who asked question after question. He likely wanted a chance to
snack, but happily answered everyone's questions and even posed for some
pictures. One guy came up to him and boldly asked for a job. Burt set up an
interview with him on the spot. That had to feel pretty cool!

One thing I picked up from his speech was that he wants engineers who really
love their field. He doesn't especially care how many degrees they have, he
cares that they have a passion for aerospace and can turn that into results.

And yes, as Ron pointed out, he always referred to NASA as "nay-say."

P.S. I met Melville and Binnie at an EAA 49 banquet a few months ago. Also
cool guys and quite approachable.


-Tony
Student Pilot
Aerospace Engineer Student, Cal Poly Pomona

[Al]

Ron Natalie wrote:
> jim wrote:
>
>> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
>> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is
>> that laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer
>> space, is he a dick or a cool dude?
>>
> I got to ride around on a golf cart with him when he came to Margy's
> museum. He seemed pretty cool to me. Very gracious to the museum
> staff and the hoards of aviation groupies that wanted to meet him.

Many years ago I was interested in one of his aircraft - I think
it was the BD-5.

I called up his organization and spent well over a half an hour
talking to a very amiable, knowledgeable and interesting guy.
It turned out to be Mr. Bert Rutan. I was astonded that he would
spend that much time. Quite a classy guy who probably ought
to guard his time a little more vigilantly.

[ORVAL FAIRBAIRN]

In article >,
Al > wrote:

> Ron Natalie wrote:
> > jim wrote:
> >
> >> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
> >> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is
> >> that laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer
> >> space, is he a dick or a cool dude?
> >>
> > I got to ride around on a golf cart with him when he came to Margy's
> > museum. He seemed pretty cool to me. Very gracious to the museum
> > staff and the hoards of aviation groupies that wanted to meet him.
>
> Many years ago I was interested in one of his aircraft - I think
> it was the BD-5.
>
> I called up his organization and spent well over a half an hour
> talking to a very amiable, knowledgeable and interesting guy.
> It turned out to be Mr. Bert Rutan. I was astonded that he would
> spend that much time. Quite a classy guy who probably ought
> to guard his time a little more vigilantly.

The last time I met Burt was when my nephew graduated from USAF Test
Pilot School (He got the top award, BTW), about 1992.

I ran into him at the bar in the Edwards Officer Club and offered to buy
him a drink. He asked what I was there for and I told him that my nephew
was graduating. HE bought ME the drink; I introduced him around to
everyone there that I knew.

The funny thing is that, the previous Christmas, I flew down to Mojave
to visit my nephew. He tried to pull my leg by telling me that I had
just missed Dick Rutan. Both are neat people and, yes, Burt is just as
laid back as reported.

--
Remove _'s from email address to talk to me.

[Dave Stadt]

"Al" > wrote in message
...
> Ron Natalie wrote:
> > jim wrote:
> >
> >> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
> >> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is
> >> that laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer
> >> space, is he a dick or a cool dude?
> >>
> > I got to ride around on a golf cart with him when he came to Margy's
> > museum. He seemed pretty cool to me. Very gracious to the museum
> > staff and the hoards of aviation groupies that wanted to meet him.
>
> Many years ago I was interested in one of his aircraft - I think
> it was the BD-5.
>
> I called up his organization and spent well over a half an hour
> talking to a very amiable, knowledgeable and interesting guy.
> It turned out to be Mr. Bert Rutan. I was astonded that he would
> spend that much time. Quite a classy guy who probably ought
> to guard his time a little more vigilantly.

If it was a BD5 it for sure was NOT Rutan.

[Ron Natalie]

Dave Stadt wrote:

>
> If it was a BD5 it for sure was NOT Rutan.
>
>

Rutan's planes fly successfully and people who send him
money get what they pay for.

[Steven P. McNicoll]

"Dave Stadt" > wrote in message
...
>
> If it was a BD5 it for sure was NOT Rutan.
>

I believe Rutan worked for Bede before setting out on his own.

[Dave Stadt]

"Ron Natalie" > wrote in message
m...
> Dave Stadt wrote:
>
> >
> > If it was a BD5 it for sure was NOT Rutan.
> >
> >
>
> Rutan's planes fly successfully and people who send him
> money get what they pay for.

And people are still sending him money for his next vaporplane.

[Dave Stadt]

"Steven P. McNicoll" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> "Dave Stadt" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > If it was a BD5 it for sure was NOT Rutan.
> >
>
> I believe Rutan worked for Bede before setting out on his own.
>
I won't hold that against him.

[Morgans]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote
>
> Yeah, he's showing off his better side....

Ouch! ;-)
--
Jim in NC

[Craig R. Bowers]

Hi all;

About 11 or 12 years ago when our son was 4 or 5, we were in the Stater
Bros. Market in Mojave.
Our son decided he wanted to push the shopping cart. So when my wife Tee and
I were not looking
off with the cart went Jody. He ran the cart right into Burt's ankle. Ops.

We said sorry. He said no problem or something like that. And we went on our
way.

Craig in the High Desert.



"jim" > wrote in message
...
> Was watching a video on the minivan that Bert designed and shot into
> space. He seems like a interesting person but I can't believe he is that
> laided back when designing planes and minvans that fly into outer space,
> is he a dick or a cool dude?
>