anyone ever met Burt Rutan?

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.

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).

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