This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of aviation’s “last first,” when Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager crammed into Voyager and flew around the world nonstop and without refueling. The flight was only one in Rutan’s distinguished career as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and aviation adventurer.
Started in aviation… I think I was born interested in aviation. I took my first flight—a barnstorming flight in a Piper J-5 Cub—when I was 6 years old. I still remember every moment of that magical day—the smell of the musty old seats and the airplane bouncing across the field as it became airborne.
Record breaking… I’m not as interested in breaking records as I am in setting milestones—records that have never been attempted before. To be the first is always a goal, and a challenge. After all, who was the second guy to break the speed of sound after Chuck Yeager?
Impact of Voyager… People and press from around the world were captivated by the dream of this small group of aviators in the small desert town of Mojave [California]. We had no idea of the level of interest until we reentered Edwards Air Force Base airspace and saw over 10,000 people and cars lining the runways waiting to welcome us home. It is difficult to determine how the Voyager flight changed aviation. What the flight did for America was remind people that ‘if you can dream it, you can do it!’ I will always hope the Voyager project was an entrepreneurial shot in the arm to people young and old.
Pressure in the cockpit… To deal with stress or pressure in the cockpit, a pilot just has to be ready for anything. Never get too comfortable in the pilot’s seat. Always be prepared, and always have a back-up plan. I’ve had to bail out of two jet fighters and a balloon, and have had way too many mayday landings.
Advice for students… Become involved in keeping our freedom of flying what it is. Stay on top of rules and rule changes, and if there’s something you don’t like or don’t agree with, write letters, send e-mail, or call your government officials. Fly safe, stay current, and know you can continue to learn to become a better pilot with every flight.
