Twenty-five years ago a group of forward-thinking pilots and engineers accomplished the seemingly impossible. They designed, built, and flew an airplane around the world without stopping or refueling. And they did it without government assistance. The flight of the Rutan Voyager has been called aviation’s last first, and it captivated the world in a way no record-breaking flight has since.
Dick Rutan was a pilot on that flight, and he and his brother, Burt, and friend Jeana Yeager drew up the initial plans for Voyager on a napkin during lunch. The napkin inspiration is practically a cliché at this point, but the Rutans, Yeager, and many volunteers were able to realize an amazing dream that began with lunch.
Rutan shares his thoughts about Voyager and his other aviation adventures in this month’s Debrief on page 56. Flying Voyager was one of Rutan’s many accomplishments over the years, not the least of which was success in combat. But what’s amazing about Rutan is that the skills and mental fortitude he has exhibited over the years to accomplish what he has are simply an extension of what he learned in his initial pilot training.
Rutan, like all other successful pilots with the right stuff, learned to fly just like you are doing today. Sure, some learn in the military, which is a much different environment. But the skills and techniques they learn are almost exactly what are still taught today. Rutan and others are able to reach such a high level because they practice hard and have the right attitude.
Part of the journey of becoming an accomplished and respected pilot is learning more than just what’s in the textbooks. This month we are featuring a number of stories along those lines. “Hot Shots,” written by Jeff Pardo, is a story about the difficulties of starting a hot fuel-injected engine. It’s an interesting examination of one of those skills that will make you look like a pro if you do it correctly and embarrass you if you fail. Trust me, I’ve been embarrassed.
Our cover story this month, “Precision Level-Offs,” is the kind of thing that’s vital to learn while you’re still a student. A good instructor will likely teach you the proper way to transition from cruise to level flight. Leveling off for cruise flight isn’t scored on the practical test and safety isn’t on the line, so many instructors can be forgiven for glossing over this seemingly benign and simple task. But here’s the secret: Your passengers and fellow pilots will judge
your ability to handle the aircraft with basic tasks such as this, and good pilots make it look easy. It’s not just about flying with precision. What’s more important is your ability to make the airplane do what you want at all times and in all phases of flight.
A thirst for knowledge and a precise and steady hand are just two steps on your path to a successful and safe aviation life. What is your napkin dream?
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