Dick Rutan has passed away

[Nigelhg]

Dick Rutan, co-pilot of historic round-the-world flight, dies aged 85

Rutan, known for smooth flying style, survived having to eject twice from planes and being stranded at north pole

www.theguardian.com

One of the greatest pilots has sadly left us.

 

[martinbayer]

Not just a great pilot, but a truly great, outstanding aircraft designer/engineer as well. RIP, Sir.

 

[TomcatViP]

Sadly, Dick Rutan, pilot of Voyager and brother of Burt Rutan died last Friday:

A decorated Vietnam War pilot, Dick Rutan died Friday evening at a hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with Burt and other loved ones by his side. He was 85. His friend Bill Whittle said he died on his own terms when he decided against enduring a second night on oxygen after suffering a severe lung infection.

“He played an airplane like someone plays a grand piano,” said Burt Rutan of his brother, who was often described as has having a velvet arm because of his smooth flying style.

Man who set aviation milestone flying nonstop around the world dead at 85

Dick Rutan, along with copilot Jeana Yeager, completed one of the greatest milestones in aviation history: the first round-the-world flight with no stops or refueling

www.independent.co.uk