Record-setting pilot Dick Rutan passed away May 3, 2024. He was 85.
“The last time Dick Rutan flew towards the western horizon was on Dec. 14, 1986, when he and copilot Jeana Yeager set the last great aviation record by flying around the world, nonstop and unrefueled, in nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds in an aircraft called Voyager, designed by his younger brother,
legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan,” family members said in a press release.
A Vietnam veteran, Dick Rutan flew 325 combat missions and was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters, the Collier Trophy and was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice.
During his time in the skies over Vietnam, Dick was a member of an elite group of Fast Forward Air Controllers, often loitering over enemy anti-aircraft positions for six hours or more in a single sortie.
“These extremely hazardous missions had the call sign ‘Misty’ — Dick Rutan was, and will forever be, Misty Four-Zero,” the press release continues.
He spent his last day in the company of friends and family, including his brother, Burt, and passed away peacefully at Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the company of his wife of 25 years, Kris Rutan. He is survived by daughters Holly Hogan and Jill Hoffman, and his four grandchildren, Jack, Sean, Noelle, and Haley.
I had the extreme honor of seeing and hearing Mr. Rutan explain the details of his historic flight, while attending AirVenture as a young aviator, back in 2010. He was mesmerizing and so interesting to listen to. A true American hero in my book.
CAVU Brother Dick. Misty 91 told us about your exploits. See you out West one day.
RIP Dick. He has been an inspiration in my personal aviation endeavors, and life in general, and having been involved in the SpaceShip One project and currently being the owner of a LongEZ makes me proud of having been a part of this family of pioneer’s legacy in such a great era in aviation history. I hope one day our kids have a chance to have people like Dick provide inspiration as well.
Chris
Have a nice flight sir.