Inspirational adventures of Dick Rutan

It was a cold December morning in 1986 when Dick Rutan and co-pilot Jeana Yeager made aviation history and became the first to fly around the world in a homebuilt airplane, Voyager, without stopping to refuel.

Rutan, of Coeur d'Alene, will be the Innovation Collective's honored guest at 6 p.m. Wednesday during this month's Fireside Chat at the Innovation Den, 418 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Rutan is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot, test pilot and record-breaking aviator. Four days after the flight of the Voyager, he was awarded the Presidential Citizen's Medal of Honor by President Ronald Reagan. The medal has been presented only 16 times in the history of the United States.

Rutan set another world record in 2005 for the longest distance in a ground-launched rocket-powered aircraft. He flew in the EZ-Rocket from the Mojave Spaceport to the California City Airport. Known as the "shortest long-distance flight," this record is recognized by the National Aeronautics Association.

These are just a couple of Rutan's many accolades, about which he will be interviewed during the Fireside Chat.

The event is free and open to all ages.

Bottled water, soda, wine and beer will be available.

Info: innovationcollective.co