Richard 'Dick' Glenn Rutan, 85

Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Rutan, (USAF Retired)

July 1, 1938, to May 3, 2024

Legendary pilot Dick Rutan, whose round-the-world flight made history in 1986, slipped the surly bonds of Earth on May 3, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His beloved wife, Kris, was at his side as he passed.

Raised in Dinuba, Calif., Dick fostered dreams of joining the Air Force and flying fighter jets from an early age. He earned his pilot wings and driver’s license on the same day — his 16th birthday. Three years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Rutan flew 325 combat missions in Vietnam, 105 of those as a member of the Misty” squadron, a high-risk, classified Air Force unit.

Dick retired from the Air Force in 1978, having served two decades, earning 16 Air Medals, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

After retirement, he worked as a test pilot for the Mojave aerospace company founded by his brother, Burt. There, Dick flew research and development flights of both military and civilian experimental aircraft. He set world speed and distance records in the airplane he built with his own hands — the Long-EZ.

Dick founded Voyager Aircraft, Inc. in 1981 to meet a challenge presented by his brother — be the first to fly around the world non-stop, non-refueled. The grassroots effort drew hundreds of volunteers worldwide to support the endeavor.  

On Dec. 14, 1986, the Voyager took off on its historic flight. Nine days later, Dick set the storm-battered Voyager down at Edwards Air Force Base to achieve “Aviation’s Last, First Milestone." 

Dick Rutan, co-pilot Jeana Yeager, Burt Rutan and their team of volunteers were awarded the Collier Trophy — the highest honor in American aviation, and the Presidential Citizen’s Medal presented by President Ronald Reagan. The Voyager now hangs in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Dick continued to live by his motto, “Adventure is the essence of life.” He tested rocket-powered aircraft, attempted to become the first person to fly nonstop around the world in a balloon, ran for Congress, and built an igloo at the North Pole after his airplane broke through the polar ice.

Dick was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2002 and became an Eagle at the Gathering of Eagles in 2003. He published “The Next Five Minutes,” a memoir, in 2019.

Dick’s greatest pride was his family, whom he loved, his fellowship with other Veterans, the youngsters he inspired, and the legions of people who supported his endeavors as he lived his exceptional life of adventure.

Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Glenn Rutan will be buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Kris Rutan; two daughters, Holly Hogan and Jill Rutan-Hoffman; two step-daughters, Shannon Ford and Kelly Roth; sister Nell; brother Burt; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Celebration of life and tribute events: 

On June 15, a celebration of life will be held for family and friends at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley.

Mojave Air & Spaceport, Rutan Airfield, Mojave, Calif., on June 15. 

Coeur d’Alene Airport, Pappy Boyington Field, Hayden, Idaho, on June 29, EAA Air Venture 2024, Oshkosh, Wis., to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider purchasing a library edition of “The Next Five Minutes.” dickrutan.com.