Desert Bash Celebrates Dick And Burt's Birthdays
Whenever you catch a glimpse
of a Burt Rutan aircraft out of the corner of your eye, you tend to
look hard -- perhaps even to stare. Now, imagine 100 EZs and
Long-EZs in one place at one time. That's how the EZ community of
Southern California said "happy birthday" to Burt and Dick Rutan
Saturday.
About 100 canard pilots flew to Mojave aircraft that were
created by design genius Burt Rutan. Some flew in as early as
the day before so they wouldn't be weathered in at their local
airports. They came from all parts of the country to show their
admiration for the man who changed the face of the homebuilt
experimental aircraft movement -- and many other segments of the
aircraft industry as well.
The Rutan brothers entertained the gathering with an informal
discussion on Burt's design activities over the years and Dick's
adventures in the air, from his military days to the Voyager
around-the-world flight and now rocket-powered Long-EZ
flights. Then Burt gave an engrossing presentation that
covered the design history of Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled
Composites. In all of his test programs, not a single life
was lost - a remarkable record when compared to other government
and corporate aircraft test programs.
Secret Tour
Then, to much applause, Burt presented in great detail the space
flight program that Scaled Composites has now embarked upon.
The presentation included many photos of the White Knight
and SpaceShipOne, both contenders for the $10 million
XPrize.
The pilots and future astronauts chosen to fly these craft were
in attendance as well. When Burt was asked if he would be a future
passenger, he replied.... "You bet your sweet a** I am."
Then came the
announcement that everyone was hoping for. There would be a
tour of the Scaled hanger to see the White Knight and
SpaceShipOne close up. Burt and Mike Melvill
conducted two large groups through the hangar where Burt described
the craft, explained their construction, answered questions, and
allowed close examination of these incredible machines.
Unfortunately, in keeping with Rutan's secrecy policy, there
were no photos or videos allowed. The SpaceShipOne
project, although a closely guarded secret, is a top contender in
the XPrize race for private companies to put a reusable manned
vehicle in space.
Thanks to Jerry Hansen at the EZ Squadron -- ed.