Burt Rutan

Noted aerospace engineer Burt Rutan is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative designers, with achievements such as the Voyager and SpaceShipOne in his immense portfolio.

Born in Oregon in 1943, Rutan is a long-time resident of Eastern Kern County. His love of flight began early – he soloed at age 16. Taking that passion to the classroom, he graduated third in the California Polytechnic University Class of 1965 with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Rutan served the military as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base until 1972. In 1974, he created Rutan Aircraft Factory to develop and produce experimental aircraft designs. In 1982, he founded Mojave-based Scaled Composites, the world’s paramount aircraft design and prototyping facility.

In 1986, his aircraft Voyager became famous for its record breaking nine-day, non-stop flight around the world.

In June 2004, Rutan made headlines again with SpaceShipOne, the first privately-built, flown and funded craft to reach space. Both aircraft are on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

In 2005, Rutan was named to Time Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People of the Year”.