Round-the-World Aviator Dick Rutan Dies at 85

Rutan is best known for the record-setting nonstop unrefueled circumnavigation he and Jeana Yeager accomplished in 1986.

Russ Niles

Monday, May 06, 2024 at 04:08 PM ET

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On December 14, 1986, after nearly six years of intensive research and development work, Jeana Yeager and Dick Rutan departed from Edwards Air Force Base in California, embarking on the first non-stop flight around the world. The couple flew the Rutan Model 76 Voyager, a twin-engine sailplane designed by Rutan’s innovative brother, Burt. After nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds of flight, covering 24,986 miles on one tank of gas, Yeager and Rutan landed safely back at Edwards. [File photo]

Key Takeaways:

Legendary pilot and adventurer Dick Rutan died at 85 from complications related to long COVID.
He was best known for completing the first nonstop unrefueled circumnavigation of the globe in 1986 with Jeana Yeager.
Rutan was a significant contributor to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the broader aviation community throughout his career.

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Legendary pilot, educator, and adventurer Dick Rutan died Friday, according to a press release issued on behalf of the family. He was 85.

Rutan, best known for the record-setting nonstop unrefueled circumnavigation he and Jeana Yeager accomplished in 1986, died in Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, in the early evening from complications resulting from a yearlong bout with long COVID, according to family friends.