Project Notebook: Retirement Dream

Monday, March 21, 2016 at 06:51 PM ET

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The SkiGull quickly converts from landplane to seaplane to skiplane through a never-before-seen retractable landing-gear system. Courtesy Burt Rutan

Key Takeaways:

Legendary airplane designer Burt Rutan developed SkiGull as his 47th aircraft and retirement project, intended for round-the-world travel with his wife.
SkiGull features an innovative retractable landing-gear system that allows it to quickly convert for landing on water, snow, or solid ground, utilizing durable composites and titanium.
Initial flight tests confirmed excellent flying qualities but also identified issues like unacceptable stall characteristics and airspeed errors, prompting Rutan to implement necessary modifications.

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When legendary airplane designer Burt Rutan announced his retirement in 2011, a collective gasp rang through the aviation industry.

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.