Project Notebook: Retirement Dream

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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

Burt Rutan designed SkiGull, his 47th aircraft, as a personal retirement project for round-the-world travel, constructed from composites and titanium.
The aircraft features a unique retractable landing gear system that allows it to convert within seconds for landing on water, snow, or solid ground.
Initial flight tests demonstrated "terrific flying qualities" but also revealed unacceptable stall characteristics, airspeed errors, and ski damage, leading Rutan to plan modifications.
While SkiGull will be Rutan's final construction project, he intends to continue his renowned work designing aircraft.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.