Bose Corporation reposted this
Please join us in honoring Dick Rutan, who passed away at the age of 85 late last week. Dick was an aviation pioneer who, along with Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop around-the-world flight in 1986 in an airplane named Voyager. Dick had a tremendous intuition for when to wisely take chances and how to handle an airplane in challenging conditions. After a demo just a few months before the world flight, Dick made the bold decision to use Bose's brand-new prototype noise-cancelling headsets. His commitment helped us understand what noise cancelling could mean to pilots everywhere, and that learning helped Bose spawn an industry. We are forever grateful for Dick's partnership and friendship over the years. Soar high and rest in peace, Dick.
One of my very first Bose experiences was an aviation headset demo at the EAA Oshkosh airshow circa 1987, in which the Voyager made a stop on its way to the Smithsonian after achieving its historic round the world flight. One of the wingtips was still torn away showing the blue foam interior of the wing, having dragged on the ground during takeoff because the wings were so full of fuel. Listening to Dick and Jeanna (with dry and humorous commentary from designer and brother Burt Rutan) tell the tale of their journey was astonishing, and a poster of Voyager signed by Dick, Jeanna, and Burt remains one of my prized possessions. So proud, years later, to have told the Voyager story countless times to visitors at Bose HQ- an amazing tale of innovation and daring that led to the revolutionary new industry of active noise cancellation. RIP Dick- 'reach out your hand and touch the face of God'.
I feel honored to have met Mr. Rutan, during my younger years. Little did I know that I would later work alongside the talented engineers at Bose who contributed to making that historic flight possible.
A great talent and person to learn too much...
A pioneer for sure! 🙏
Hii
Distinguished Engineer (retired) at Bose Corporation
2moDick was a challenge to work with, a delight to have known and had such a big heart. What a feel for flying he had! They called him the "velvet arm." During my time in Mojave troubleshooting prototype issues, I remember how we'd take breaks at lunch and watch Dick, in a Long EZ, dogfight one of the Voyager team members in his Pitts. What memories!