Burt Rutan Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000
Speaking Fee:
$50,000 to $75,000
Travels From:
BUR - Burbank, CA
Travels From:
BUR - Burbank, CA
Primary Topic Category:
Science (STEM / STEAM)
Primary Topic Category:
Science (STEM / STEAM)
Secondary Topic Category:
Creativity and Innovation
Secondary Topic Category:
Creativity and Innovation
Burt Rutan Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Inc. Magazine and described by Newsweek as “the man responsible for more innovations in modern aviation than any living engineer,” Burt Rutan is a bold entrepreneur and designer with the vision and passion for the advancement of technology. In 2004 Rutan made international headlines as the designer of SpaceShipOne, the world’s first privately-built manned spacecraft to reach space. Financed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, SpaceShipOne won the $10 million Ansari X-Prize, the competition created to spur the development of affordable space tourism.
Burt Rutan is a pioneering aerospace engineer, renowned for his innovative designs and contributions to aviation and space exploration. Born in Estacada, Oregon, in 1943, Rutan developed a passion for aircraft at a young age. Building model airplanes and devouring aviation magazines fueled his curiosity. He pursued this interest academically, earning a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1965.
Rutan's career began with a stint at the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a flight test project engineer. His work there solidified his skills and set the foundation for his future endeavors. In 1974, he founded the Rutan Aircraft Factory. Under this banner, he developed the VariEze, a homebuilt aircraft known for its efficiency and unique canard design. This innovation catapulted him to fame within the aviation community.
In 1982, Rutan founded Scaled Composites, a company dedicated to experimental aircraft and spacecraft. His work there led to a series of groundbreaking projects. Perhaps most notable among them was SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded spacecraft to reach space. This achievement won the Ansari X Prize in 2004. It marked a significant milestone in commercial space travel and showcased Rutan's visionary approach to aeronautics.
Throughout his career, Rutan has received numerous accolades for his contributions to aerospace engineering. These include the Presidential Citizens Medal and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Known for his approach to problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of design, Rutan advocates for innovative thinking and taking calculated risks.
Today, Burt Rutan is celebrated not only as an engineer but also as a thought leader promoting creativity and exploration in technology. Through his speeches, he inspires the next generation to challenge norms and pursue dreams with unyielding passion. Whether designing a new aircraft or speaking to an audience, Rutan's influence continues to leave a lasting impact on both the aerospace community and the world at large.