As a young child, Burt Rutan was captivated by the nature of aviation and set out to challenge the norms. In true entrepreneurial style, he started small, designing model aircraft whilst juggling responsibilities of school and college. In a time that was considered quite primitive for aviation, he was working only with radio control for his models, meaning most would come back in pieces after a maiden flight. Rutan went on to graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Fast-forward to 1982, he established Scaled Composites LLC, responsible for the Beechcraft Starship prototype. Creating some of the world’s most recognisable long-range and unusual-looking aircraft, Rutan went on to design the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer and SpaceShipOne.

Listen in as we leave no note unturned with this aerospace giant.