1 December 2015
Burt Rutan’s latest project, the amphibious SkiGull, made its first flight last week. The aircraft has already been tested on water but this was the first time it took to the air. The flight took place at Rutan’s base at Coeur d’Alene Airport, Idaho, USA.
Rutan said, “I have claimed that the most fun anyone can have at an airport is to watch the first flight of a new type. Yesterday our test team preflight briefed the first flight, took off from runway 06 at KCOE, flew for 1.8 hours and landed back on 06.
“The aggressive test card included all the basic stability and control flight tests with the cruise configuration and with flap down and skis extended. All manoeuvres on the card were performed on this first flight. Speeds for first flight were limited to less than 80 knots and altitude to less than 8,000ft.
“The SkiGull proved to have excellent flying qualities with no need to fix any flaw,” said Rutan. However, he admitted the aircraft’s stall characteristics were not acceptable. “No stall-warning buffet was observed and the first indication of stall was a roll drop-off to the right.”
The SkiGull is the 47th new type of manned aircraft designed by Rutan or one of his companies.
“While I do plan to continue designing new airplanes,” said Rutan, “the SkiGull is the very last airplane that I will be personally involved in building. I built SkiGull in my garage starting 20 months ago and it was a gruelling exercise for an old guy in his 70s.
“While I will finish the modifications and testing needed, I will not again expose myself of the challenge of laying up sticky composites, sanding foam and carbon fibre, staying up at night to monitor oven cures, etc.
“I plan to enjoy this new airplane in retirement, including its unique capabilities that combine STOL from all surfaces with ocean crossing range. It has a huge baggage compartment, so Tonya and I might even load it up for golf trips.”
Good luck Burt!
