Jill Rutan

Friday's Fabulous Flyer 

Jill Rutan

 

"Jill Rutan Hoffman is a twice-published author and highly sought after speaker for her unique perspective from growing up in a family of explorers and innovators. Growing up in the famous Rutan family, Jill has had many unique opportunities to see the impossible made possible. As the daughter of world famous pilot, Dick Rutan, and niece of revolutionary aeronautical designer, Burt Rutan, Jill has witnessed many aviation firsts from the milestone-setting Voyager flight to the X-Prize winning space flights of SpaceShipOne.  

 

 

Taking that spirit of adventure into her adult life she has never passed up an opportunity to try something new. From Culinary School to Marathon Runner Jill has colored with every crayon in the crayon box of life. She is a pilot, experienced fundraiser and thought leader.  

 

With a lifetime of experience in being bold and thinking big, Jill shares her experiences through humorous story telling. Jill energizes her audiences to go after their most wildest dreams and then gives them the tools to follow through. She feels there is nothing more important than encouraging the DREAMERS of today to become the DOERS of TOMORROW"

 

 

 

Jill Rutan:

"I’m someone who likes to say, “Yes!” to life. So when I received a LinkedIn message introducing Karlene, and a suggestion to send some short stories for her website, I said “Yes!” and got in touch. I come by this “Yes!” approach to life honestly because I grew up in a family that never let anything get in the way of a good adventure. My dad, Dick Rutan, loves to say, “Adventure is the essence of life!” and I very much agree with him. I sit here today trying to think of something unique, fun and different to share.

I could share a few stories from my childhood, like the time Dad built an airplane in my living room and then couldn’t get it out. He didn’t think that one through all the way, but it was fun watching him figure it out!

Maybe a story from my teen years after Dad returned home from his record breaking world flight. Dad and Jeana Yeager had just returned from flying nine straight days in a tiny homebuilt aircraft. When the wheels of the Voyager touched down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base, California, they had become the first people to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. They had broken an absolute world record and added their names to the history books, alongside Lindbergh and Yeager. We were on our way to the hospital for the post flight exam and Dad looked at me and asked, “Is the Space Shuttle landing today, why are all these people here?” He just couldn’t believe that they were all there to watch he and Jeana return.

 

I think I’ll share a more current story. This one is about the beginning of SpaceShip One. My family tries to attend the huge AirVenture Oshkosh aviation gathering and airshow each year at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 2001, we stayed with Uncle Burt and his wife Tonya in a house that we rented during the week at AirVenture. 

 

My husband and I were out promoting my first book so we would often arrive back at the house well after dinner. One particular night we were trying to quietly enter the house when the door flung open and there was Burt standing there in a pink fuzzy bathrobe. He was excited to see us and led us into the kitchen where he had the plans laid out for SpaceShipOne. It was a very special evening as we stayed up late discussing what would eventually become the start of the space tourism industry. There we were… my husband Lars, myself, and Uncle Burt in a pink fuzzy bathrobe! You just can’t make these things up! (To put your mind at ease, it wasn’t Burt’s personal bathrobe. I think he needed something cozy to wear while he was waiting for us and found the bathrobe in one of the closets of the house.)

I love my family’s view of life. Through my talks and books I have spent many years sharing their stories to help inspire others to find ways to explore and innovate. I’m currently writing my third book full of Rutan stories, due out later this year"

Jill Rutan is an amazing lady who is carrying on the passion of flight, and sharing it with others. A legacy for all to enjoy. Her books are amazing and fun for anyone to read. 

 

Jill, I am so happy to know you!!!

Check out Jill's website:

www.jillrutanhoffman.com 

 

 Follow Her on Twitter:

 @LookingSkyward 

 

And Like her on

Facebook 

 

Life is a Journey!

Enjoy!!

XO Karlene