anyone ever met Burt Rutan?

I attended a talk he gave at UCLA earlier this year. He seemed real nice and
had a passion for what he does. After the presentation was a reception (with
free food! we college students rejoiced.), and Burt came in to get some food
and mingle. Of course, he was instantly and constantly surrounded by
students who asked question after question. He likely wanted a chance to
snack, but happily answered everyone's questions and even posed for some
pictures. One guy came up to him and boldly asked for a job. Burt set up an
interview with him on the spot. That had to feel pretty cool!

One thing I picked up from his speech was that he wants engineers who really
love their field. He doesn't especially care how many degrees they have, he
cares that they have a passion for aerospace and can turn that into results.

And yes, as Ron pointed out, he always referred to NASA as "nay-say."

P.S. I met Melville and Binnie at an EAA 49 banquet a few months ago. Also
cool guys and quite approachable.


-Tony
Student Pilot
Aerospace Engineer Student, Cal Poly Pomona