If you say Solitaire most people might think of a digital card game played on your computer which is a Webster definition for the word. Another definition of Solitaire is “A gem, such as a diamond, that is set alone.” Burt Rutans self-launching sailplane which he named the Solitiare and is truly a gem. A rare gem. According to the FAA only eight are registered.
Legend has it that 50 to 60 sets of plans were sold for the Solitaire, but only 18 kits were ever sold. Not typical of Rutan moldless composite construction, the fuselages were pulled from molds and made of honeycomb material. The wings and canard though were traditional Rutan foam and fiberglass.
Burt created the Solitaire to compete in a Soaring Club of America competition for a self-launching sailplane, which, of course, he won!
Part of Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience mission is to acquire at least one of each of Burt Rutans homebuilt designs. The holy grail of that has been the Solitaire. Earlier this year the estate of David Miller reached out to RAFE and donated Davids Solitaire. We were obviously thrilled to finally have one of the rarest Rutan homebuilt designs ever. And this year at Oshkosh we present something that probably has never happened before TWO Solitiares!
RAFE intended to fly a Solitaire this year at AirVenture as part of the Rutan Reunion Flight. I did fly it several times in preparation for the event. Unfortunately mechanical problems prevented it flying in the airshow. It was an absolute thrill to get the opportunity though and RAFE will keep moving forward with getting such a rare Rutan aircraft back in the air. This year we have a great collection of the most rare Rutan homebuilt designs. In addition to the two Solitaires, we have RAFE’s “Lady Vi” VariViggen, Catbird, Boomerang, several Defiants, LongEZ, Variezes, and Quickies. Come by ‘EZ Street” and see them all!
Ryszard Zadow
President, RAFE