Watch CBS News

48 Hours

Barefoot Bandit: Achieving amazing aerials

November 16, 2010 / 6:14 PM EST / CBS News

CBS/Mark Smith

"48 Hours" producer Greg McLaughlin flying. Mark Smith took this shot from his plane while flying out to Mojave airport to meet aviation legend Dick Rutan.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Mark Smith enroute to meet Dick Rutan for the site survey.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Mark Smith flies his "Ice Cream Truck" over the Mojave Desert.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Dick Rutan and Liz DeStaffany go over the flight plan.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Liz DeStaffany at the controls and giving instructions.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS/Mark Smith

Air-to-air tight formation is an aerial dance that requires well synchronized partners.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

The Cessna 172 RG in position and cameras rolling as Dick Rutan inches in for a close up.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Dick Rutan and Liz DeStaffany debrief after the air-to-air shoot. Both are happy with the day.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit

CBS

Designed by Burt Rutan, the White Knight is part of the future for Civilians in Space.

Read more: Achieving Amazing Aerials
"48 Hours:" Chasing the Barefoot Bandit