Rutan Long-Ez

Single Piston

The Rutan Long-EZ is a revolutionary homebuilt aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in the late 1970s that fundamentally changed amateur aviation. With its distinctive canard configuration, pusher propeller, and sleek composite construction, the Long-EZ became one of the most successful kit aircraft ever created, with over 700 completed worldwide. The design prioritized efficiency and cross-country performance, achieving remarkable fuel economy of around 40 miles per gallon while cruising at 160-180 knots, performance that rivaled or exceeded many certified aircraft of its era at a fraction of the operating cost. Its tandem seating, retractable landing gear, and exceptional range of over 1,600 nautical miles made it a favorite among builders seeking a fast, efficient cross-country machine. The Long-EZ's canard layout provided inherent stall resistance and docile handling characteristics, though its unconventional appearance and pusher configuration required pilots to adapt to different ground handling and visibility considerations. Built primarily from fiberglass and foam using moldless composite techniques that Rutan pioneered for homebuilders, the Long-EZ demonstrated that amateur constructors could achieve professional-grade performance and reliability. The type's influence extended far beyond recreational aviation. Rutan's canard concepts and composite methods informed his later designs including SpaceShipOne and influenced an entire generation of aircraft designers. SkyMeter has tracked 9 flights across 4 airframes and 4 operators, with COYLE WHITNEY J among the observed operators.