Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ

A picture of the Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ

Designer Burt Rutan has become world famous for his unique advanced aircraft designs.  In the late 1970s his company, Rutan Aircraft Factory, produced plans for several different types of homebuilt aircraft.  One of the most popular is the high performance Long-EZ introduced in 1979.  The aircraft’s fiberglass construction allows good performance and speed while using a small, economical engine.  The forward canard gives the Long-EZ improved safety characteristics by preventing the aircraft from stalling when flown at low speeds.

John R. Stitt of San Diego, California built the aircraft on display between 1981 and 1983.  He flew the aircraft for over 200 hours until his death in 1986.  His family donated the plane to the Pima Air & Space Museum in 1987.

Wingspan

26 ft 2 in.

Length

16 ft 9 in.

Height

6 ft 6 in.

Weight

800 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

185 MPH

Service Ceiling

25,000 ft

Range

1,500 miles

Engine

One Lycoming O-235-L2C with 115 horsepower

Crew

2

Manufacturer
Rutan

Markings
John R. Stitt, San Diego, California, 1983

Designation
Model 61

Registration
N82ST

Serial Number
442

Pima Air & Space Museum

Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.

Charity EIN: 86-6031135

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