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.