Rutan Model 61 LongEZ

1979

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Rutan Model 61 LongEZ

The Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft with a canard layout designed by Burt Rutan's Rutan Aircraft Factory. It is derived from the VariEze, which was first offered to homebuilders in 1976. The prototype of the Long-EZ first flew on June 12, 1979.

Changes from the VariEze include a larger main wing with modified Eppler 1230 airfoil and less sweep, larger strakes containing more fuel and baggage storage, slightly wider cabin, and the ability to use a Lycoming 108hp engine with no nose ballast. Plans were offered from 1980-85. As of late 2005, approximately 700 Long EZ's are FAA registered in the USA.

The aircraft is designed for fuel-efficient long-range flight and can fly for over ten hours and up to 2,500 kilometers on 200 liters of fuel. Equipped with a rear-seat fuel tank, a Long-EZ has flown for 7,700 kilometers.

External links

Rutan Model 61 LongEZ

Specification 
 WEIGHTS
  Empty weight345 kg761 lb
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed340 km/h211 mph
  Cruise speed291 km/h181 mph
  Range2500 km1553 miles

Comments1-20 21-40
Orlando, e-mail, 11.12.2021 22:25

if the long ez isnt available what would be the best alternative?

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Carbon Copy, e-mail, 17.01.2023 Orlando

The long ez isn't available, though fear not as plans for pretty much exactly the same plane with fixes to the several design flaws Rutan made are available in the open ez project. Search for that and start following links to get the whole thing.

You can get the bare bones and templates from open ez and several cd's both from the Rutan organization and elsewhere are available though not all from the same site. Once you start following links the right way it will take you 3 night's of research to gather all the documents.... I mean if you REALLY want a plane that takes 800 hours to build and 3000 hours to sand so you can fly it then knock yourself out, 3 nights to find plans is trivial compared to how much sanding you'll be doing.

There's a builders forum /pamphlet the Rutan organization put out while they were running the longez project, don't forget to get that and read it all... it documents all kinds of fixes to sometimes potentially lethal problems that weren't included in the original plans although the open ez already incorporates most if not all of them.
Also, get yourself another plane to fly while you're building the open ez.... did I mention all the finish work? Yea there's people who like to build planes and people who like to fly planes. The Rutan designs definitely spend most of their life in the building phase.

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Orlando Schmitt, e-mail, 25.01.2023 Carbon Copy

Thanks for your reply. Aproximately, what would be the cost of materials, within a 1,000 bucks more or less?

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Orlando, e-mail, 11.12.2021 22:24

Is it possible to get the Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ kit anywhere. Please email me if it is.

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Carbon Copy, e-mail, 17.01.2023 Orlando

No kits available though aircraft spruce and specialty still has some packages for the design available and you can use them with the open ez plans. The open ez is essentially the same plane skirting copyright problems in order to be legally available.

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rxhoayaesf, e-mail, 28.07.2020 13:33

Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?

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Leandro, e-mail, 28.01.2017 00:01

Hi

I am wishing to build a long-EZ.
Where and at what cost am I able to obtain the plans.
if anyone can help me. thank you

reply

Carbon Copy, e-mail, 17.01.2023 Leandro

The long ez isn't available, though fear not as plans for pretty much exactly the same plane with fixes to the several design flaws Rutan made are available in the open ez project. Search for that and start following links to get the whole thing.

You can get the bare bones and templates from open ez and several cd's both from the Rutan organization and elsewhere are available though not all from the same site. Once you start following links the right way it will take you 3 night's of research to gather all the documents.... I mean if you REALLY want a plane that takes 800 hours to build and 3000 hours to sand so you can fly it then knock yourself out, 3 nights to find plans is trivial compared to how much sanding you'll be doing.

There's a builders forum /pamphlet the Rutan organization put out while they were running the longez project, don't forget to get that and read it all... it documents all kinds of fixes to sometimes potentially lethal problems that weren't included in the original plans although the open ez already incorporates most if not all of them.
Also, get yourself another plane to fly while you're building the open ez.... did I mention all the finish work? Yea there's people who like to build planes and people who like to fly planes. The Rutan designs definitely spend most of their life in the building phase.

reply

Donald trump, e-mail, 14.11.2020 Leandro

George bush

reply

Jason Wisbey, e-mail, 05.06.2015 10:43

Hi

I am wishing to build a long-EZ.
Where and at what cost am I able to obtain the plans.

Thanks

Jason

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Michel, e-mail, 16.03.2015 01:09

I could report the cost of the plans for its construction.
regards
Michel

reply

SARAJAFARI, e-mail, 20.12.2014 20:38

hi i wana make this myself at home but i need a price list for the kit frome whole body to power point.thanks if u send the price ,

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JEFF NAKUYA, e-mail, 05.01.2013 12:55

ITS WOW! BUT THEY R NOT IN KENYA

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Jan HENKES, e-mail, 10.05.2011 00:29

I got spoiled, a dear friend of mine built a very nice EZ but didn't have a license. As soon as I got my PPL he let me fly it. Especially after the C-150 this was pure heaven, the LongEZ is like a glove you put on and it does all you want it to and more. Together we made many trips along the west coast meeting many interesting an always friendly EZ people.

The best advice I can give potential builders looking for complete and up to date plans is to purchase the Cozy (IV) plans. Nat's plans still have very much EZ in them, and an advantage is that you can bring the kids...

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Randy White, e-mail, 20.04.2011 20:58

I need a set of plans for the boat stage only.

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Carlos Schirmer, e-mail, 22.01.2011 00:56

John Denverīs last breaths were in one of these airplanes. He was a great person.

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Mark Shinnick, e-mail, 01.04.2023 Carlos Schirmer

If he was heavily twisted to the left focusing on moving the dangerously misplaced fuel valve, he probably wasn't even taking full breaths at that point before slamming into the water. He hit so hard and fast before becoming cut in half, any awareness of his mistake would only have been the smallest fraction of time. This man heavily reminded us all the immensely valuable lesson to always be flying the airplane.

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Marty, e-mail, 16.11.2010 05:09

I'm looking for LongEZ plans too...

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Tom Staggs, e-mail, 16.10.2010 19:06

Rutan no longer sells plans for the long-EZ or VariEze, but there are second-hand plans available. There is no longer support from RAF, but there remains an experienced pool of prior builders and some professional assist companies. Builders are found around the world.

The Long-EZ has basically the same fuselage as the VariEze, but a much larger wing that allows it to carry more fuel and baggage. Cruise speeds for the two planes are similar.

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Bill White, e-mail, 16.07.2010 15:36

I own one that I built. It trimed out perfect on the first test flight. It has a 118 HP Lycoming O-235 L2C. I'm thinking about selling it. It has 140 hours on it. My email address is wwhite35@gmail.com if anyone has any questions.

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david lett, e-mail, 25.11.2021 Bill White

Bill,
What price were you considering if you decide to sell your bird? I have a sonerai 2LT that needs a little engine work.
thanks,

reply

J. Haymaker, e-mail, 16.06.2010 02:14

I would be interested to know the average cost and hours to build the plane fuselage.

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john quong, e-mail, 03.06.2010 18:05

surely there must be experts that can resurrect this plane for home builders in australia..
where do we start...can we better the original or is there a club for the hard nosed genuine rutan long eze followers..
from joh knee in down under

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Rob Robertson, e-mail, 20.08.2010 08:56

I was a kid when the EZ and Long EZ were first odd, but really cool looking air craft came on the market. I loved to build things and worked with tools and i felt i was pretty good at it and that some day I would build a kit and learn to fly it. Too many things kept getting in my way and now I am 81 years old and I realized its too late for me,, if this is your dream, go for it. Never let the little things get in the way of your dream. i can promise you, If I can ever come back again, I will build an EZ or an equivalent. So watch out for me it will be painted red, white and blue.

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george barba, e-mail, 21.03.2010 05:59

Whare can i find this plane new or use my email jorgehba77@yahoo.com

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JOHN CURIN, e-mail, 01.11.2009 07:03

I would like to know, how dose a Long EZ differ from a EZ, and a Vary EZ? Can you still get drowings? Where?

reply

Russell Boyd, e-mail, 19.10.2009 21:59

Can I buy plans for this airplane?

reply

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