In June 1974 the Rutan Aircraft Factory was established in California by Elbert Leander "Burt" Rutan, an American aerospace engineer noted for his originality in designing light, strong, unusual-looking, energy-efficient aircraft.
Rutan Model 61
The Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft with a canard layout designed by the Rutan Aircraft Factory. It is derived from the VariEze, which was first offered to homebuilders in 1976. The prototype, N79RA, of the Long-EZ first flew on June 12, 1979.
In 1997, Dick Rutan and Mike Melvill flew two Rutan Long-EZ aircraft that they had built, side-by-side around the world. This "around the world in 80 nights" flight was called The Spirit of EAA Friendship World Tour, and some legs of it lasted for over 14 hours.
Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ, registration HB-YFY, built ~1994 (registered 03-11-1994), serial number 1279 Cointrin (GVA), Geneva, Switzerland, 18 July 2010
