The Rutan Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft that was designed by aircraft pioneer, Burt Rutan, and his Rutan Aircraft Factory. The airplane is a derivative of the Rutan VariEze and first flew on June 12, 1979. The Long-EZ was designed as a fuel-efficient long-range homebuilt aircraft, having a range of over 2,000 miles. The airplane is unique in that it has a “pusher” configuration similar to the Wright Brothers’ Wright Flyer, whereby the propeller is mounted in the rear of the aircraft and pushes the airplane through the air. The Rutan Long-EZ also employed “canards” in its design. These are the short wings in the front of the airplane. These create additional lift on the aircraft, enabling the pilot to fly at low speeds without losing necessary lift to stay aloft. The pilot controls the aircraft via a side stick that is located on the right hand cockpit console and sits in a slightly reclined seat within the craft.
The Museum’s Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ was built by Captain Dale J. Duvall, USN, retired, June Duvall, and Manfred Alexander. Building the aircraft took roughly 3,600 hours over a period of four years and at a cost of approximately $28,000. The airplane was officially completed in 1986 and was given the name “Tempus Fugit,” Latin for time flies. The Long-EZ was donated to the Tillamook Air Museum in early 2017 by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).