1987 Rutan Long Ez

This Rutan Long-EZ, registration VH-HGS, represents a rare opportunity to own a meticulously maintained example of Burt Rutan's iconic canard design. Originally built by the renowned Henry Shultz, a serial award-winner and expert in fiberglass construction, this aircraft is notably light, weighing approximately 75kg less than comparable models on the market. With a total airframe and engine time of only 394 hours since its first flight in 1987, the aircraft has been kept in exceptional condition, always hangered inland with engine inhibitor applied during periods of inactivity.

Performance is a hallmark of this experimental VH-registered aircraft, offering a cruise speed of 145 knots at a highly efficient fuel burn of 23 liters per hour. Equipped with dual 98-litre wing tanks, it boasts an impressive range of 1,232 nautical miles or 8.5 hours of endurance.

The Lycoming O-235 engine in this aircraft is its original, so its Total Time Since New = 394 hours. It is now operated on condition and has never been overhauled. Lycoming the manufacturer recommends a new or overhauled engine every 12 years, irrespective of hours to run. These days a Lycoming 0235 exchange to overhaul costs $75,000, plus fitting. That's why many older light aircraft engines are now run on condition. This means they are rigorously inspected by an experienced LAME at least once a year and before they are issued with a fresh annual maintenance release, My Long Ez had to undergo a baroscopic inspection of internal engine components like the CAM shaft, cylinder compression testing as well as replacement of any parts that were out of time (eg. the magneto, carburettor, oil hoses, tyres and tubes, etc). All work is documented in the aircraft's logbooks.

Avionics include an Icom VHF radio and a SkyEcho2 portable ADS-B device, and the aircraft currently holds a maintenance release valid until October 2025.

Aircraft performance specs:

Cruise speed 145kts at 23 liters per hour (cheap speed)

Range 8.5 hours (less reserves) or 1,232 nm in nil wind

Wing tanks for Av Gas with 98 liters in each tank.

Aircraft weight is within limits for RAA registration. Lycoming 0235 TTSN = 394 hours. Original engine now running on condition (see above) Icom VHS,

Narco mode c transponder, replaced with new SkyEcho2 portable ADS-B in/out conspicuity device,

registered PLB.