Rutan VariEze

eli1483d 🇬🇧

05 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

Distinctive for its rear-mounted pusher propeller and canard layout. First flight was in 1975.

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Aircraft

VariEze VARI

White with British flag tail badge and 'Rutan VariEze' script

G-KENZ

Registration

Manufacturer

Rutan

Location

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

PIK/EGPK

55.5015, -4.5772

Open map

Glasgow Prestwick Airport PIK

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Rutan VariEze is one of Burt Rutan's most iconic designs and helped popularize canard homebuilt airplanes in the 1970s and 1980s.

Fleet Rarity

Relatively rare; an estimated ~700 built and registered, fewer still actively flying.

Record Flights

Notable for amateur cross-country flights. Some examples have been flown transcontinental. No official records.

Safety & Events

Generally known for safety and performance in the homebuilt community; no major high-profile incidents.

Future Outlook

Still seen at airshows and with private pilots; design is no longer produced new, all are kit/homebuilt.

Specifications

Continental O-200 (commonly fitted; specific example not confirmed in photo)

Engine

7.92 m

Wingspan

4.22 m

Length

1,290 km

Range

265 km/h

Speed

2 passengers

Capacity

499 kg

MTOW

2.08 m

Height

74 kW (100 hp) (typical for O-200)

Thrust

Approximately 64–68 dB (estimated, varies by prop/engine, not ICAO rated)

Noise

Exact engine model and livery may need visual confirmation from another angle.