Long EZ vs. Veri EZ

[ShyFlyGuy]

What is the major difference between the two? I am 6'4", 200 lbs and have a couple thousand hours dual in the Cessna 152. I don't have too much of a problem fitting in there, although it is uncomfortable for longer flights. I want to build one of the EZies for long-distance flights and am curious about the major differences. Any suggestions?

Shy

 

[ackattacker]

Well first off it's spelled "VariEze"

there is a lot of good info available on the web.

I would start with www.ez.org

It sounds like a Long-EZ is more appropriate. It is a heavier, longer-range airplane with a wider CG range. The VariEze was really designed as a VFR airplane with a very light Continental engine and no electrical system.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

I've been on EZ.org (the classifieds don't work, for some reason), and I like it... although there is a lot of broken links on a lot of the projects. Otherwise, it's a great site.

I'm definitely looking for speed and an IFR equipped aircraft with an electric system. Ultimately, I'd like to get into a Velocity when I get a family, but I'd like to try my hand at building with the EZ series.

Does it sound like the EZ/Velocity is the right bird, or is there something else out there that might be more appropriate?

Shy

 

[avbug]

The velocity doesn't give you much other than a big cost increase.

The Long EZ is a speedy, economical design.

If you're looking at more than a two place, or might want to carry something other than a shaving kit, you might consider a Cozy.

So far as IFR...get an IFR airplane. Plastic airplanes in the weather, single engine without radar, limited instrumentation...I wouldn't.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

AvBug... Good to hear from you! I knew you'd know. I did a little search and found a lot of good info on the Cozy. Thank you, any other pointers?

Shy

 

[sstearns2]

What is the major difference between the two? I am 6'4", 200 lbs and have a couple thousand hours dual in the Cessna 152. I don't have too much of a problem fitting in there, although it is uncomfortable for longer flights. I want to build one of the EZies for long-distance flights and am curious about the major differences. Any suggestions?

Shy

Keep in mind that all the canard airplanes have a pretty high landing speed, so you want to operate out of longer runways and if you have to land off airport the chances of injury are much higher with the higher landing speed. Still the longeze is a great value. You can get a nice one for about $35K.

Even though I like composites, I'd recommend a fast build RV-8 over a longeze. You'll spend more buying the kit, but you'll finish a lot faster and the RV-8 will have a much higher resale value. A lancair fast build would be awsome if you can part with the $$$.

I'm 10 years into a homebuilt, so I recommend fast build kits.

Scott

 

[Greaseman]

The difference between the Vari-ez and the Long EZ is that the Long was a continued design evolution resulting in an airframe that made longer distances more viable, larger engines possible, and generally a more comfortable ride all around. The Long is larger than the VEZ, with approximately 40% more wing area, different contruction materials, different canard and slightly different flight characteristics. While both aircraft are nimble handlers, VEZ's generally are slightly more responsive due to lighter weight and mass. The VEZ's usually are flown with Cont. O-200 and can be made to be VERY FAST on 100 to 125 hp.

Greater utility, IMHO is the benefit of the Long EZ. My Long is an O-320 producing at least 180 HP and I flight plan 175 KTAS cruise and beat the numbers consistently. That's with baggage pods and the wife and dog. The larger engine (O-320) makes high altitude airport departures a breeze.

While true that canards have higher landing speeds than the average Van's variant, I hardly think that 70-75 knots (usually less) is "high". Proper planning and airspeed control are essential in any aircraft...as for off airport endeavours there are many considerations besides landing speed that can result in a less than desirable outcome. I wouldn't let that stop me from flying a canard aircraft.

Good luck with your search.

 

[LaGarbage Man]

Thanks for the info folks. Finally a thread that is worth reading. I too am interested in the Long EZ. I stand 6'3"" and don't see me squeezing into a Vari EZ. Does any one have some information on a simuliar stlye aircraft called the Bear Koot (SP?). It is much like the EZ aircraft except it was a fully retractable gear aircraft and also the canopy was more like the F4 Phantoms. (It opens from nose to tail not off to the side) Would love to know how this plane stacks up against the Long EZ in performance/cost/etc. Foe that matter do they even still excist?

 

[Greaseman]

The Berkut was designed by long time canard guru Dave Ronnenburg and as you mentioned had/has retractable gear and very cool split opening canopies. It also was designed for bigger engines (six cylinder Cont. or Lycoming---I'm not sure).

How it stacks up against the Long EZ:

1. It freakin' hauls a** and will likely blow the doors..er canopy off of a typical Long.

2. Cruise and climb...see above.

3. Not nearly as many flying. Parts and support will be more challenging....not impossible.

4. Don't know if any are around for sale.

5. Contact David Orr at:

[email protected]

6.Did I mention that it hauls azzzz!!

 

[LaGarbage Man]

Thanks Greasman'
Got to love Wickpedia, I did a search and took a trip down memory lane. The last time I saw a Berkut was around 1998. I see what you mean with parts supply might be a problem with the company being out of business. If the a/c is an off shoot of the Long EZ I wonder if there is some parts commonality? Looks like the gear is manufactured by the folks from the EZ racer so may still be able to get some stuff there. As for any for sale there is definitely a shortage there. According to the search there were 75 kits sold and only about 20 completed and flying. I have found none offered for sale. I see what you mean about hauling azz. I would love to get my hands on the IO 540 powered model but think the 360 model probably holds it own as well. I will keep my eyes open, I guess the only sidstick I will be flying for now is FiFi the Wonder Poodle.
Thanks Again

 

[avbug]

David Orr is the an to talk to, and if anybody can find one for you, it's him. It's what he does. He's probabl more in touch with the Canard community than anyone. I flew with him a couple of months ago. Very nice guy.

 

[proav]

I just bought a Varieze a couple of months ago. My partner and I have been doing a little tweaking here and there on it as it has been sitting for several years. One of the things that we are doing is to move the rudder pedals forward a couple of inches so that we fit in it better. The guy that built it was a littler shorter than we are. I am 5' 9" abnd my partner is about 6'0".
Some people are confused by the name of the Long EZ. It not neccessarily longer than a Varieze, it just has longer range. My Varieze has 27 gallon tanks versus the Longs 50 gallons (correct me if I'm wrong guys.) The Long is about 2 inches wider and the fuel strakes extend forward to right about where the pilots elbows are while seated. The Varieze's strakes end at the bulkhead just behind the pilot. In the Long there are cubby holes built into the strakes that serve as small (very small) baggage areas or just good places to stuff things that are needed during flight. As was mentioned above, the Varieze was designed originally around a VW engine and ment to be a day, VFR airplane. Nobody ever put the VW engine on it. The first ones had the 85hp Continental's but more and more people started adding electrical systems and lights and gyros and putting the O-200's on them. This drove the weight up on the planes so much that the approach speeds were higher than Rutan intended so he went back to the drawing board and came up with the Long EZ which had more wing area tro handle the added weight.
Mt Varieze cruises around 140kts at 2500rpm at 4500ft. That is with the O-200. With just me and half tanks (I weigh about 200lbs) I can climb at 1,000fpm initially. I haven't carried passengers yet so I'm not sure what the performance will be with 2 people. It is definetly not a short field airplane. I am still getting accustomed to the plane and am no where close to being "good" with the plane but I am limiting myself to a minimum of 4,000' of runway. The guys with more time can comfortably get in and out of 3,000' or less but I am not there yet. The palne is a blast to fly! It feels like a fighter plane with the side stick and reclined seating. It is very comfortable in the front. The back seater probably won't want to ride for longer than a couple of hours or so due to the leg room. I am looking forward to some good trips this next summer. It is a very economical way to get across country and it sure draws a crowd wherever you go!

 

[Lilah]

Just a plug for a little video clip we shot this week. It's my buddy Matt landing his Long EZ. Since the centerline was not between the mains, he doesn't get to log it as a landing....

Cheers!

Lilah

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8cwcM0JC-J0

 

[Bryan D]

If you think a Cessna 152 is uncomfortable...
I think of the Longeze as a sports car, something you take a ride in on the weekend then put her back in the garage. The RV's are more comfortable for travel and have the panel space to equip it for IFR flight AND you have room for some luggage. I like the RV4 myself, it's a nice balance of sport and comfort. Check one out.

 

[Talako]

SFG,
I saw a RV-8 project on ebay. Lots of work already
done. It might interest you. Good Luck.