travel was reduced. The design's stall resistance did not appear to translate to a lower accident rate than for other homebuilts; a review of the NTSB database from 1976 to 2005 shows 130 total accidents and 46 fatal accidents out of a fleet of about 800 (691 registered in 2005). Precise comparisons are difficult, however, because of the haphazard nature of data collection and analysis for accidents involving homebuilt airplanes. The VariEze is subject to a 2.5g positive, 1.5g negative, maximum load factor limit applied after the discovery of problems with some VariEze wings. In lieu of a parking brake, the nosewheel retracts and the nose rests on the ground. Referred to as kneeling, this eases access to the cockpit. Resting the nose on the ground also prevents the plane from tipping onto its rear when the pilot's seat is unoccupied. Specifications See also Notes References "Flying the VariEze", Air Progress, April 1978. National Air and Space Museum VariEze history National Air and Space Museum VariEze Kit Components December 2004 EZ of the Month Taylor, John W. R. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. . Getting 45 MPG at 207 MPH Rutan Technology in Europe Flight International 1976 External links 1970s United States sport aircraft Canard aircraft Homebuilt aircraft VariEze Mid-wing aircraft Single-engined pusher aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1975