The Rutan Model 54 Quickie is a lightweight single-seat taildragger aircraft of composite construction, configured with tandem wings.

The aircraft has unusual landing gear, with the main wheels located at the tips of the forward wing.

The first element to be found by Jewett and Sheehan was the engine, which – although low-powered (they had anticipated 12 hp) – had to be reliable for aviation work.

[4] Conversely to canard layout, the conventional front engine location put the pilot close to the center of gravity, a key point for a light aircraft.

The wheels were incorporated into wingtip fairings without much drag penalty and the tandem layout gave safe stalling characteristics.

[citation needed] The full-span control surfaces on the forward wing serve as combined elevators and flaps.

The Quickie has fixed (non-retractable) main wheels faired into spats located at the tips of the forward wing.

The rather crude cable-operated brake comprises a cockpit lever operating steel tire-scrubbers on each main wheel.

The steerable tailwheel allows directional control up to the point of liftoff, as the Quickie does not lift its tail during the takeoff run.

[10] In June 1978 a Quickie prototype was flown to the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual gathering at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where the aircraft drew intense public interest and won the Outstanding New Design Award.