The VariEze is notable for popularizing the canard configuration and moldless glass cloth composite construction for homebuilt aircraft.

Three months later it was shown at Oshkosh where Dick Rutan piloted it to an under 500 kg class distance record of 1,638 miles (2,636 km).

[2] A second prototype, the Model 33, N4EZ, built using a larger wing, a Continental O-200 engine, and many other detail changes, was shown at Oshkosh in July 1976 and plans were offered for sale.

Ultimately more VariEzes and Long-EZs (a derivative, slightly larger design) were constructed than any other homebuilt type of the time.

An outer wing leading edge droop (and later vortilons on some examples) was added to alleviate this problem and rudder travel was reduced.

Precise comparisons are difficult, however, because of the haphazard nature of data collection and analysis for accidents involving homebuilt airplanes.