There are still a few of the Rutan designed canards around as a result of the a/c home building boom in the 70's and 80's; saw one parked at Blackpool last June on our way to Scotland. After landing the nose wheel is retracted so the the bird does not sit on it's tail once the occupants disembark. As Burgundymog points out their efficiency was the great appeal plus very safe stall characteristics. These days few are being built. I got to fly a Long EZ once and it was interesting but the tiny wheels and spindly nose gear mean they're suitable only for nice smooth runways. Anorak anecdote: Met Burt Rutan at Oshkosh in about '88 and he kindly posed for a photo with my then 9 year old daughter who, suitably inspired, became a commercial pilot.
