Hans-Georg Schmid's Long-EZ For Sale

We met Captain Schmid at Sun 'n Fun in 2000, and featured him and his remarkable Long-EZ in ANN at that time. In fact, here's one of the photos we took there:

The machine was purpose-built to cover long distances, and cover them, it did, setting 'round-the-world records in both directions. (Yes, the Swissair Captain flew around the world twice, traversing the North and South Atlantic, and the Pacific Oceans, and landing on all continents except Antarctica -- which wasn't on the way, in any event!)

The machine is a two-seater by design; the rear seat area could be set up for a person; or its huge fuel tank could take you to your own records... (This machine and Captain Schmid formally captured over 160 records, for leg time, distance, and around-the-world times.)

We really like some of the touches Capt. Schmid added, like his "snooze-alarm:" if Schmidt were taking a quick nap, the gear horn would go off at a pre-set time, and again, at short intervals, until he decided to shut it all the way off. Did he ever sleep through that alarm? There's no way to know, of course -- he had no copilot; but he certainly didn't think so (and neither did we).

Now, we see that the famous and competent bird is up at auction. It's in Zurich, Switzerland; and you can fly it -- literally -- anywhere (or they'll deliver it, for expenses).

FMI: look at the bidding