In Canada in 1978, Dale Kramer designed the Lazair. This was one of the first twin-engine ultralights and the configuration marked an important step to increase the reliability of these simple and inexpensive aircraft. All Lazairs shared the same basic airframe, but each model was equipped with different engines, a different cockpit enclosure, and structural modifications to support increases in engine power. The Lazair was among the first ultralights to attract serious attention from police officers interested in using these airplanes to aid law-enforcement in a surveillance role.