Pitts Special
Aviat Aircraft · United States · first flew 1944 · light aircraft
The Pitts Special is a diminutive single-engine aerobatic biplane that dominated unlimited competition flying for decades after its first flight in 1944.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Stubby single-bay biplane
- Staggered wings with flying wires
- Fixed tailwheel undercarriage
Look for the tiny, stubby biplane silhouette with staggered wings, prominent bracing wires and a bulbous cowling. The fixed tailwheel gear and rounded fin complete the unmistakable little-biplane look.
Specifications
- The Pitts Special has a length of 5.72 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.1 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 282 km/h (175 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 (pilot + optional student).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Curtis Pitts, the original single-seat S-1 first flew in 1944 and the two-seat S-2 followed in 1967. Built over the years by Aerotek, Christen and now Aviat Aircraft, it has been offered both as factory aircraft and as homebuilt kits.
Variants
The single-seat S-1 series runs from the homebuilt S-1C to the four-aileron factory S-1S and S-1T, while the two-seat line covers the S-2A, S-2B and current S-2C. Later models adopted symmetrical airfoils and four ailerons for crisper roll rates.
Where you'll see it
The Pitts is a familiar sight at UK aerobatic competitions and airshow displays, flown by clubs and private owners from grass strips across Britain. Its tight handling makes it a classic mount for pilots progressing into unlimited aerobatics.
Related aircraft
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