Pitts S-2 Special
The Pitts S-2 is the two-seat evolution of Curtis Pitts' single-seat S-1 Special, first flown in 1967 and certified in 1971 specifically so instructors could teach aerobatics rather than send students solo in the demanding single-seater. Aerotek and later Aviat built it in Afton, Wyoming, progressing through the S-2A, S-2B and current S-2C, each retaining the short-coupled biplane layout but growing to a 260-hp Lycoming driving a constant-speed propeller. Its tandem cockpit made it the standard mount for aerobatic instruction and airshow two-seat rides worldwide, spreading the S-1's competition-winning handling to pilots who had never flown an unlimited aerobatic aircraft before.
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Did you know?
The tandem two-seat answer to teaching aerobatics: built so instructors can coach hands-on instead of watching students struggle solo in the S-1.
Specifications
| Length | 5.7 m (19 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 6.1 m (20 ft) |
| Height | 2 m (7 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 0.6 t |
| Range | 270 NM (500 km) |
| Service ceiling | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 13,000 ft (3,962 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 140 m (459 ft) |
| Landing distance | 150 m (492 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 110 l |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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