The story
The Pitts Special is the tiny biplane that dominated world aerobatics and never stopped showing off. The two-seat S-2 lets an instructor ride along, which is how generations of pilots discovered what flying upside down actually feels like.
Curtis Pitts designed the original in the 1940s — and the design was still winning aerobatic competitions decades later.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Pitts S-2 Special?
Tiny biplane, often in sunburst paint. Stubby wings with bracing wires, tailwheel, and it's rarely flying straight and level for long.
What does a Pitts S-2 Special sound like?
A snarling six-cylinder with an unmistakable rasp — usually heard mid-loop over an airshow.
How fast is the Pitts S-2 Special?
Top speed is 152 kts (max cruise).
How many passengers does the Pitts S-2 Special carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is tandem 2-seat aerobatic.
How far can the Pitts S-2 Special fly?
Range is about 277 nmi.
How big is the Pitts S-2 Special?
It is 18 ft 9 in long and 20 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Pitts S-2 Special first fly?
Its first flight was in 1967.
How many Pitts S-2 Specials have been built?
455+ (S-2A and S-2B alone) built.
What do crews call the Pitts S-2 Special?
The Pitts.
How rare is a Pitts S-2 Special in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Pitts S-2 Special catch is worth 25 points.
