I worked for Mr. Pitts as an 18 yr. old fresh out of High School, in Homestead, Fl. Never got to ride in a Pitts as only S C -1 was available back then . I am now age 76 and a ride in a Pitts is on my bucket list. What an awesome aircraft. The magnitude of the fame of Curtis Pitts didn't sink in with me until some years later as I had always regarded Mr. Pitts as one of the most modest and unpretentious people I ever met. Thanks for the virtual ride.
+Paul Schreiber Thanks for the comment. You're very lucky to have known Curtis. If you're serious about a ride in a Pitts, there are several aerobatic schools around the country where you could get a ride. Are you still in Florida?
+paddy217125 I know what you mean. I spent a lot of years watching other people have all the fun in aerobatic planes! It's awesome to finally be on the other side of it. The Pitts is by far the most awesome plane I've flown.
Well I ended up buying one! Years watching videos like yours on TH-cam and I finally got around to it. It’s an S1S/T (homebuilt with T wings, an angle valve motor and CSU prop)
Hey, that's a great video! I used to fly. Lots of time in the J-3, Citabria, and a few hours in the S-2. Always wanted my own Pitts. Never happened. But, this video gives a great perspective.
Good video. Unmolested S1 T's are getting rare. I did all my Pitts flying in the early '80's. Haven't forgot the feeling an S1 gives ya'. Wouldn't mind getting back in the game. Thanks for the ride.
Great video! Looks familiar. I used to fly out of Airlake in Lakeville with my grandfather on the '80s. He was the mechanic for a flying club there. We used to frequent private Grass airstrips like that visiting his friends who also worked on airplanes.
Nice video one of my dreams to own a pitts but so expensive to go from nothing to even qualified pilot fly one cost me lot owning one is way out of my pocket book.
Very Nice Pitts and a good pilot also. My son just purdhased a Pitts, I hope everything work's out out for him, his got to build a nice long Run Way on his land. Becareful flying and God Bless you .
Charlie Schwenker's ole S1T? If so, it's the Pitts that made me start building mine. Fell in love with it spending time at the flying circus with Charlie.
Thanks for watching. The engine run-up and flight to/from the practice area is edited out of the video. I'm an ex instructor as well...but the Pitts always makes me feel like a student.
Ryan Paul thanks for the reply....what a gorgeous airplane. Never got to fly one...too old now. Built an RV4 for some basic Acro...but hardly a Pitts. Flying a 172 these days. This is one of my favorite videos and I will watch it often...I think about 5 times already. Keep up the great work!
I will get some new video with a little more aerobatic action this spring. In this video, I was trying out the camera for the first time and was having problems with it staying on my head, so I didn't get to film much aerobatics.
Great video! I've just started flying my S1-C. Couldn't agree with you more: "It's awesome to finally be on the other side of it. The Pitts is by far the most awesome plane I've flown." What airport are you flying from?
+Jeff Boatright Congrats on your S-1C! I hope you stay safe and have lots of fun...and hopefully the sweaty palm landings are settling down too! I am flying from a private airpark (1MN8).
My uncle use to have one of these. His was a 2b. He sold because he had a heart condition and he couldnt fly stunts anymore. But he sold it to a guy in florida and the very first time the guy who bought it flew the plane he crashed and totaled it on the runway
Hello: Nice video. What type of go pro set up did you use? I am thinking about buying one but I have never used one in my Pitts. Doe it hit the canopy anyplace? Where would you place the camera?
+Patrick Barrett I have a GoPro 3-Plus. I don't have a lot of advice to give unfortunately. This video was the very first and only time I attempted to use the camera in the Pitts. In this video the camera is attached to a head strap made by GoPro. When facing forward it does not contact the canopy, but then again I'm only 5-9 so someone taller might have an issue. When looking to the sides sometimes it did bump the canopy a bit. As you can see in the video, I didn't have the camera on straight either so everything is slanted. There are a lot of maneuvers that I edited out because I had to stop mid-maneuver due to the camera getting pulled off my head by G-forces. I did buy a kit from nflightcam.com/ that has accessories specifically for airplanes, including a suction-cup mount. I plan to make many more attempts at videos this summer, but it's all going to be trial and error for me. I'll let you know if I come up with a reliable method! One thing I will say is that the resolution from the GoPro is unbelievable. Unfortunately, the video quality doesn't transfer to TH-cam. When I watch the raw video on my home computer the resolution is crazy-good.
Excuse my ignorance, but why does the left wing have something looking like a fucked up aerial? I get the trailing piece of cord / fabric, but what's the strange shaped thing? Is it simply a static discharger?
The object is a sighting aid, it gives you a reference 45 degree, 90 degree etc. to give you a line to follow. When you go vertical you will see the pilot look left to maintain his line.
The upper wing makes it tricky to see what you're turning towards. So, scanning for traffic before/during a turn is a little more challenging. Also, keeping sight of the runway during a turn from base-to-final or during a rounded turn from downwind to final (like I usually do) is a little tricky. This video pretty much gives you the perspective. The biggest visibility challenge (for me) in the Pitts is seeing the runway over the nose during landing.
Ryan honestly how long does it take to learn how to fly a pitts, I have started now taking ppl course and I am 46, I could buy a pitt tomorrow but I don't want to hurt myself or anybody else, whats your suggestion? thank you
I've had my Pitts for 3 years and I'm still learning to fly it! Ask someone who has had a Pitts for 10 or even 20 years and they'd probably say they're still learning to fly it! It's an interesting and excited airplane that will teach you all kinds of things! I do get what you were really asking though...how long does it take to learn to safely takeoff, land, and operate a Pitts. Like in all flying, the "how long does it take..." question really depends on a person's skill level, prior experience, and determination. Thus, it's really hard to answer that question. When I bought my Pitts, I had 10 years experience as a pilot and 7 years experience as an instructor. I also already had some tailwheel experience, including stick-time in the Pitts and other aerobatic aircraft. It took me about 4 hours of training in a 2-place Pitts to solo. My advice to you would be to first focus on finishing your PPL. After that, get your tailwheel endorsement and see how you like flying a tailwheel. After that, go find a reputable aerobatic flight school and take some aerobatic lessons in a Pitts. Getting some stick-time with a quality Pitts instructor is a great way to see how much you actually like the airplane. Once you've done all that, if you're serious about buying a Pitts pair yourself up with a good Pitts instructor, ideally who will mentor you, keep you humble, and help you find a quality Pitts. I wouldn't have anxiety about hurting yourself; a quality instructor will know when you're ready to solo. Also, especially as a fresh private pilot with low flight time, aircraft insurance companies are going to require you to complete a decent amount of Pitts training before they cover you as PIC. I'd say the key is to find a good Pitts mentor who will look out for you and guide you. If you join the IAC and find a local chapter, there's bound to be some experienced Pitts pilots...and most IAC guys are more than happy to help a newbie out. Once you start soloing a Pitts, just stay humble and honest about your own skill level and you'll be fine. Many people talk about the Pitts being extremely difficult to land. The airplane deserves a lot of respect and you can't "go through the motions" on landing, but it's not as difficult as many would have you believe.
Ryan thanks a lot, I have completely understand what you explained to me, major problem for me is that I live in Italy and right now I m flying on low wing tecnam p92, very quick plane but still a ulm (here in Italy PPL school nowdays teach with those planes), and I do have some natural talent, I solo after 6/7 hours the first time now I am at 16 hours (I imagine you smiling reading this), anyway finding a pitts Instructor would be impossible down here, the most thing I could do its taking a 2 weeks vacations in the United States and take some lessons. I have been dealing with fast racing veichles all my life so been humble and honest its in my dna and I thank you for that piece but important advice, what else can I say is thank you very much for your input, I know one day a Pitts s2 will be mine. Thanks a lot, God bless.
There must be someone in Europe who could train you would be closer than coming to the States. Isn't the tecnam a light sport aircraft? When I get my PPL next year I found a place near me who instructs new pilots in a tailwheel aircraft that is my plan.
I worked for Mr. Pitts as an 18 yr. old fresh out of High School, in Homestead, Fl. Never got to ride in a Pitts as only S C -1 was available back then . I am now age 76 and a ride in a Pitts is on my bucket list. What an awesome aircraft. The magnitude of the fame of Curtis Pitts didn't sink in with me until some years later as I had always regarded Mr. Pitts as one of the most modest and unpretentious people I ever met. Thanks for the virtual ride.
+Paul Schreiber Thanks for the comment. You're very lucky to have known Curtis. If you're serious about a ride in a Pitts, there are several aerobatic schools around the country where you could get a ride. Are you still in Florida?
Paul Schreiber
I know in Florida there’s a place called Eagle Sport over in Deland (KDED) that has a Pitts S-2B.
Man I love the Pitts. You're making me jealous
+paddy217125 I know what you mean. I spent a lot of years watching other people have all the fun in aerobatic planes! It's awesome to finally be on the other side of it. The Pitts is by far the most awesome plane I've flown.
Well I ended up buying one! Years watching videos like yours on TH-cam and I finally got around to it. It’s an S1S/T (homebuilt with T wings, an angle valve motor and CSU prop)
3:09 I cannot wait for the day I buy a Pitts Special and do a steep turn like that. It must be so magical, truly.
Hey, that's a great video! I used to fly. Lots of time in the J-3, Citabria, and a few hours in the S-2. Always wanted my own Pitts. Never happened. But, this video gives a great perspective.
Good video. Unmolested S1 T's are getting rare. I did all my Pitts flying in the early '80's. Haven't forgot the feeling an S1 gives ya'. Wouldn't mind getting back in the game. Thanks for the ride.
+Kevin N You're right...not many factory-built stock T-models around. There's nothing like a Pitts...I'm sure there's one calling your name somewhere!
Never got to see it from this angle. Thanks,and spring can't come soon enough.
+Susan Gantz I'm counting the days, Susan!
thank you for this wonderful ride, Mr paul !
Great video. Always wanted that feel of just doing all of those acrobatic maneuvers with such ease. Really enjoyed the ride. Keep the videos rolling.
I miss flying sooooo much! Now it's just RC aerobatics. Michael
Beautiful Aircraft and great footage - I Liked & Subscribed 😎👍
Perfect S-1T! Looking forward to more videos!
+619viewloader Thanks for the comment. I'm very happy with the airplane. I'll certainly have more videos in the future.
+Ryan Paul Awesome! I've always been a big fan of the "Pompano scheme"
Great video! Looks familiar. I used to fly out of Airlake in Lakeville with my grandfather on the '80s. He was the mechanic for a flying club there. We used to frequent private Grass airstrips like that visiting his friends who also worked on airplanes.
He got me hooked on Pitts and Christian Eagles! One of these days...
Nice video one of my dreams to own a pitts but so expensive to go from nothing to even qualified pilot fly one cost me lot owning one is way out of my pocket book.
What a gorgeous airstrip. Very cool set up you have. :)
+AndyNZ1983 It's a great place! A lot of fun times and cool airplanes.
It’s the landing that’s most impressive.
Very Nice Pitts and a good pilot also. My son just purdhased a Pitts, I hope everything work's out out for him, his got to build a nice long Run Way on his land. Becareful flying and God Bless you .
Beautiful video I love bi planes. I've built a few models and had them presented at libraries.
Charlie Schwenker's ole S1T? If so, it's the Pitts that made me start building mine. Fell in love with it spending time at the flying circus with Charlie.
+Jeremy Wicker Yes, this was Charlie's Pitts.
I was wondering what happened to it after he passed. Glad to see someone else is able to appreciate it the way he did.
Love it !
you are living the dream my guy!
i hope to at least own a biplane some day when i grow up.....
My head has been tilted right for four minutes!
Bravo!
I need to get me one of these.
What a beauty 😍
Fantastic airplane
The best wonderfull biplane in the world! Whauu
Gread video, great plane! I love the little Pitts S1. Do you have a constant speed prop on it? Alwas happy landings an best regards from Germany. Nico
Tks for share the vid with cam on this position. 😉
flew my pitts there many times.
A Really Good Aviation Video Not Ruined By Crappy Music & Excessive Jibber Jabber! So Many Are, You Know . . .
foarte frumos
Enjoyed the flight! As an ex flight instructor I was looking for a dead mag check... otherwise great!
Thanks for watching. The engine run-up and flight to/from the practice area is edited out of the video. I'm an ex instructor as well...but the Pitts always makes me feel like a student.
Ryan Paul thanks for the reply....what a gorgeous airplane. Never got to fly one...too old now. Built an RV4 for some basic Acro...but hardly a Pitts. Flying a 172 these days. This is one of my favorite videos and I will watch it often...I think about 5 times already. Keep up the great work!
I will get some new video with a little more aerobatic action this spring. In this video, I was trying out the camera for the first time and was having problems with it staying on my head, so I didn't get to film much aerobatics.
Looking forward to it!
Hello people who randomly got recommended this video, im probably one of the first
no my dad had this plane
A friend of mine went on an aerobatic joy flight in one fuel cap was left loose long story short cockpit pilot and pax covered in avgas lol
msfs looks good
👍круто
Great video! I've just started flying my S1-C. Couldn't agree with you more: "It's awesome to finally be on the other side of it. The Pitts is by far the most awesome plane I've flown."
What airport are you flying from?
+Jeff Boatright Congrats on your S-1C! I hope you stay safe and have lots of fun...and hopefully the sweaty palm landings are settling down too! I am flying from a private airpark (1MN8).
+Ryan Paul The Decathlon I fly is based there!
+619viewloader Come say Hello if you ever see me out there.
My uncle use to have one of these. His was a 2b. He sold because he had a heart condition and he couldnt fly stunts anymore. But he sold it to a guy in florida and the very first time the guy who bought it flew the plane he crashed and totaled it on the runway
BlizzardHockey4432 of
WOW! Thats awful! Did the pilot walk away from the crash???
Hello: Nice video. What type of go pro set up did you use? I am thinking about buying one but I have never used one in my Pitts. Doe it hit the canopy anyplace? Where would you place the camera?
+Patrick Barrett I have a GoPro 3-Plus. I don't have a lot of advice to give unfortunately. This video was the very first and only time I attempted to use the camera in the Pitts. In this video the camera is attached to a head strap made by GoPro. When facing forward it does not contact the canopy, but then again I'm only 5-9 so someone taller might have an issue. When looking to the sides sometimes it did bump the canopy a bit. As you can see in the video, I didn't have the camera on straight either so everything is slanted. There are a lot of maneuvers that I edited out because I had to stop mid-maneuver due to the camera getting pulled off my head by G-forces. I did buy a kit from nflightcam.com/ that has accessories specifically for airplanes, including a suction-cup mount. I plan to make many more attempts at videos this summer, but it's all going to be trial and error for me. I'll let you know if I come up with a reliable method! One thing I will say is that the resolution from the GoPro is unbelievable. Unfortunately, the video quality doesn't transfer to TH-cam. When I watch the raw video on my home computer the resolution is crazy-good.
+Ryan Paul Thank you. Hope to see more in the future.
Sweeeet, and jealous...😍
Excuse my ignorance, but why does the left wing have something looking like a fucked up aerial?
I get the trailing piece of cord / fabric, but what's the strange shaped thing?
Is it simply a static discharger?
The object is a sighting aid, it gives you a reference 45 degree, 90 degree etc. to give you a line to follow. When you go vertical you will see the pilot look left to maintain his line.
Do you still have the Pitts?
Does the upper wing impair visibility that much?
The upper wing makes it tricky to see what you're turning towards. So, scanning for traffic before/during a turn is a little more challenging. Also, keeping sight of the runway during a turn from base-to-final or during a rounded turn from downwind to final (like I usually do) is a little tricky. This video pretty much gives you the perspective. The biggest visibility challenge (for me) in the Pitts is seeing the runway over the nose during landing.
Looks like Mike Hangar at Webster... I assume you bought his house?
Pete & Marilyn still live there...
Looks like wisconsin
Close...Minnesota
Keep the nose up!
Nice video dream of one day to fly a pitts so expensive to get a PPL then enough training to fly a high performance plane like that.
It was a long road for me too. Don't give up on your dreams and eventually it'll happen.
Ryan honestly how long does it take to learn how to fly a pitts, I have started now taking ppl course and I am 46, I could buy a pitt tomorrow but I don't want to hurt myself or anybody else, whats your suggestion? thank you
I've had my Pitts for 3 years and I'm still learning to fly it! Ask someone who has had a Pitts for 10 or even 20 years and they'd probably say they're still learning to fly it! It's an interesting and excited airplane that will teach you all kinds of things! I do get what you were really asking though...how long does it take to learn to safely takeoff, land, and operate a Pitts. Like in all flying, the "how long does it take..." question really depends on a person's skill level, prior experience, and determination. Thus, it's really hard to answer that question. When I bought my Pitts, I had 10 years experience as a pilot and 7 years experience as an instructor. I also already had some tailwheel experience, including stick-time in the Pitts and other aerobatic aircraft. It took me about 4 hours of training in a 2-place Pitts to solo. My advice to you would be to first focus on finishing your PPL. After that, get your tailwheel endorsement and see how you like flying a tailwheel. After that, go find a reputable aerobatic flight school and take some aerobatic lessons in a Pitts. Getting some stick-time with a quality Pitts instructor is a great way to see how much you actually like the airplane. Once you've done all that, if you're serious about buying a Pitts pair yourself up with a good Pitts instructor, ideally who will mentor you, keep you humble, and help you find a quality Pitts. I wouldn't have anxiety about hurting yourself; a quality instructor will know when you're ready to solo. Also, especially as a fresh private pilot with low flight time, aircraft insurance companies are going to require you to complete a decent amount of Pitts training before they cover you as PIC. I'd say the key is to find a good Pitts mentor who will look out for you and guide you. If you join the IAC and find a local chapter, there's bound to be some experienced Pitts pilots...and most IAC guys are more than happy to help a newbie out. Once you start soloing a Pitts, just stay humble and honest about your own skill level and you'll be fine. Many people talk about the Pitts being extremely difficult to land. The airplane deserves a lot of respect and you can't "go through the motions" on landing, but it's not as difficult as many would have you believe.
Ryan thanks a lot, I have completely understand what you explained to me, major problem for me is that I live in Italy and right now I m flying on low wing tecnam p92, very quick plane but still a ulm (here in Italy PPL school nowdays teach with those planes), and I do have some natural talent, I solo after 6/7 hours the first time now I am at 16 hours (I imagine you smiling reading this), anyway finding a pitts Instructor would be impossible down here, the most thing I could do its taking a 2 weeks vacations in the United States and take some lessons. I have been dealing with fast racing veichles all my life so been humble and honest its in my dna and I thank you for that piece but important advice, what else can I say is thank you very much for your input, I know one day a Pitts s2 will be mine. Thanks a lot, God bless.
There must be someone in Europe who could train you would be closer than coming to the States. Isn't the tecnam a light sport aircraft? When I get my PPL next year I found a place near me who instructs new pilots in a tailwheel aircraft that is my plan.
Experimenting with my Go-Pro camera?? Don't put the damned thing on your Helmet.
Real pilots don’t say clear prop.