Pitts S-1 vs Steen Aero Skybolt
The Steen Skybolt and Pitts S-1 are aerobatic biplanes of different focus — the Skybolt a rugged two-seat sport-aerobatic biplane; the Pitts S-1 the dedicated single-seat competition aerobat.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 6
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1972–1987
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Pitts S-1 | Steen Aero Skybolt |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 35 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 7 | — |
| Fatalities | 7 | — |
| % Fatal | 20% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Pitts S-1 | Steen Aero Skybolt |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $49,946 – $112,113 | $38,500 – $92,311 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 273 nm (506 km) | 390 nm (722 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,150 lbs (522 kg) | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | — |
Which Should You Buy: Pitts S-1 or Steen Aero Skybolt?
Bottom line: Choose the Pitts S-1 for the sharpest single-seat competition aerobatics. Choose the Steen Skybolt for two seats (shared/dual aerobatic flying), ruggedness and classic character — a sport-aerobatic biplane rather than a pure competition mount.
Pick the S-1 if…
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 5 listings vs 4.
Pick the Skybolt if…
- Budget matters — from $38,500 vs $49,946, you save ~$11,446.
- Longer range — 390 nm vs 273 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.