Pitts Aircraft
12 used Pitts aircraft listings · $63,348–$114,470 · last refreshed 4 hours ago
About Pitts Aircraft Company
The Pitts Special is the most iconic aerobatic biplane ever built — a compact, immensely strong steel-tube-and-fabric biplane that defined competition aerobatics for decades and remains a benchmark for roll rate, agility and pure aerobatic fun. The single-seat **S-1** is the classic competition mount; the two-seat **S-2** (S-2A/B/C) adds a second seat for training, rides and cross-country, with more power. Built in factory (now by Aviat) and amateur-built/kit form, Pitts biplanes are the heart of grassroots aerobatics. There are currently 12 used Pitts aircraft for sale.
Pitts Aircraft for Sale
Price $63,348–$114,470
Pitts Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a Pitts aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Pitts aircraft (also known as Pitts choppers or Pitts helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
The cost of a Pitts aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Pitts Models
Pitts Models — Specifications
Model spec| Model | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1945–2006 | 1 | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 273 nm (506 km) | — | 6 | |
| 1972–1985 | 2 | 137 kts (254 km/h) | 298 nm (552 km) | — | 6 | |
| S-2A | 1972–1985 | 2 | 137 kts (254 km/h) | 298 nm (552 km) | — | 5 |
| S-2B | — | — | 152 kts (282 km/h) | 277 nm (513 km) | — | 1 |
| — | — | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 350 nm (648 km) | — | 1 |
Compare Pitts Aircraft
Pitts cross-family (1)
vs. Competitors (5)
Showing the most-searched matchups. Open a model or family page for its full set of comparisons, or browse all comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pitts
Is the Pitts Special a good aerobatic aircraft?
The Pitts Special is the most iconic aerobatic biplane ever built, dominating world competition from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed by Curtis Pitts in 1944, it remains highly competitive in Intermediate and Advanced categories. The aircraft does exactly what you tell it to — immediately — with honest, predictable handling. The S-2B (two-seat, 260 hp) is the most popular model for aerobatic training, while the single-seat S-1 variants are lighter competition machines. On AeroGurus, Pitts listings range from 9,000 to 08,000.
What should I check when buying a used Pitts?
Key inspection areas: (1) Fabric condition — if the aircraft was not hangared, budget for a full recover (5,000-5,000). (2) Engine and prop — aerobatic engines see harder duty cycles; verify inverted oil system integrity and prop for cracks. (3) Steel tube fuselage — check for corrosion at all weld joints and inside the lower longerons where moisture collects. (4) Weight and balance — with both seats occupied, some S-2 models have marginal W&B for aerobatics. (5) Logbooks — verify aerobatic history; high-G maneuvers accumulate fatigue faster than normal flying.
Pitts Inventory by Country
| United States | 8 |
| United Kingdom | 3 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| Finland | 1 |
Recently Sold Pitts
| 1977 Special S2A | $79,995 |
| 1971 S-1C | $34,900 |