Pitts S-1 Aircraft 1960s
Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.
1 used Pitts S-1 aircraft for sale 1960s · 1-seat · from $73K · updated 3 hours ago
About the Pitts S-1
The Pitts S-1 is the classic single-seat aerobatic biplane — small, light and ferociously agile, the mount that dominated competition aerobatics and still delivers one of the best roll rates and aerobatic experiences for the money. Variants range from the symmetrical-wing S-1S and constant-speed S-1T to the high-performance S-1-11 ("Super Stinker"). Most are amateur-built or factory biplanes flown for sport and competition aerobatics.
Pitts S-1 Specifications
Model specThe Pitts S-1 is a 1-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 120 kt (222 km/h), a range of 273 nm (506 km).
1 Pitts S-1 For Sale
There are currently 1 used Pitts S-1 for sale, ranging from $73,601 to $73,601, with a median asking price of $73,601.
Compare Pitts S-1
See how the Pitts S-1 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Pitts S-1 Price & Cost
How much does a Pitts S-1 cost? Used S-1 prices: from $73K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.
Based on 2 priced listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Pitts S-1
When buying a Pitts S-1, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.
What to check before buying
- Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
- Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pitts S-1
Cost?
Is the S-1 a good first aerobatic aircraft?
Pitts S-1 Inventory by Country
| United States | 2 |
| Germany | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
Pitts S-1 by Price
| Under $100k | 2 |
| Under $200k | 3 |
| Under $300k | 3 |
| Under $500k | 3 |
Pitts S-1 Safety Record
Across all S-1 variants, 35 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 02, 2025 | Danbury, CT | Incident | — |
| Aug 12, 2025 | Goodyear, AZ | Fatal (1) | — |
| Feb 17, 2022 | Spring, TX | Serious | The failure of maintenance personnel to properly connect the throttle cable, which led to the pilot’s inability to contr… |
| Jul 17, 2004 | Durham, NC | Fatal (1) | The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent in-flight collision … |
| Jan 03, 2004 | Burleson, TX | Incident | The separation of the right main gear wheel, during landing, due to the improper maintenance by unknown maintenance pers… |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Pitts S-1 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.