Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’sTop Pick is a 1974 Pitts Special S-1S.
The Pitts Special is among the world’s most recognizable airplanes due to its unique shape and its long period of dominance on the aerobatic scene. While the design, which first flew during the 1940s, is no longer an international contender at the sport’s upper levels, it is still a magnet for pilots seeking an immersive experience in aerobatic training and entry-level competition.
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The aircraft for sale today reveals another area of competition where the Pitts is right at home—air racing. The sport biplane class has long been an exciting and rewarding path into the world of air racing, and this Pitts was a regular on the circuit. If you just want to have an excess of fun flying to the next pancake breakfast, however, the Pitts remains a fine candidate for the mission.
This 1974 Pitts S-1S has 1,230 hours on the airframe and 260 hours since overhaul on its 200 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 engine. The aircraft’s fuselage features clear side and floor panels for aerobatics and has no engine-driven electrical system. It is equipped for VFR operation only and has a battery- operated micro radio. The owner has typically used a hand-held Garmin GPS for navigation.
The aircraft has competed in the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, under the race name “Ruby.”
Pilots looking for a practical path into aerobatic or sport biplane racing competition should consider this 1974 Pitts Special S-1S, which is available for $65,000 on AircraftForSale.
If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
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- FLYING Magazine: I Learned About Flying From That: First Fright in a Pitts Special
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- Plane & Pilot: Smoke On!
- Plane & Pilot: Pitts Special
- Plane & Pilot: Ferry Pilot Recounts Too-Long Cross-Country Flight in a Pitts
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Pitts Special
