Pitts S-2c

Single Piston

The Pitts S-2C is a two-seat aerobatic biplane that represents the pinnacle of unlimited competition aerobatics design from the legendary Pitts lineage. Built by Aviat Aircraft (formerly Christen Industries), the S-2C evolved from Curtis Pitts' original 1940s designs and became the weapon of choice for world-class aerobatic competitors through the 1980s and 1990s. Powered by a 260-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-540, the S-2C delivers an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio and roll rates exceeding 360 degrees per second, capabilities that made it a dominant force in International Aerobatic Club competitions and airshow circuits worldwide. The type's symmetrical airfoil and balanced control harmony allow sustained inverted flight and knife-edge maneuvers that would be impossible in conventional aircraft. With a never-exceed speed of 194 knots and a design load factor of +6/-5 Gs, the S-2C operates in a flight envelope far beyond typical general aviation aircraft. Its distinctive stacked-wing silhouette and fabric-covered steel tube fuselage represent traditional construction methods refined to their absolute limits. While production ended in the early 2000s as composite aerobatic designs emerged, the S-2C remains highly sought after by serious aerobatic pilots and warbird collectors. SkyMeter has tracked 8 flights across 5 airframes and 1 operators, with the most frequently observed.