Aircraft overview

The Pitts S-2 is a two-seat aerobatic biplane developed from Curtis Pitts’ single-seat Pitts Special line and produced by Pitts Aerobatics, later under Aviat ownership. The S-2A first flew in the late 1960s, with certified production beginning in the early 1970s. It was designed as a tandem-seat sport and competition aerobatic aircraft, giving pilots dual-control training capability in a type closely related to the single-seat Pitts. Its importance in the used market comes from that combination: certified aerobatic structure, compact biplane handling, and enough second-seat practicality for instruction, checkouts, and owner flying.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant. The Pitts S-2A uses a 200 hp Lycoming AEIO-360, while the later S-2B and S-2C use 260 hp Lycoming AEIO-540 engines. Typical cruise speeds are often around the 130 to 150 knot range, with higher cruise figures associated with the more powerful versions and clean rigging. Practical range is commonly in the low hundreds of nautical miles, reflecting the aircraft’s aerobatic mission and limited fuel capacity rather than cross-country optimization. Useful load is typically around 500 lb, varying by model, equipment, and empty weight. Published service ceiling figures for the higher-powered S-2 variants are around 20,000 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The Pitts S-2 has tandem seating beneath a small canopy, with the pilot normally flying from the rear seat and the front seat used for instruction or passengers. Cabin width, baggage space, visibility on the ground, and entry are all typical of a compact aerobatic biplane rather than a touring aircraft. Avionics are usually simple. Buyers should expect analog flight and engine instruments, a VHF comm, transponder, intercom, and often a portable or panel GPS. Integrated suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective are not typical for the Pitts S-2. Many aircraft also have aerobatic-specific equipment such as smoke systems, inverted fuel and oil systems, and parachute-compatible seating arrangements.

Buying & value

Condition and documentation matter more than cosmetic presentation. Important checks include wing and fabric condition, rigging, aerobatic stress history, engine time, propeller history, landing gear alignment, corrosion control, canopy condition, and compliance with service bulletins or airworthiness directives. Common variants include the S-2A, S-2B, and S-2C, with buyers often valuing the S-2B and S-2C for their 260 hp performance. Upgrades may include modern radios, GPS, engine monitors, smoke systems, and refreshed fabric or paint. On PlaneFox, current Pitts S-2 listings show an average asking price of about EUR 91,000, with a range from EUR 43,000 to EUR 128,000, placing it as a specialized used aerobatic aircraft rather than a general touring purchase.