Our Aircraft’s History

Pitts S-1 “Pitts Special” (S/N 149-H; C/S N51LM) ~ This Pitts Special is a single-seat aerobatic biplane (the S-2 variants are with a tandem seat) with design’s that date back to 1944 from original designer Curtis Pitts. Our flyable aircraft was a home-built by the patriarch of the Mansuetti family. Built in 1977, she earned her airworthiness on June 6, 1980.

Arriving on April 1, 2018, the S-1 is maintained by Crew Chief John Harris.

Specifications/Performance

  • Role: Aerobatic biplane
  • Manufacturer: Aviat (and Home-built kits)
  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 15 ft 6 in
  • Wingspan: 17 ft 4 in
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in
  • Empty weight: 720 lb
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,150 lb
  • Engine: 1 x O-360 Lycoming, 180 hp
  • Cruise speed: 154 mph
  • Max speed: 185 mph
  • Range: 309 mi
  • Service ceiling: 21,000 ft

Museum display notes: painted/marked in acrobatic colors with the family name of Leo Mansuetti on her.