The aerobatic biplane that defined a generation of flight and set world records

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Designed by Curtis Pitts in 1944, the Pitts Special transformed from a modest homebuilt project into the gold standard of aerobatic competition. Known for its agility and iconic Stinker nicknames, this series of biplanes has dominated skies for decades, proving that a simple, refined design can achieve legendary status.

The Pitts Special began as a single-seat project in 1943, with the prototype taking its first flight in September 1944. Curtis Pitts, the designer, initially built aircraft that earned the nickname Stinkers, a moniker that stuck as subsequent prototypes were dubbed Little Stinker, Big Stinker, and Super Stinker. These aircraft were not merely hobbyist projects; they became the benchmark for aerobatic performance, famously leading the US Aerobatic Team to a World Championship victory in 1972.

The design philosophy has remained remarkably consistent since the 1940s, even as the aircraft evolved into various S-1 and S-2 variants. While the single-seat S-1 series focused on extreme maneuverability, the two-seat S-2, which first flew in 1967 and gained certification in 1971, introduced aerobatic training capabilities. Over the years, production shifted through several entities, including Aerotek and Christen Industries, before settling with Aviat Aircraft in Afton, Wyoming, and Steen Aero Lab, which handles plans for homebuilders.

The aircraft's performance capabilities are evidenced by its continued presence in record books. In 2014, Spencer Suderman set a record of 81 consecutive turns in a flat spin, and he later broke his own record in 2016 with 98 turns. These feats highlight the enduring potential of the Pitts design, which remains a potent competitor in lower categories today. Despite the death of Curtis Pitts in 2005 at age 89, his legacy persists through the ongoing production and popularity of these biplanes among both factory buyers and homebuilders.

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