Why She is “Special”

The Pitts story began in the 1940s, when Curtis Pitts set out to build a small, lightweight biplane specifically for aerobatics. The first prototype flew in 1944, and the design continued to evolve as pilots pushed the limits of what aerobatic aircraft could do.

The basic idea remained the same: keep the aircraft light, strong and responsive. Over the years, the Pitts design was refined through new wing profiles, four-aileron configurations, improved control response and more powerful engines. It went from a 55 HP homebuilt aircraft to a highly developed family of aerobatic machines.

“Baby Jane” is part of that evolution. Built in 1986, she is a Pitts Special S-1T — one of only 64 produced. Her 200 HP engine, four-aileron configuration and 387 kg empty weight give her the direct response and performance expected from a true aerobatic aircraft.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Flying a Pitts is about developing a proper understanding of the aircraft. Every input is immediate, every manoeuvre requires precision, and the relationship between pilot and machine matters throughout the flight. With time, practice and repetition, the aircraft becomes more familiar — not easier, but more rewarding.

That is what makes “Baby Jane” special: she carries nearly eight decades of Pitts development into the air, while still retaining the direct, mechanical character that made the original design so important.

• Aircraft: Pitts Special S-1T

• Year built: 1986

• Production: One of only 64 built

• Engine power: 200 HP

• Empty weight: 387 kg

• Maximum speed: 203 mph / 330 km/h

• G limits: +6 G / −4.67 G

• Roll rate: 300°/second

• Configuration: Single-seat aerobatic biplane