Introducing My New Pitts S-1D

I thought I would introduce you all to my new Pitts S-1D and even compare it my S-1E. This airplane was originally built in 1965 and over the years has been re-build a number of times. I've found some interesting things in the logbooks and I'll share that with you in this video.
Then I'll give you a tour of the airplane and compare it the E model Pitts.
Finally, we will go for a ride as I work to perfect my loops. Let's go!
#pittsspecial #biplane #flying #aviation #aerobatics

[@TerryClinger]

That was Really interesting Mark I fly double winged Giant Aromaster with A 73 inch wing span it's got a DLE 55 engine on it it's a lot of fun, I'll be watching your videos that was really interesting, Thank You

[@anotherhappylanding1011]

Mark, Your airplane was built as an S-1C model by my great Grandfather, Charles W. Walker. Its sister airplane is N20CW, serial #2 built in 1970. He built both airplanes in his basement in Atlanta GA while he worked for Delta Air Lines as a Captain. Your airplane was equipped with a rebuilt engine originally, which suffered catastrophic failure due to a dropped valve on climb out during a test flight. The engine was subsequently replaced with a brand new one of the same type. This airplane was also not originally equipped for negative G flight, and the fuselage was inadvertently filled with oil when a "friend" borrowed it for a airshow display which included negative G maneuvers. I imagine that may be why the airplane was reskinned and fuselage replaced so early in its life. (not accounting for the poor welds haha) My great Uncle Andy, his son; is the one who ground looped the airplane -while flying it without permission. The reason your canopy is strange is because it was originally built without one. It only had a windscreen and was always flown open cockpit when it was in my family. I always wondered what happened to this one, 20CW is owned by a couple in FL and is flown regularly. Glad to see 120E is still flying as well. Shoot me a message! I would love to talk more about the plane. -Andy

[@lulubellers]

It's for sale right now.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's great information! Thank you for posting it.

[@anotherhappylanding1011]

@@lulubellers Which one is for sale?

[@markeasey469]

Nice informative piece. Wings spotted on the Super Duty 😉

[@Kraals]

Funny Pitts story. I gave a guy a BFR in his Pitts S2X (Factory fuselage with homebuilt wings). The flight went smoothly and after an "interesting" landing, he commented, "It don't get any better, you just get used to it. Pretty appropriate for the situation.

[@Jan_mxv]

congrats man, looking to get into aerobatics eventually after finishing my first build

[@dapalmer79]

Hopefully, it was just a minor oversight, but I noticed your right canopy locking pin is not engaged. You certainly don't want to lose your canopy in flight! I really do enjoy your videos, thank you for letting us ride along!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You are correct and it’s already been talked about here. I didn’t even k is it was possible for the pin to miss the hole. I didn’t notice until after landing. Now I double check it every time I close the canopy!

[@dapalmer79]

Excellent, we want you around to keep making these excellent videos!@@KitplaneEnthusiast

[@diepenj47]

That was a fun vid. You’ll be getting those perfect loops in no time. The guys at Oshkosh make it look easy

[@sjbeaver]

Small suggestion: I have had great success with the Performance Propellers Inc "Almost constant speed" props. I have used them on several aerobatic aircraft and now fly two different Bücker Jungmann one with a conventional prop and one with a Performance prop. The different is quite amazing. With the Performance prop I can go from 90 mph to 150 mph with only about 150 RPM change at a constant throttle setting. With the conventional prop I have to start throttling back because the tach goes through the red line at about 120. Performance Propeller is now located in Illinois so not that far from you.

[@mikecoffee100]

cool video didn't know Pitts went back to the 60s and Enjoy Your Pitts :)

[@StubProductions]

Great info! I’ve always liked the Pitts. That fuel tank in the cockpit makes me nervous! Lol

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I’m not a fan of fuel in the cockpit, but sometimes that’s just how it is!

[@DavidBruner_NJ]

Very nice video Mark!

[@nickjones6065]

Very interesting, thanks for the tour. 👍

[@patway4683]

Beautiful airplane Mark!

[@johnnunez17]

Nice one 👍✈️

[@davidkoogler5266]

The wings are on the CH-750!! I’m sure that video is coming soon

[@trevorfurlotte]

Outstanding! I've been looking forward to this video for a couple of weeks. They take time to produce and I appreciate the effort. Those log books are the icing on the cake! I'm happy you've got one to fly but I prefer the E model. Keep the great content coming.

[@ColeAviation]

I got a Pitts Model 12 in the shop currently. Just be CAREFUL if you do Lomcovaks and have PLENTY of altitude. I’m sure you’ve seen that in videos. Nice looking bird! Congratulations!! 👊🏼😁

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I do Lomcovaks on every landing!! Lolol

[@ColeAviation]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast 🤣😂👍🏼 I hear ya brother. 🤣 Beautiful looking S1!

[@wheelerdavea]

Thanks for the tour. I have always liked the looks of the Pitts, but have never gotten a chance to plant my but in one. Curious, at about 13:09 in the video you are talking about the radio, but in the same frame on the left side is what looks to be hydraulic lines and a "bent" sort of handle. Parking brake maybe?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I think what you're looking at is the tubing that the trim cable goes through along the left side of the fuselage. There's also another tube that the wire goes through to lock the tailwheel. There are no hydraulics in the plane.

[@wheelerdavea]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast This handle sure looks like it is connected to a valve of some sort with AN fittings attached. At 12: 36 in the video it is center screen, down low, left of the "V" brace.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

@@wheelerdavea You’re probably referring to a hand operated fuel pump used to prime. There are fuel lines in front of the seat and run forward on the left and right sides of the fuselage.

[@wheelerdavea]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Makes perfect sense.

[@Lambo5000s]

am i imaging things, or was the canopy not fully secured during the in cockpit shots ? right hand locking pin not engaged ?

[@justinb8973]

Was it hard to learn to fly tail wheel?

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

A little like Grandfathers Axe, 10 new Heads and 10 new Shafts, still Grandfathers Axe :-)

[@pittss2c601]

Both the S1D and S1E models are very rare. I do not like those Piper Cub style pin hinges on the elevator & rudder. I much prefer the standard Pitts style strap hinges with Rihn gap seals. I gave up on a radio in my S1S. Just too loud. I wore earplugs and they have to be in deep. The trim tab is so powerful that you can loop a Pitts. Sean Tucker almost attempted a landing with just his trim tabs when his elevator rod broke. He was concerned about his super high landing speeds necessary to safely land. He parachuted out at 8,500 feet instead and then got caught up in the tail flying wires before pushing away from the aircraft. Your canopy set up is goofy. There’s nothing like a light weight, stock S1S. Definitions: S-1D = Amateur-built S-1C with ailerons on all four wings. S-1E = Amateur-built S-1C using factory-produced kits. Uses symmetrical airfoil.

[@advanbri]

Try light speed Zulu 3 headsets. They work the best out of all brands for super noisy cockpits.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Jubilation ✌️♥️👍

[@RobFeldkamp]

why would you need to lock the tailwheel?

[@StubProductions]

You are brave to fly in that thing! Yikes! Major respect. ✌️

[@dougkehoe3758]

Ooooooh …man! I wanted to see u climb outta that “D”. Lol! Does he unbutton all before extrication?…does a hangar rat with a gantry appear with hooks at the ready… I guess we’ll never know🤔

[@Selkirk5934]

The long pitot is required since it projects from the wing leading edge. There is a pressure "bulge" in front of the leading edge and the length is required to get it into free air. I learned this when I built my BD4 - a too short pitot made the airspeed read too high.

[@scotabot7826]

Mark, Any thoughts about getting a little bit of Akro instruction in maybe a S2-B, or a Eagle? It may behoove you if you were to fall off into something unexpected. Only saying this because you said you have no akro time to speak of. Great video as usual.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You didn’t watch the full video.

[@adamcaswell1924]

I know when you built your Rams you were hoping to do air shows, any hope of that now? Or competition? Anyway, I’m enjoying your journey, keep it up Mark!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Adam, I mentioned years ago that I had ideas in my head of doing airshows with my Rans. But back then I never owned an airplane or had any idea what it takes to fly airshows or even be good at doing aerobatics. It was just that I was building a low performance aerobatic airplane and was dreaming of all the things I could do with it. I have no desire at all to do airshows or even compete with my Pitts. I just like to go up and have some fun. I would like to get good at doing basic aerobatics but just for my own enjoyment.

[@adamcaswell1924]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast, cool. I had a similar experience (lack of) when I was younger. It is plenty of fun and work to go up and do casual aerobatics for sure.

[@davelastowski2158]

Dude...u got more nerve than a toothache..looks like u up for about anything...looks like so much fun..good for u..

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G,day from Sydney Australia. Some differences between the 'C&D' model Pitts. I do like the clear inspection plates. Q1. Is it only N tail number registration aircraft that must be fitted with ADSB-out? 🌏🇦🇺

[@FlyingShotsman]

Yes. In the U.S., if an aircraft isn't "N-registered" and it meets a few simple limitations, then it's a Part 103 ultralight vehicle, and those have no requirements for radios of any kind. If you'll never fly in controlled airspace, then even registered aircraft don't have to have ADS-B Out.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

@@FlyingShotsman The experimental ultralight would still be identified by ATC radar, and radio communication to traffic in the area? 🌏🇦🇺

[@FlyingShotsman]

@@johnfitzpatrick2469 You have to be careful with terminology. "Experimental" is a category for registered aircraft. Ultralights are non-registered "vehicles" that are not technically considered aircraft by the FAA. Search "FAR Part 103" for details. An ultralight might show up on ATC radar as a primary target (a radar return) if it were close enough to the radar antenna, but would not appear as a secondary target (transponder/ADS-B reply). Some ultralight pilots do have radios, but there's no requirement in the regulations. Panel-mount radios are uncommon in ultralights (due to installed weight); most use a handheld walkie-talkie with a headset/helmet adapter.

[@mikedial7870]

Did you sell the Mooney?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

A couple years ago!

[@danielbasovitch5087]

What is your Max flight time with full tanks Mark?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

About 2 hours with a reserve.

[@PittsBird]

A lot of what you discuss as differences between your 2 Pitts has nothing to do with "E" vs. "D" model elements, but rather choices the individual/builders and owners have made to the planes. The biggest difference, and what really signifies the "D" in S-1D, is that it has 4 aileron flat bottom wing airfoils. Your "E" (built like an "S") has 4 aileron symmetrical wings. I would want to go through that entire fuel setup on that D and make changes. I suspect that your inverted time is limited due to the use of a header tank. I'd prefer the normal main tank with flop tube setup, and get rid of the wobble pump while at it, and replace with elec boost pump. Not sure why guys put those bouncy rod spring locking tailwheels on.....wouldn't be my choice. Anyhow, such is life with experimentals! You get to go through it and make your own choices. 😊

[@pauldonner9707]

Should you choose to replace the “bouncy rod” tailwheel, I would be happy to purchase it from you.

[@biglee13m]

Worked on one when I was in AnP school. I'm surprised you fit in this thing!

[@rileyjernigan5704]

Not sure if you've used debriefing software but the display in cloud ahoy may help you determine post flight how consistent your loops are. I don't fly aerobatics but we just started using the software and its pretty compelling.

[@jerrygunter2605]

I had a Pitts for 31 years, to get around loop ease off on the stick as you go across the top for about half a second to a second and it will be round.

[@rickwiggins283]

Great video. However, if you're at 7 seven hours flying time in the Pitts it seems like it's time for another full re-build, ha ha. That log history is crazy!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Dang you’re right. I better stop flying and get this thing taken apart!! There’s work to do!!

[@Know-Way]

Awesome! Brings back some memories. Just wondering, do you have room to move the camera on the wing back a bit so we can see the tail feathers moving? Thanks!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes it just depends on how I rotate it. Once it’s on the strut the screen is right up against the strut so it’s difficult to see exactly where it’s pointing.

[@53jed]

The canopy latches look like hot melt glue sticks.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

They do! If you noticed the right side one didn't latch properly. That's never happened before so I'll have to double check that from now on.

[@cwilliamrose]

Only goes 140mph in level flight?? You're not looking at the tach are you? If you ignore the tach it will go about 165mph.

[@foesfly3047]

It’s cool that the log entries were made in Secret Code so that millennials and Gen-Y can’t read them.

[@user-tl5fi9lz9z]

I know that Lou Furlong. He was a jerk.

[@theresacaron4238]

I guess your Super Duty is going to take a long hiatus while you rebuild your funds to purchase an engine for it. Other than paint there can't be too much left to complete your project now that the wings are installed. That's sad since most of your followers are in it for the building tips and the techniques you employ. Maybe you should consider opening a new channel for your aerobatic flying and leave your existing channel for assembling kits.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Honestly what's sad is the ignorance you display in your comments. What do you know about what funds I have available?

[@StubProductions]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Man some of these commentators are bitchy on here! Keep up the good work sir.

[@theresacaron4238]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast You have complained that you could not afford an engine for the Super Duty. As far as being ignorant, I call it being honest.

[@mhilderbrand7693]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast 😂

[@sharondanley2611]

Loose the music

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm not sure how to make the music any looser.

[@jimhumphrey]

class..... as in "take em to school"

[@FlyingShotsman]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Well played, sir.

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Dang...!!... What's with all the women coming for you in the Comments...???.. What...??... They big mad you didnt take them to the altar...Get married...A year or so later...They divorce you..and swindle you outta all your money and stuff by way of the corrupt gubment court system... Just can't let a man be great, it seems....