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Thread: [IAC-L:298] Re: Which pitts to build.
Message: [IAC-L:298] Re: Which pitts to build.
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From: ultimate at spindle.net (ultimate@spindle.net)
Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 15:22:37 UTC
jmaurer at thomtech.com wrote: > > > I am considering building a Pitts and was hoping I could get some > advice on which to build. > > I am trying to decide between the S1-C and the Model 12 Monster. > > Anyone have any thoughts? > > How much time will I REALLY spend building an S1-C? (Aviat says 2500 > hours) > > The monster is relatively new, utilizing the Vendenyev M-14. Anything > I should know about that engine? (Other than fuel flow) > > Any thoughts as to which would be the easier build? > > How good are the plans to the S1-C? > > -jeff maurer > > Please mail me directly at jmaurer at thomtech.com Jeff: I owned a Pitts S1C - Lyc 0320 of 150hp, flat wing, two aileron, open cockpit. It was a lot of fun. I bought it in 1983 for $9,500 and sold it in 1989 for $11,500. I added a stainless exhaust and an inexpensive alternator system - that's all I did except for normal maintenance. A single place Pitts is pretty simple and reliable. A C model with 160 hp is a good plane up to Intermediate competition. Robert Armstrong flew one in Unlimited but it was very modified, though the flat wings were still used and he had, I guess, 200 hp. However rather than a C model, an S1S is a better deal. Go up to 200 hp. Put a constant speed prop on it. SYMMETRICAL WINGS! The resale stays there. The cost of building either is probably the same. An S1S is the single best bang for the buck in Acro Aviation today. For $30k, you can buy one that is flying. Just add fuel and oil. Maintain it some. There is a very talented guy here where I live at Aero Country Airport just north of Dallas, TX, that can fly the 1997 Unlimited sequence in his 180 hp Pitts. With good scores, by the way. Not too many folks even bother these days. The Macho Stinker, Model 12 is a big airplane. I know a little about it because I've helped Ben Morphew some while he's building his on the airport here. He's built the fuselage from front to back over the last year and is waiting for his canopy assembly being built by some guys down in Florida that are into Stearmans, etc. It's a big plane. You'd have a hard time building it in a garage. The engine and prop are readily available and they are, apparently, damn good and reliable engines. However, unless you're an engine nut and love radials, there are quirks with the engine - air pumps and air starts, etc. Also, the airplane is an unknown as far as competition goes. Curiosly enough, you can probably build the Model 12 for less than an S1 - engine costs, etc. Finally, I would recommend that you not build an airplane unless you're a real builder type. If you're a flyer, the project will take too long and you will lose interest. If you're doing it to save money, forget it unless you are really an insider in the aviation parts industry. I know these things because I thought I wanted to build an airplane. And I have. I am doing my finishing up paint on my totally scratch-built Ultimate 10-200 Pitts that I started in September of 1987. 10 years. See what I mean? Fortunately, the last couple of years I've had a 180 hp Swick T-Craft to fly so I could stand it. I should fly mine by the second week in August. Good luck. Daryle L. Grounds, CPA Chapter 24 and 25 Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston, TX