Sad news, Curtis Pitts is no more

Sounds like a loverly send off, i bet Curtiss would have loved it!

A note from Curtis’ local International Aerobatic Club chapter –

As you all know, Curtis Pitts was laid to rest this past Wednesday in Naranja, Florida (Homestead).

Future members of IAC Chapter #37 (sanctioning pending) participated in a memorial fly-by and missing man formation.

The family couldn’t have been more pleased, and about 35 of them drove out to Homestead General Aviation Airport afterwards to check out the participating aircraft. Some had never seen a Pitts Special up close before! One of his great-grandaughters went for a ride in an S2B and had a blast. Considering the circumstances, it was a happy occasion for all involved!

The service was highlighted by testimonials by many of Curtis’ close friends and associates, including Pat Ledford, Will & Craig Teft, Don Lovern, Paul Goetsch and many family members. Although flying and aerobatics were a great part of Mr. Pitts life, his great passion for fishing and his distain for Game Wardens were brought up again and again!

Special thanks to the following pilots for their participation:
Jeff Miller – North American T-28A
Tommy Boreck – Pitts S-2-B (missing man)
Dan Salcedo – Pitts S-1-11-B (Best Biplane at Sun-n-Fun 2005)
Chris Kirk – Pitts S-1-C/S
Dale Evans – Acroduster II
Stan Holland – Super Cub (rebuilt by C. Pitts)
Jon Fox – Extra 300L
Doug Causey – Extra 300L

The service was attended by members of the FAA , and they along with about 100 others will swear that at no time did any aircraft violate any FAR’s……………! J

It seems to have been a grand sendoff. He will always be remembered as long as any of his designs continue to grace, or occasionally assault, the skies right round the world.

Cheers,

Trapper 69

Curtis Pitts, Maker of Famed Aerobatic Pitts Special, Dead at 89

By Lisa Orkin Emmanuel Associated Press Writer
Published: Jun 10, 2005

MIAMI (AP) – Curtis Pitts, who created the popular aerobatic biplane known as the Pitts Special, died Friday, his family said. He was 89.
Pitts died in a hospital on Friday of complications from a heart valve replacement, said his daughter, Martha Holder.

In 1943, Pitts, of suburban Homestead, built the first Pitts Special.

“Pitts began with an idea for an aerobatic aircraft that would defy gravity and be crisp on the controls,” the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington says on its Web site. “The resulting Pitts Special was revolutionary because of its small size, lightweight, short wingspan, and extreme agility.”

Each part of the plane can be broken down and shipped in pieces as a kit, reassembled at home by the owner.

The prototype Pitts, S-1, was severely damaged shortly after its first flight.

The oldest surviving Special, called The Little Stinker, is also the smallest Pitts aircraft, and when constructed in 1946 was the smallest aerobatic plane anywhere, the museum said.

Aerobatic pilot Betty Skelton won several championships in the late 1940s and into the ’50s with The Little Stinker, bringing attention to the design.

But the Pitts Specials really took off in the 1960s when people who were impressed by Skelton’s flying persuaded Pitts to create and sell construction drawings, the museum said.

In 1966, Bob Herendeen was named U.S. National Aerobatic Champion in his Pitts, the museum said, solidifying the plane’s reputation.

The museum said the Special is still the most successful and recognized American-built aerobatic design, and it continues to dominate aerobatic competitions.

Pitts’ daughter said she will remember Pitts “as my father, the most understanding man in the world … and the wisest and gentlest.”

Pitts is survived by his two daughters, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren, Holder said.

Very sad news. I hope he enjoyed his creation’s 60th anniversary as much as we all did – he sure deserved to!

Very sad news indeed, his legacy to us all is his wonderfull designs. thought go to his family and friends at this time.

A little more information.
Cheers,
Trapper 69

Press release from the EAA –

LEGEND CURTIS PITTS PASSES AWAY

June 10, 2005 – EAA President Tom Poberezny received a call from the Curtis Pitts family late Friday morning to inform EAA that the legendary aircraft designer had passed away just within the last hour at the age of 89. Tom expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of the EAAers throughout the world who knew him and his famous aircraft designs.
Tom shared with family members the impact Curtis had on his personal life, most notably flying a Pitts Special in his years with the Red Devils aerobatic team as well as flying a Pitts while competing in the World Aerobatic Championships. All told, Tom has more than 3,300 hours piloting Pitts aircraft.

“More important was his personality and willingness to share so much with those who were in pursuit of aviation as a career, recreation, or aerobatic performer,” he said. “As we mourn, we should take this opportunity to celebrate his life and contributions to the aviation community.”

Tom made note of a timely feature article in the current (June) issue of EAA Sport Aviation titled, “Sixty Years of Specials” by Budd Davisson. It chronicles the rich history Curtis created with his many aircraft designs dating back to 1945. “I would encourage all EAAers to read this article.”

EAA will provide information as it becomes available.