Random airplanes

[QuietOne]

MX-2

RV 4

Pitts S-1T

Mike used to own a Pitts S-1C, serial number 18, built in 1962.

[JAS_Photo]

Very pretty! I love how colorful these are!

[Mad Aussie]

Little stunt aircraft huh?

[QuietOne]

Little stunt aircraft huh?

This is Mike. The Pitts Special is a very good stunt airplane. They have been used in international aerobatic competition.
Mine had very light controls, you more "thought" about moving them than making any dramatic motions. It was hoot to fly, but mine was very simple, you flipped the prop by hand to start (known as an Armstrong starter), and I had a hand held radio because there were no electrics in the plane. It used a digital fuel gauge (the first digit of my right hand).
This led to an interesting starting procedure if I was alone. I would drive MGB right to the hanger door and then tie the tailwheel of the plane to the front bumper of the car. After I had started the plane (usually only about two or three swings on the prop) I would then put a #2 wood pencil in front of the tailwheel. I could then untie the tail without the plane wandering away. Once I was in the plane and all strapped in, a brief burst of throttle was enough to hop over the pencil and be on my way.

[Mad Aussie]

Sounds like an interesting toy.