As an Airshow Pilot, I have been performing in Airshow events throughout North America since 2002. I’ve been a pilot since I was 15 years old and an aerobatic pilot since 1996. I believe that performing as an airshow pilot is the epitome of aviation. Meaning, if you can fly a highly aerobatic aircraft in extreme aerobatics or in formation aerobatics, you have this whole aviation thing figured out.
The aircraft I fly is the awesome looking Black and Yellow factory built Pitts Muscle Bi-Plane. The Pitts S-1-11B! Imagine sitting in a Formula One race car that has wings. Pretty much, that is how I can describe my plane. I really like having horsepower at my fingertips. My airplane has that, plus it is very light weight. It’s a really loud plane that is absolutely fun to fly.
There are only two factory built S-1-11B aircraft flying in the world today. With a 330+ H.P. six cylinder Lycoming (AEIO-540) motor, Cold Air Induction, 10.5 to 1 High Compression pistons, and 3 bladed Hartzell Claw Propeller, this aircraft has all the ingredients for a great airshow performance. The S-1-11B has only a single seat and it is very light weight (1185 pounds dry), providing a perfect platform for flying high energy aerobatics! The Pitts bi-plane is made of metal tubing frame, wood spar/ribs, and mostly fabric covering. This helps keep the airplane light weight.
