Curtis Pitts facts for kids
Curtis Pitts (born December 9, 1915 – died June 10, 2005) was an American airplane designer. He was from Stillmore, Georgia. Curtis Pitts became famous for designing a series of popular aerobatic airplanes. These special planes were called the Pitts Special. They were biplanes, meaning they had two sets of wings.
Who Was Curtis Pitts?
Curtis Pitts grew up in a town called Americus, Georgia. His very first airplane was a Waco F model. He loved airplanes and flying.
Designing Amazing Airplanes
In 1945, Curtis designed and built his first S-1 airplane. He made it especially for aerobatics. This means the plane was super agile and could do amazing tricks in the air.
He also designed another plane called the Pitts Samson in 1948. This plane was built for a famous aerobatic pilot named Jess Bristow. Sadly, the Samson was destroyed in an accident around 1950.
The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC has praised Pitts' designs. They said his 1943 design was "revolutionary." This was because it was small, light, had short wings, and was incredibly easy to maneuver.
His Legacy
Curtis Pitts passed away on June 10, 2005. He died at his home in Homestead, Florida.
His amazing work was recognized many times. In 1991, Curtis Pitts was added to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Later, in 2002, he was also inducted into the Air Show Hall of Fame. His designs continue to be loved by pilots around the world.
See also
- 1943 in aviation
