Why this fixation on the Pitts?

cgzro · Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:24 pm

i enjoy the challange and find most aspects of the aircraft non trivial, rewarding to explore and a great depth to explore at a price that I can barely afford.

John Swallow · Mon Feb 27, 2017 8:24 pm

I think I would enjoy flying a Pitts, but at this stage of my life, I would not make use of all its capabilities. My RV lets me go up and periodically put the ground under the canopy which is good therapy for what ails you. What would appeal to me more is to have access to a Piper Cub and a Bell 47...

Every November, I start dropping hints via FaceBook that if somebody's children would send their father off to Stallion 51 in Florida for a P-51 ride, he would be most appreciative. They ignore me... (;>0)

David MacRay · Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:06 pm

Short coupled, high power to weight (as long as I'm not on board), flys upside down well. Seems potentially fun like a nice dirt bike. Of course I don't ride dirt bikes any more but I understand why they can be fun.

Chuck Ellsworth · Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:21 pm

Yes they have high power to weight.

And they really climb with just me in them as I weigh 120 pounds after a big meal. :)

Rookie Pilot · Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:02 pm

[quote author=Chuck Ellsworth link=topic=5718.msg15046#msg15046 date=1488230495]
Yes they have high power to weight.

And they really climb with just me in them as I weigh 120 pounds after a big meal. :)
[/quote]

Is being able to handle a Pitts the sole determination for a great pilot?

I posted a video of a 757 landing in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Which Pitts expert would take a shot at that, on a wet runway? Yet the "4 bars" do it every day. No big deal.

Seems a lot more challenging to me.

Chuck Ellsworth · Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:57 pm

No flying a Pitts is no big deal and that is why I asked why so many make a big deal about it.

But flying a Boeing into Tegucigalpa day after day is impressive.

Rookie Pilot · Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:25 pm

Well, I think so. I've been there once, as a pax. The approach, VFR only allowed, weaves in and around very close to mountain ridges. I think AA requires special sign off for captains on this route, which doesn't surprise me.