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The Pitts Special is a series of light aerobatic biplanes designed by Curtis Pitts. It has accumulated many competition wins since its first flight in 1944. The Pitts biplanes dominated world aerobatic competition in the 1960s and 1970s and, even today, remain a potent competition aircraft in the lower categories. Sgt Anthony Ayre Purchased a Pitts S2AE Project Aircraft to build and hoped to one day fly competitivly.
The beginning of the road
Sgt Anthony Ayre’s first viewing and purchase of his beloved “Pitts Project” at Wickenby airfield.
Delivery of specialist wood for the wings
Fuselage stripped, sandblasted and repainted.
Sgt Ayre working on the Pitts skin.
Wing Assembly
Sgt Ayre assembling the upper wing - in the Sgts’ Mess RAF Waddington! Good use of those cups Tony!
Time to Re-Locate
Upper wing removed from the Sgts’ Mess to a larger space at Wickenby airfield.
More progress on the wings.
Sometimes the Sergent's mess is just fine.
Sgt Ayre building the lower wings - in his room at the Sgts’ Mess.
Walesby Woodlands
Wings now moved to an old barn at Walesby Woodlands Caravan Park.
The Moor Wing
Moor wing building at Walesby but sadly the last time Sgt Ayre saw the wings.
Recovery Commitment
After Sgt Ayre’s tragic death in Jul 14, the Pitts fuselage and parts are recovered from Wickenby to RAF Waddington
The wings are moved from Walesby to the Albion Mill, nr Huddersfield.
Derby Airfield
Wings moved from the Albion Mill, and fuselage from Waddington to Derby Airfield.
Work in progress at Derby.
Fabrication and covering at Derby.
Wings Covered
RAF Halton
Pitts temporarily located at RAF Halton for the RAFFCA Showcase Day.
Almost....
Work in progress at Derby. Almost ready for engine and propeller.
A Milestone
The Propeller and engine are fitted.
We are almost there...Checking the canopy positioning.
The Spirit of Ayre model made by Sgt Ayre’s Uncle..
A model of The Spirit of Ayre made by Sgt Ayre’s Uncle, showing the aircraft’s wonderful livery and flying overhead RAF Halton.
The underside of the aircraft. In a loop, the profiles of the upper and lower wings will join to display a RAF Roundel with heart centre-piece
Original source: 2018 website capture. Publication history.