S2A vs Decathlon

[James Flattery]

What are the aerobatic performance differences between a Pitts
S2A and a 150 hp Decathlon? In general, the price range for these two
aircraft are similar so which would be the better buy for intermediate
and/or advanced aerobatics? Any major pittfalls associated with any of
these planes?
Thanks for the help. Wish I could afford an S2B

[greg]

Well..The Pitts is a blast..The other is a hyped up cubby thing

[Dave Swartz]

The Pitts is competitive through Advanced (still capable of winning US
Nationals with the right pilot holding the stick). The Decathlon can do
well in Intermediate but would be at a disadvantage at the national level.
Decathlons are priced competitive with the S2A mainly because there is a
much larger market for them. The Decathlon is perfectly tame (for a
taildragger) to land and the Pitts requires full attention and good
technique for every landing. If you are game for handling the landings (a
blast once you know how) the Pitts is magnitudes higher in performance if
you are serious about competing. If you don't already have time in each,
I'd recommend you get at least a couple hours dual in each to see what
appeals to you. Check out in the Pitts should take 3-10 hours if you
already have tailwheel experience. If you already have tailwheel
experience, check out in the Decathlon would be minimal.

--
Dave Swartz
James Flattery wrote in message <373894...@txdirect.net>...

[david...@my-dejanews.com]

Note that there are three different categories of S-2A (in Australia
anyway, probably more in the USA). One is the early model. Two is the
later one - I can't remember the serial number but they feature the
canopy over both cockpits, wider cockpit, more legroom in the front,
symmetrical ailerons with spades, higher main landing gear and prop
governor mounted on the front of the engine. The third are those
earlier models which have been modified to look like the later ones but
don't have all the good features.

Regards,
Dave Pilkington

In article <7haq24$of4$1...@news.gate.net>,

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[F224]

>What are the aerobatic performance differences between a Pitts
>S2A and a 150 hp Decathlon?

Having owned an S2a, and also flown the Decathlon extensivley. I will only
offer a few words on the question. Pitts= WOW!, Decathlon= "Skyslug"...

Operating cost are about the same, the Pitts can take you all the way through
the advanced catagory. Get the Pitts and with it some good spin and landing
training.

Find the money and you'll find the motive...

Dave Funk

[Ruxoid]

In article <373894...@txdirect.net>, James Flattery <ja...@txdirect.net>
writes:

>What are the aerobatic performance differences between a Pitts

>S2A and a 150 hp Decathlon? In general, the price range for these two
>aircraft are similar so which would be the better buy for intermediate
>and/or advanced aerobatics? Any major pittfalls associated with any of
>these planes?
> Thanks for the help. Wish I could afford an S2B
>

It's a bit like comparing a Neon to a Viper. The Pitts is much more responsive
and vastly more capable for acro. The Decathlon is a great training aircraft.

The Decathlon is very good for Sportsman, but very difficult to take to
intermediate. The Pitts is just fine for intermediate and can be flown in
Advanced, but few have the skills to well with it in advanced.

The Pitts can be looped from cruise, the Decathlon must be "dived" to get it to
140mph to do a loop. If my memory serves me correctly, a Decathlon has never
won a National Championship, although a few years back a T Craft did manage to
make it to a championship, though flown my a very competent lady pilot.

If you are looking for an airplane that will get you into Advanced, I would
suggest a Pitts S1T. Usually they will sell for less than $50k and have more
performance than the other two. For some the single seat is a problem, but
there are always trade offs.

My S1T indicates 173 mph at full throttle and level flight. Loops should be
done at somewhere between 160 and 170. I have flown all three aircraft and the
"T", in my opinion, is the best of the three.

John Rux

[Erik Shilling]

In <19990512102354...@ng-cs1.aol.com> f2...@aol.com (F224)

writes:
>
>>What are the aerobatic performance differences between a Pitts
>>S2A and a 150 hp Decathlon?

>night and day.

Erik Shilling

[nes...@my-dejanews.com]

I owned a 150 hp decathlon before. It was great for a trainer since it
really teaches you how to move the stick, heavy though. You should
never compete with the decathlon in intermediate because of the snap
rolls. Snaps will make the nails in the old wooden spars want to pop
out. Maybe not in newer metal spars. I now own a Pitts S2-B because I
quickly outgrew the decathlon. So if you want to go far, get the pitts.
Nestor (Pitts N5338J)

Ultra large photo enlargements for your plane pictures:
http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/scanex/

In article <373894...@txdirect.net>,

James Flattery <ja...@txdirect.net> wrote:
> What are the aerobatic performance differences between a Pitts

> S2A and a 150 hp Decathlon? In general, the price range for these
two
> aircraft are similar so which would be the better buy for
intermediate
> and/or advanced aerobatics? Any major pittfalls associated with any
of
> these planes?
> Thanks for the help. Wish I could afford an S2B
>