1000-Hr Pitts?

[CODs4ever]

Is there some major inspection that an aerobatic aircraft goes through at the 1000-hour mark? I've been looking at Pitts S-2's and S-1's for sale and there sure are a lot in the 850-950 TTAF range. Also - you see very few for sale with more than 1000 hours. Is the airframe lifespan that short for these aircraft?

What is the approximate cost for the most expensive inspection/overhaul for a Pitts?

 

[Ill Mitch]

Is there some major inspection that an aerobatic aircraft goes through at the 1000-hour mark? I've been looking at Pitts S-2's and S-1's for sale and there sure are a lot in the 850-950 TTAF range. Also - you see very few for sale with more than 1000 hours. Is the airframe lifespan that short for these aircraft?

What is the approximate cost for the most expensive inspection/overhaul for a Pitts?

No major inspection is due, but it wouldn't be the worse idea. It also depends on how the aircraft was used. Unlimited or advanced catagory in IAC compitetion or was it used to fly gentleman aerobatics every other Sunday?

Also looks at the times on the engine. When engines used on aerobatic airplanes get close to the 1000 hour mark, it is probably going to come due for an overhaul. I know some unlimited competitors that plan to overhaul their engines about every 400 hours (if the engine makes it that far).

I rarely see the S-2 with the Lyc. 540 go past 1100 hours (I think they set the overhaul for 1200, or it might be 1600 or something like that...I can't remember). This is just my observation.

 

[d.fitz]

There is a time limit now on the hartzell metal props. It might be 1000 hours, not 100% sure though. That is a fairly expensive item. Replace it with composite - then there is no worries...

 

[Sonny Crockett]

There is a time limit now on the hartzell metal props. It might be 1000 hours, not 100% sure though. That is a fairly expensive item. Replace it with composite - then there is no worries...

Um...not exactly.

You still have to look at the "lag bolts" on the MT, the Hoffman just plain sucks and the Hartzell Claw is $$$$$.

The old metal Hartzell "A" hub is a throw away next year.

 

[d.fitz]

ummm.... you dont have to worry about tumbles is more what I meant.