Only just found this......

Curtis H. Pitts, 89, crop duster built the first aircraft specifically
designed for aerobatics, the Pitts S-1 Special



June 13, 2005

Curtis Pitts

Curtis H. Pitts, a crop duster who built the first aircraft
specifically designed for aerobatics, died on June 10 of
complications from a heart valve replacement. He was 89.

In 1943, the Homestead, Fla., resident set out to build himself
an airplane. He drew up the plans for an aerobatic biplane that
became known as the Pitts S-1 Special. The lightweight aircraft
was small, agile and capable of flying equally well upside down
as right-side up.

The oldest surviving Special -- and the second one Pitts built --
was called The Little Stinker. Constructed in 1946, it was used
by aerobatic pilot Betty Skelton-Frankman when she won the
Feminine International Aerobatic Championships in 1949 and 1950.
The Little Stinker was donated to the Smithsonian National Air
and Space Museum in 1985.

In the 1960s, fans of the plane's design persuaded Pitts to
create and sell its construction plans. Amateur pilots and
experimental modelers were then able to buy the plane as a kit
and assemble it themselves. The most popular homebuilt version
was the model S-1C with two ailerons, M-6 airfoils and any engine
from 85 hp to 180 hp. These planes were so adored that many
pilots painted "Thanks Curtis!" on the tails.

Pitts was inducted into the International Council of Air Shows
Foundation Hall of Fame in 2002. He is survived by his two
daughters, Martha Holder and Mary Starbird, eight grandchildren,
16 great-grandchildren, 11 great great-grandchildren and more
than 600 Pitts Specials.