Peter Borchert's aerobatic display in his Super Pitts Model 12, G-MXII, during the Shuttleworth Vintage Airshow 2019.
The Super Pitts is an example of the final iteration, the model 12, of the series of aerobatic aircraft designed by Curtiss Pitts.His first Pitts special flew in 1946.Before this final design, Pitts specials have been fitted with flat four or six cylinder Lycoming engines with power up to 260 hp. There was one exception - in 1947 Curtiss built a one off, radial engined Pitts special, that was called Sampson. It was fitted with a 450 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasp radial engine.
The Super Pitt’s nine cylinder radial develops 426 hp.
Built over 5 years by its owner and display pilot Peter Borchert, it first flew in 2017.
It was given the top Light Aircraft Association award - the Prince Michael of Kent Trophy - Concour du Elegance
It has a 3000ft/min climb rate and a maximum speed of 240mph.
The Super Pitts is a clipped wing version of Curtiss’s original model 12 design.
It’s biplane and radial engine give it the appearance of a 1930’s air racer.
Peter Borchert obtained his pilot’s licence in 1982. He has been instrument rated and a rating instructor and has been qualified as a display pilot since 1999. He is currently qualified to advanced level in both formation and solo aerobatic display flying. He started in the world of display flying as one of the founding members of the Yakovlevs display team. Flying a Yak 50 in the four aircraft aerobatic display team flying. He developed a solo aerobatic career flying an S2B Pitts special, Yak 50, Havard and Tiger Moth.
The Super Pitts flying display is designed to entertain a crowd.
An accomplished airshow performer, Peter’s flying display is a demonstration of the aircraft and his skill, in a sequence that includes torque rolls, loops, rolling figures, hammerhead turns and high alpha knife edge flight - in a low and loud exhibition with trailing smoke.
An advanced level pilot, Peter is authorised by the CAA to fly down to 30ft above ground level.
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