American Champion Decathlon vs Pitts S-2B

The Super Decathlon (8KCAB) and Pitts S-2 are classic two-seat aerobatic aircraft — the Decathlon a forgiving monoplane trainer, the Pitts a higher-performance competition biplane.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

American Champion Decathlon

No active listings right now.

Pitts S-2B
For sale now
1
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1989–1989

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)American Champion DecathlonPitts S-2B
All events23
Serious3
Fatal7
Fatalities11
% Fatal30%

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model American Champion Decathlon Pitts S-2B
Pitts S-2B
View 1 listings →
Price Range
Category Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Cruise Speed 152 kts (282 km/h)
Range 277 nm (513 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,625 lbs (737 kg)

Which Should You Buy: American Champion Decathlon or Pitts S-2B?

Bottom line: Choose the Super Decathlon for affordable, forgiving aerobatic training and tandem cross-country touring; choose the Pitts S-2 for serious competition performance and snappier handling. Super Decathlon = forgiving trainer; Pitts = competition performance.

Pick the Decathlon if…

Pick the S-2B if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, American Champion Decathlon or Pitts S-2B?
It depends on your mission and budget. The S-2B cruises at 152 kts with 277 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion Decathlon and Pitts S-2B?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data