Pitts S-2 All Series
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 13; Flight Crew Total 3000; Flight Crew Type 1709
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Human Factors; Procedure
Acting as repairman (A&P); tasked to move aircraft from hangar to shop by taxiing.  Unfamiliar with the Pitts S-2B; surveyed the controls for location and operation.  Proceeded to start aircraft; mixture rich; throttle full; fuel pump on check for fuel flow.  Mistake starting with throttle still full forward; aircraft started full power.  Admittedly I knew I had a problem; couldn't quite get my hand on the throttle and the aircraft was moving toward the hangar.  I stopped fumbling for throttle and went for what I could control; flight controls; stick and rudder.  Within seconds went from A&P to pilot; the aircraft was airborne.  The only problem I had no experience in flying high performance aerobatic aircraft.  Took a few moments to become accustomed to the control inputs of this aircraft.  I landed the aircraft on the second attempt; the first was a mess.  Lesson learned stop being relaxed; and [be] more careful; and use that checklist even for taxiing.
Airframe and Powerplant Technician reports an inadvertent flight after starting the engine with the throttle full open.  A successful landing ensues on the second attempt.