iscover
Paul Bennet Airshows will draw a love heart in the sky in their first major airshow appearance since one of their pilots crashed at Avalon.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The performance at the ‘Wings, Wheels and Wine’ show in Mudgee on 18 May will be a tribute to aerobatic teammate Glenn Collins, whose Pitts Special stunt plane nosedived into the ground in March.
“During the SkyAces Formation Aerobatic display, we will be performing formation loops and rolls, head-to-head stunts and will draw a love heart with smoke trails in the sky – a dedication to Glenn,” Paul Bennet, the team’s namesake founder, said.
“I’ll be performing in my Wolf Pitts Pro biplane, the only aircraft of its type in the world, with a top speed of 414km/hr and the ability to handle +12/-10G-forces enabling me to do tricks other aircraft in Australia can’t do like double hammer heads, forward flips and reversing through smoke.”
The event, which has been running for 15 years, was originally due to take place on 27 April, but was postponed due to bad weather.
Also appearing will be some of the world’s rarest historic aircraft, including Australia’s only flying Hawker Sea Fury and the world’s only flying F4U-1D Corsair.
“The Sea Fury was a British WWII fighter aircraft and one of the fastest piston-engined fighters ever built, reaching speeds in excess of 740km/h,” Bennet added.
“The Corsair boasts an incredible history as the sole surviving airworthy combat veteran of the Battle of Okinawa, having served aboard the USS Intrepid between January and April 1945.
“There’s a substantial lineup of other military warbirds and aerobatic aircraft flying at this year’s event.
“Wings, Wheels and Wine has been running for over 15 years, attracting crowds of over 3,000, with the airshow a highlight for the biennial event.”
Earlier this week, Australian Aviation reported how Glenn Collins made his first public statement since his accident, confirming that he is on the road to recovery from spinal injuries.
In an update on crowdfunding site GoFundMe, where employer Paul Bennet Airshows set up a campaign on Collins’ behalf, the pilot said the outpouring of support has been “truly humbling and has lifted [him] up during some of the toughest moments”.
“After five weeks in Melbourne, I’ve now been transferred to Sydney – closer to home and family, which is a huge comfort,” he wrote.
“I’ve been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary. Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage.
“While I can move my legs – which I’m incredibly grateful for – I don’t yet have full feeling in my legs or waist. Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I’m giving it my all.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $75,000 of its new $90,000 goal with funds to go to his medical and rehabilitation expenses, as well as to support his loved ones during his recovery; any leftover funds will be donated to charity.
Collins thanked not only donors but also the pyrotechnic team who acted “quickly and bravely” to remove him from the wreckage, his healthcare professionals, and the Paul Bennet Airshows team.
“To my beautiful children, grandson, and extended family – your strength gives me strength every day. Mum and Dad, thank-you for being by my side throughout this journey – you’ve been incredible,” he added.
“And most of all, to my wife. I truly could not do this without her. She brings out a strength in me I didn’t know I had. Always there, always strong – she is the most remarkable person I’ve ever known. Even the nurses want to keep her!
“This road I’m on is one many have travelled before – waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries. While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love.”
Collins is a hugely experienced aerobatics pilot who, according to the Paul Bennet Airshow website, has clocked more than 2,700 flying hours.
He has flown competition aerobatics to an advanced level, including becoming NSW and Australian Sportsman champion in 1997, Australian Intermediate champion in 1998 and Victorian Advanced champion in 1999.
His experience also includes skywriting, parachute displays and flying warbirds such as the Wirraway, Tiger Moth and Trojan.
