A remarkable father-son duo will showcase their aerobatic skills at the Avalon Australian Air Show in Victoria this week. Celebrated Australian aerobatic pilot Paul Bennet, alongside his teenage son Jett—who is touted as the youngest competitor in the country—will present an exhilarating performance featuring formation loops, rolls, head-to-head manoeuvres, and other thrilling aerial tricks when the event begins on Friday, March 28.
At 51, Paul, who operates Paul Bennet Airshows, has inspired Jett’s passion for flying since he was a toddler. Jett’s journey in aviation commenced at a mere age of one, sharing skies with his father. By 15, Jett was soaring solo, and at just 17, he earned the title of the youngest aerobatic champion in Australia.
Jett grew up around airports and aviation hangars, nurturing his skills in aerobatics. He decided to leave school after Year 11 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time pilot. By 16, he was performing stunts in the Pitt F1A Special with his father’s mentorship.
Reflecting on his flying experience, Jett expressed, “I feel so free when I’m up in the sky, among the clouds. Flying upside down and hanging by my seatbelt is exhilarating.” It appears that he will continue to soar alongside his father for the foreseeable future.
In addition to his performance at Avalon, Paul Bennet is set to make history as the first Australian pilot invited to participate in the prestigious Oshkosh Air Show in the United States, renowned as the largest air show worldwide, attracting around 600,000 attendees.
Fans of aviation will have the opportunity to witness Paul and Jett’s remarkable aerial displays at Avalon Airport, located approximately 60 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The Avalon Australian International Airshow is not only a celebration of aerobatics but also represents the southern hemisphere’s largest aerospace and defence exposition, taking place over three days starting March 28.