Avalon Airshow 2017: Paul Bennet performs spins, rolls and loops at 370kmh

VIDEO: Watch thestomach-churning aerobatics of pilot Paul Bennet who will take to the sky over Avalon this week.

THE stomach-churning aerobatics of pilot Paul Bennet will take to the sky over Avalon this week when the Australia International Airshow takes off.

The veteran pilot will thrill crowds with climbing spins, rolls, backwards loops, forward loops and spirals — all the while travelling at up to 370km/h and up to 800m overhead.

The knife-edge flight, one of Mr Bennet’s most daring, involves him flying his Wolf Pits Pro biplane at 90 degrees just metres above the runway.

At times during Mr Bennet’s routine, showgoers may believe that the engine of his 380kg plane has shut off.

ALL RUNWAYS LEAD TO AVALON

“There comes a point where the engine doesn’t have enough time to take you forward anymore so you start reversing. Up is down, left is right and right is left — everything is reverse. You’ve got to be able to think really quick,” Mr Bennet said.

Paul Bennet will take to the sky over Avalon.

He said the 400 horsepower aircraft was able to roll at more than 350 degrees a second.

During his routine, Mr Bennet will undergo violent forces in the cockpit as 10 times his body weight pulls him into and away from his seat.

“I’ve got a ratchet harness which holds me in place and I get bruises on my legs from it holding me in so tight,” he said.

Mr Bennet is considered one of Australia’s leading aerobatic pilots, having performed at airshows for more than 10 years.

Paul Bennet in his Wolf Pitts S2S.

He has won numerous aerobatic competitions, including the Australian Advanced Aerobatic Championship in 2008 and Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Championship in 2009.

Mr Bennet will also fly his yellow Pits biplane in formation with two other planes twice a day during the airshow, which is held from this Friday to Sunday.

Originally published as Avalon Airshow 2017: Paul Bennet performs spins, rolls and loops at 370kmh