Airshow veterans to perform for the last time at Avalon

Added by on December 14, 2012

Dave Benson performs his flag drop maneuver at the Australian International Airshow. Benson and Chris Sperou are staging their final performances at the airshow.

Dave Benson performs his flag drop maneuver at the Australian International Airshow. Benson and Chris Sperou are staging their final performances at the airshow.

Two of Australia’s most recognisable names in aviation will make their final Australian International Airshow appearances at Avalon next year.

Veteran aerobatic pilot Chris Sperou and sky diving great Dave Benson will say farewell to Avalon crowds with their final performances at the event from February 26 to March 3 next year.

The pair have been popular individual performers at the Australian International Airshow for many years, and for Avalon2013, will join together to perform a spectacular opening to the flying display.

Chris Sperou says it will be hard to say goodbye to the Airshow crowds.

“I’ve been with the Airshow since its inception and it does sadden me that I won’t be performing there anymore, but I just feel it’s time to let some of the younger pilots have their chance in the spotlight.”

Chris will be flying his spectacular red Pitts bi-plane ‘Super Stinker’ at the Airshow. It’s the only Pitt’s model of its kind in Australia and has over 300 horsepower.

“It’s a great plane to fly, it’s a modern plane in its design and aerobatic capability, but it brings back that feeling of nostalgia as well.”

World flag flying record holder Dave Benson will also say farewell to the crowds at Avalon with his last flag drop at the Australian International Airshow.

Benson has opened the flying display with his flag drop across many events, but at Avalon2013 he’ll be buzzed in the air by Chris Sperou in the Pitts ‘Super Stinker’ as he descends.

The pair has performed the act before and say it gives the flag drop more of a sense of occasion.

Chris Sperou and Dave Benson join a star studded line-up of performers already confirmed for the 2013 Australian International Airshow.

Performers include US Airshow star Skip Stewart, British aerobatic champion Mark Jefferies and Australia’s own top gun, Matt Hall.

The 2013 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition will be staged at Avalon Airport near Geelong from February 26 – March 3, with the public days of the event held across March 1- 3.

For more information on the 2013 Australian International Airshow, visit to www.airshow.com.au