Maitland is to have its first air show in 10 years, with all the barnstorming thrills of the 1930s on display.

Known as the Hunter Valley Air Show at Maitland Airport, one of the highlights will be a unique flight performed by local aerobatic expert Paul Bennet in a Pitts Special.

This involves the plane skimming across the ground at low level – low enough for a motorcyclist to loop over the top of it.

It is a stunt Mr Bennet arranged and only he is flying it.

Mr Bennet is organising the show for July 4 and 5.

The experienced pilot has been flying in aerobatic displays for 15 years.

Mr Bennet spoke to the Mercury before he took off for the Australian International Air Show at Avalon in Victoria.

“We want to make the air show at Maitland something for everyone to remember for a long time,” he said.

“There will be a range of military and heritage planes and a highlight on those two days will be the aerobatics.

“I will be taking part with a few US pilots and five international flyers to make this the biggest air show Maitland has ever had.

“Our aim is to bring air shows back to the country, giving families an affordable day where they don’t have to spend a great deal of money to see some of the most thrilling aviation events.”

Among the aircraft performing will be three Pitts Specials, a US Grumman Avenger of the type that flew in the Pacific, and a Russian Yak 5 trainer. 

“There are a lot of warbirds in our area and we want to display some of the great aircraft for everyone to see.”

Mr Bennet said the air display also aimed to show young people who wanted to fly that learning was not prohibitive.

“I could not afford to learn when I was growing up - today, this possible if a person really wants to fly,” he said.

The show will start at 11am and end at 3pm on both days.