Mr Bennet and six of his “sky aces” will leave for China after the big Hunter Valley Air Show to be held at Maitland Airport in Rutherford this weekend.

“This trip to China is a big thing for us as it is also for Maitland’s air fraternity,” Mr Bennet said.

“I have been told that no one from Australia has ever taken part in an international air show in China before.

“It is a big privilege to show off what we can do and seven of our team will be taking three Pitts Specials overseas after the big air show to be held in Maitland this weekend,” Mr Bennet said.

“The event in China is a big international air show but they don’t have many aerobatic demonstrations there.

“I believe our shows will be the first displays of this kind by Australian flyers and of course we are very excited to be invited.”

Mr Bennet said his team would be doing formation displays as well as some solo flying. 

“This is also about putting Maitland on the map regarding aerobatic flying,” he said.

“I think it is pretty noteworthy that flyers from our city are involved in something like this.

“It will also be good for aviation in China and I think we might see more specialists flying there after our mission.”

The Hunter Valley Air Show – billed as the “biggest ever held in Maitland – will be held this Saturday and Sunday and will feature a range of 20 different aircraft in displays.

Tickets are $30 for a single person, $80 for a family and entry for children is free.