Paul Bennet is scheduled to fly his latest acquisition, a Hawker Sea Fury, at Airshows Downunder Shellharbour next weekend.
The aircraft arrived in Australia only a few weeks ago and was re-assembled and test flown in time to make it to the airshow.
"I am thrilled to be part of Airshows Downunder Shellharbour this year," Bennet said, "and am looking forward to displaying a Sea Fury in Australia.”
An ex-Iraqi Air Force aircraft, this Sea Fury FB Mk.11 has been re-engined, with a Wright R3350 replacing the Bristol Centaurus originally fitted.
It has been flown and raced in the USA as both Southern Cross in RAN colours and as Sawbones, carrying race number 71.
Formerly registered as both N30SF and N71GB, it has been placed on the Australian Civil Register as VH-HPB.
Sea Furys, once the staple of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm, have not been flown publicly in Australia for several years. The expected Shellharbour display will be one of 14 from the Paul Bennet stable, including the Wolf Pitts Pro and other warbirds.
Airshows Downunder Shellharbour is on at Shellharbour Regional Airport, NSW, 1-3 March 2024.