As mentioned in our previous articles covering their growth into China (Paul Bennet Airshows; Aerobatic Ambassadors) and their epic journey to New Guinea last year (Warbirds return to New Guinea), Paul Bennet purchased a second Wolf Pitts to accompany his distinctive, bright yellow, Wolf Pitts Pro to allow him to meet the team’s commitments both here in Australia and overseas in China and South Korea. This time, an equally bright, Orange S1-11X model, originally from Germany.Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-078

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-039

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-067

With the return of the Wolf Pitts Pro from its time in China and Korea towards the end of the year, it was the first time that both aircraft had been together since Paul obtained the S1-11X and, in December last year, I was offered the incredible opportunity to capture both of these amazing machines together, air to air. Yes please!Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-040

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-044

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-057

The camera ship was, once again, a trusty Yak-52, flown by team pilot Glenn Collins, with Paul in the Pro and Glenn Graham in the S1-11X.Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-070

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-082

We departed their home base at Maitland and headed south towards Lake Macquarie to hopefully get a slightly different and attractive backdrop for the shots. Of course, I didn’t wait that long to start snapping away. 😉Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-001

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-005

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-029

Paul and Glenn placed their agile mounts in various positions and formations for me as well as all three of us performing a couple of formation loops and rolls (which was not at all pleasant for my stomach  :P) but those vibrant colours looked great against the water and sky.Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-032

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-048

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-064

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-053

After an all-too-brief time over the lake, we headed north for home, still snapping a few frames along the way, before a final series of maneuvers to catch Paul in a torque roll from the air, which was another amazing (but stomach churning) experience.Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-065

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-086

 

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-084

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-090

Finally, it was time to call it a day and land. I hope you all enjoy the results.Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-043

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-079

Mottys Paul Bennet Wolf Pitts Pair A2A VH-PVB VH-PVX-066

Obviously, a huge thank you to Paul Bennet, Glenn Graham and Glenn Collins from Paul Bennet Airshows for the fantastic opportunity.

Motty.