Jet junkies and fuelled-up fanatics can look forward to a closer look at Australia's eyes in the sky as a Top Gun of aviation exhibitions returns.
The biggest of its kind this side of the equator, the 2025 Avalon Australia International Airshow takes off from March 28-30, giving aviation enthusiasts a glimpse of what technology and pilots are capable of.
Nearly 250,000 spectators are expected across the three days.
Victorian skies will be filled with aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army and 100 Squadron, which shows off historic planes, along with aircraft from countries including the US, New Zealand and Germany.
RAAF Roulette pilot David Burnard, who has participated in more than 10 public displays across the country, said shows such as Avalon were super important to pilots.
"A lot of flying (takes place) behind closed doors … (so) it's great to get out and amongst the public and show them the platforms we get to fly (and) the exciting manoeuvres we can fly airborne as well," he said.
A self-described "airshow tragic", the aerobatic expert will take to the skies to strut his stuff in a Pilatus PC-21 but admits he is looking forward to seeing Australia's F-35A Lightning II in action - a plane that breaks the speed of sound by almost 700km/h.
The F-35 debuted in 2006 and the 72 units Australia bought from the US cost almost $80 million a piece.
The show will also boast the F-22 Raptor from the US Air Force and the C-130J Hercules from New Zealand.
In a 2025-first, showgoers will be able to watch them take flight from the edge of the runway, on the flight line.
RAAF Air Commodore Scott Winchester said events such as Avalon provided the opportunity to showcase what pilots did day-to-day, along with the manoeuvrability and performance of the aircraft.
"I know that the air crew … see it as immensely important," he said.
The Apache AH-64E (US Army), F/A-18F Super Hornet (RAAF), UH-60M Black Hawk (Australian Army) and CH-47 Chinhook (RSAF) might not leave the tarmac but visitors will be able to see these famous planes and helicopters, along with many others, up close during static displays.
Commodore Winchester said this provided the Australian public with the chance to interact with pilots and maintenance crew and could inspire young Australians to "consider a career in the defence force".
"Come here to be entertained, talk to terrific people and go away being proud of fellow Australians," he said.
