The Air Force's F/A-18F Super Hornet will glide just 70 metres from Brisbane city buildings during the Brisbane Festival today.
For most the idea of doing such a thing curdles the blood.
Reserve Super Hornet Pilot Flight Lieutenant Matthew, whose last name cannot be used for security reasons, said pilots train for weeks just for the single flyover.
"They used about two weeks' worth of studying all the terrain around and then doing a simulated profile to make sure they're ready to fly it on the day," he said.
"We train to this, day-to-day, if not week-to-week, as far as low flying.
"It is great to have the Super Hornets back to be able to show the public what we can do."
More than half a million people are expected to line the banks of the Brisbane River to see the Super Hornet roar across the skyline at 5.20pm and fireworks light up the evening for the city's spring arts and music event.
Flight Lieutenant Matthew said Riverfire pilots are chosen based on experience.
"They assess who is a bit more senior at the squadron," Flight Lieutenant Matthew said.
"And also, it's a case of figuring out who has been working hard at the squadron and ready for what we call a good deal, and to have a bit of fun."
He said Super Hornets could reach speeds up to 2,000 kilometres per hour.
"For the display, it is going to be going past South Bank at about 600 kilometres per hour, and then finally down past Eagle Street at 900 kilometres per hour," he said.
Flight Lieutenant Matthew said pilots feel an "adrenaline rush" when flying so low.
"You have got to make sure you know where all the obstacles are and avoid them," he said.
"There is also that natural adrenaline rush that you feel when you're flying that close to buildings."
Air show inspiration
Flight Lieutenant Matthew first dreamt of becoming a pilot at the age of eight.
"When I was down in Melbourne, I would see the flyover at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and that inspired me when I was about eight years old to want to become a pilot," he said.
"And from then on, I always wanted to be in the Air Force."
Matthew began his career with the Australian Air Force in 2009 and worked his way up to become a Super Hornet pilot.
"Once I was in the air force, it took approximately four years to get to the squadron and be able to fly the jet," he said.
But before he was handed the keys to the fast-soaring Super Hornets, Flight Lieutenant Matthew began his pilot training on a "bug smasher".
"I started on the CT/4, which is quite a small — we call it a 'bug smasher'," he said.
"A little two-person aircraft, which you have yourself in the left-hand seat and then the instructor in the right-hand seat.
"And then finally, you work your way up to the Super Hornets."
He said he still remembers his first solo flight.
"It was an absolute rush when you put the engine up to its maximum power and felt that kick in your body."
"It is an exhilaration when you actually feel that power."
Firework follow-up
The Riverfire fireworks show will follow the air show, erupting from 15 locations just after 7pm.
More than 11 tonnes of fireworks will be used in the show, officially kicking off the Brisbane Festival for 2022.
