Numerous Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing Aircraft and Helicopters Come to the Fraser Coast to Search for Missing People - Plus More!

On Monday 15 May, a search for two missing persons brought several fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to the Fraser Coast region and specifically, at least, Bundaberg Airport.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete and coordinate Search and Rescue operations North of Fraser Island 

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It acted as overseer for search helicopters, LifeFlight Bell 412s VH-XCI "Rescue 522" and VH-XCK "Rescue 511", plus Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Gladstone Helicopters) Airbus Helicopters EC135 P3 (CPDS) VH-ZGH, and McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter N365JA and Aerospatiale AS.355F1 Squirrel helicopters VH-YUR and VH-YEU.

During the afternoon, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" called into Bundaberg Airport for fuel before then returning to Cairns.

Of interest, Brisbane-based Heli Support (Aust) / Aviation Utilities Eurocopter AS.350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-HTV "Media 48" was also in the area covering the search for television media.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 May, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Maryborough Airport then flew to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rockhampton Airport before departing to Lady Eliott Island. 

As usual, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ looked to head up to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  But due to inclement weather in the area, it stopped in at my local Clermont Aerodrome before eventually continuing to Labona.  VH-FAQ then returned to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

While also calling into Clermont Aerodrome were Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ which flew up from Brisbane to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport and back to Newlands.  It then flew down to Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 May, VH-VEJ made an early departure from Clermont Aerodrome for Emerald Airport.  It then remained parked all day and then on Wednesday 17 May, VH-VEJ departed to Rolleston Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

Plus Crowfly P/L (of South Australia) Amateur-built Vans RV-9A VH-VRH landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Cairns. 

Finally, also on Monday 15 May, NSW based Purdy Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 505 VH-IHH flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and then Agnes Water Airports.

The less-than-a-year old helicopter looked to complete a tour of Far North Queensland and Whitsundays, and looked to fly North via the Central Queensland Coast just short of a fortnight ago.

Nice!

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NQY (ex PH-BGK) First Visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Friday 12 May, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NQY was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NQY operated the VOZ1117/8 afternoon service from and back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 13 May, VH-NQY returned to CQ, and was photographed below operating in and out of Rockhampton Airport on the VOZ1939/40 service which now seems to be a regular flight for the B737-700 series aircraft!

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGK with it wearing a temporary registration marking of 2-HBGK prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

VH-NQY was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Thursday 4 May from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.  It appeared to enter service the following week on Tuesday 9 May.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NQY has been painted into the Virgin Australia livery and has been named 'Wategos Beach'.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft. It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout. The sixth B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGL (to become VH-NVW) (ex PH-BGL) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance. It is reportedly also in full Virgin Australia livery and titles and also wears the name 'Clifton Beach'.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox, Steve Vit, Pete Macklin and Wally H  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-001 "Dragon 62" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 as "Dragon 62" was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to fly down from Townsville to complete the airwork at Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to RAAF Base Amberley.

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A39-001 "Dragon 62" had earlier departed Amberley and landed at Townsville.

Of interest, also on Thursday 11 May, fellow RAAF KC-30A MRTT aircraft A39-006 as "Dragon 51" and A39-004 as "Dragon 16" were also in the air and flew through Central Queensland airspace as they flew North and South through the state.

Finally, also on Thursday 11 May, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Mitchel 16" completed some late airwork at Rockhampton Airport including a missed approach while on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

roperty Maintenance Australia P/L (Dubbo) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA Still in CQ and at Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 May, Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA was back in Central Queensland once again this week, this time flying back up from Archerfield only to land at Gladstone Airport.  It then continued to Rockhampton Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 May, VH-WJA departed Rockhampton Airport and flew back down to its Dubbo base.  It had originally flown up from there at the start of the week.

While Adelaide based Bruce Hartwig Flying School Piper PA-46-350P Malibu VH-NGG flew across from Mount Isa to Mackay Airport after flying all the way up from Parafield to Mount Isa yesterday.  It then flew down to Broken Hill and back Parafield. 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then onwards to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

And Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS.350B2 Squirrel VH-LGG flew down from Cooktown and Cairns to land at Rockhampton Airport.

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Photos taken by Lee Holloway and Steve Vit  ©

A Couple of Nice Corporate Bizjets Spotted at Emerald Airport - Poolhurst Pilatus PC-24 VH-VTF & Special Mining Services EMB-505 Phenom 300E VH-UYX - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 May, a nice pair of corporate bizjets were spotted visiting Emerald Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived from Archerfield and later departed to Dalby.

And Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX arrived from Sydney and later departed to Mareeba.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 10 May, VH-UYX departed Mareeba for Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Sydney.

Plus, also on Tuesday 9 May, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet N685SC arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Darwin and Singapore (Seletar).

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 May, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued to Brisbane before later returning to Townsville and then Cairns.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" departed Emerald Airport for aerial survey work near Proserpine.  As mentioned below, VH-VEH arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn last Wednesday 3 May and has been completing aerial survey flights quite regularly out of and back to Emerald Airport.

On Tuesday, VH-VEH "Survey 23" was joined by Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE which operated out of and back to Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It has also been operating out of Emerald Airport and Mackay Airport since at least the start of the month.  

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 10 May, both VH-VEH "Survey 23" and VH-WHE both ended up landing at Mackay Airport.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ was spotted into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville. It later departed to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 9 May, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying out to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then departed to the Gold Coast.

Fellow Seair Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB also arrived into Rockhampton Airport but from the Gold Coast before also departing to Labona.  It then departed there for Hervey Bay Airport.

And fellow Seair Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TLH flew up to Labona from Hervey Bay Airport before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

While Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip from Archerfield.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited Labona from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

And Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO visited Moranbah Airport, arriving from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and later departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Plus DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back but via Rockhampton Airport on the return flight.  It had also visited the Gold Coast from and back to Bundaberg Airport earlier in the day.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Steve Vit  ©

Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk N563DJ Pops into Charleville Airport - Plus More!

A nice helicopter to be noted passing through Charleville Airport on Monday 8 May was Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk N563DJ.  It looked to fly in from Scone in New South Wales and later depart to Mount Isa where it appears to be staying for the night.

Robert Myers / https://commons.wikimedia.org/

On Tuesday 9 May, N563DJ was due to continue to Darwin in the Northern Territory.  It is believed that it will continue to its final destination in Indonesia in the coming days.

Of interest, the refurbished ex-US Army Blackhawk has been operating during the Australian bushfire season out of Scone with locally-based Pay's Helicopters as "Helitak 260".  Pay's Helicopters has been in partnership with Idaho-based Timberline Helicopters since 2016.  Under the agreement, a refurbished UH-60A Black Hawk has been used extensively in firebombing operations across regional New South Wales.

While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK popped into Emerald Airport while flying North to Townsville from Archerfield.

And Avalon Aviation / Executive Helicopters Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 helicopter VH-VNG departed Hamilton Island Airport for Saint Lawrence, Gladstone and Biggenden Airports.  It looks to have flown into Hamo last Thursday 4 May.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 8 May, Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport before then departing to Tumbar Station/Jericho and points further West all the way up to Mount Isa. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 May, VH-PDE flew back into Emerald Airport from Riveren, Tennant Creek and Caldervale Station before then returning to Archerfield.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB visited Gladstone Airport from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from Toowoomba to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then continued up to Kidston before returning to Shute.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 May, VH-FKB departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Kidston once again before returning to Shute, Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Toowoomba.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast. 

Moorabbin-based Beech D55 Baron VH-MYD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport before departing to Townsville.  It appears that the Baron arrived into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast having started its journey North from Melbourne (Moorabbin) on the last day of April.

UPDATE!  Over Thursday 11 May and Friday 12 May, VH-MYD returned to Townsville to Moorabbin via Mackay, Roma, Dubbo and Bathurst Airports.

Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA flew up from Dubbo and Archerfield to the CQ area - possibly near Injune and Theodore.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 May, VH-WJA returned to Archerfield.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM landed at Longreach Airport from Wagga Wagga before it then departed to Cairns.

UPDATE!  Over the next couple of days, VH-PVM continued up to the Cape York and eventually returned South again via Longreach Airport to Wagga Wagga on Thursday 11 May.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 May, VH-PVM returned to Longreach Airport again from Wagga Wagga.  It then flew up to Sweers Island off the Far North Queensland Coast.  It returned to Wagga Wagga after a couple of days but via Birdsville.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ popped into Oaky Creek Mine site from Brisbane before departing to Moree and Mudgee and then back to Brisbane.

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NQI (ex PH-BGX) First Visit to Central Queensland at Rockhampton Airport

On Saturday 6 May, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NQI was finally noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Rockhampton Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

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VH-NQI operated the VOZ1239/40 service from and back to Brisbane.

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGX with it wearing a temporary registration marking of 2-HBGX prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

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VH-NQI was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Wednesday 29 March from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.  It entered service on Tuesday 4 April and soon found its way over to Western Australia where it operated out of Perth for some time.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NQI has been painted into the Virgin Australia livery and has been named 'Noosa Heads Beach'.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft. It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout.

The sixth B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGK (to become VH-NQY) (ex PH-BGK) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance. It is reportedly also in full Virgin Australia livery and titles and also wears the name 'Wategos Beach'.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, Adam Trefon and Wally H  ©

Aerlink ATR 42-500 VH-FVZ Completes Yet Another Training Flight into some CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 5 May, Aerlink ATR 42-500 VH-FVZ looked to complete another training flight into some Central Queensland Airports.

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On this occasion, it was flying as HT491 and flew up from Brisbane to call into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports before returning to Hervey Bay Airport and then Brisbane. 

VH-FVZ is pictured above at Rockhampton Airport completing a similar training flight earlier in the week - see Blog post below!

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 May, The Recreational Flying Company Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC landed at landed at Longreach Airport from Wrotham Park then departed to Isisford, Mount Isa, Tindal (Katherine) and Darwin. 

It looks like the normally Darwin-based VH-UTC visited Longreach Airport earlier in the week, along with Charters Towers and Middlemount Aerodromes.

While Blue Sky Airways (Sydney) Piper PA-31-350 VH-MKC flew into Mackay Airport Maitland via Tamworth and Moree.

UPDATE! On Monday 8 May, VH-MKC departed Mackay Airport for Keeroongooloo

Georgina Pastoral Company Textron Aviation (Cessna) T206H VH-HGQ flew from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Keeroongooloo before returning to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend and into the next week, VH-HGQ was quite busy flying to Roma, Emerald, Bundaberg and Hamilton Island Airports at various times.

And Thomson Airborne (Aerial Surveys) Cessna 210N VH-JEI was seen departing the Hail Creek Mine site on an aerial survey flight.

Finally, once Rockhampton Airport-based Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE has spent much of this week been flying between Weipa, Townsville and Mackay Airports, with it ending the week at Mackay Airport on Friday 5 May.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH "Survey 23" at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 May, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23", which had landed at Emerald Airport from Goulburn yesterday, flew survey work out of Emerald Airport through the day. 

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 May, VH-VEH "Survey 23" looked to start operating out of Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 May, VH-VEH "Survey 23" looked to depart Mackay Airport for Goulbourn at the end of its deployment.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE also completed an aerial survey fight out of and back to Emerald Airport - possibly both working for the same company.  VH-WHE originally flew into Mackay Airport from its Redcliffe base in April and it looked to fly into Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport earlier this week.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 21 May, VH-WHE departed Mackay Airport and returned to Redcliffe at the end of its deployment.  VH-WHE ended up operating out of both Charters Towers Aerodrome and Mackay Airport in the days since writing this post.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 May, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS flew up to Labona from and back to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

While Avalon Aviation / Executive Helicopters Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 helicopter VH-VNG flew up from Caloundra to Gladstone, Hedlow, Mackay and Hamilton Island Airports. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 May, VH-VNG departed Hamilton Island Airport for Saint Lawrence, Gladstone and Biggenden Airports.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 May, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Dalby and Archerfield.

Finally, on Wednesday 3 May, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa

WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR flew down from Kidston back to its Chinchilla Aerodrome base.  It looked to fly up there via Charters Towers Aerodrome the previous day and has also completed similar flights in the days and weeks prior.

And NSW based Purdy Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 505 VH-IHH which had landed at Hervey Bay from Bankstown yesterday, departed there to Gladstone, Mackay and Shute Harbour. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 15 May, VH-IHH flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and then Agnes Water Airports.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 13" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 was spotted on the ground at Rockhampton Airport.  It had earlier arrived from Brisbane as "Envoy 13".

After some time on the ground, A56-003 "Envoy 13" departed Rockhampton Airport for Albury and then Canberra.

Meanwhile, overflying the region, also on Thursday 4 May (and at other times during the past week), were a pair of United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft which have been identified as 05-5146 and 05-5149, often flying with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209.

The formations of Globemasters have been flying as "Charger" while the USAF Globemasters have been heard using their own radio callsigns of "Slew 91" and "Slew 92".

They have been flying together as a part of the joint military Exercise Global Dexterity.  

Exercise Global Dexterity 2023 was conducted at RAAF Base Amberley from Monday 24 April to Friday 5 May 2023, and is designed to develop the bilateral tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Both the United States and Australia rely on the C-17A to provide strategic and tactical airlift across the Indo-Pacific region, with its ability to provide short-notice and time-critical airlift support making it essential during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

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