A Few More Plane Spotting Photos from Rockhampton Airport This Week

A great week of plane spotting at Rockhampton Airport this week, with local plane spotters capturing a wide range of aircraft and helicopters visiting from all parts.

Of course, the most interesting 'sightings' have been related to the upcoming joint military exercise Talisman Saber which begins in just over a weeks time.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air aircraft have again been spotted visiting most days, and more notable has been three visits of RAAF Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) aircraft.

United States Navy (USN) Lockheed C-130T Hercules - serial 165314 - coded JW5314 - of the VR-62 Fleet Logistic Unit also popped into Rockhampton Airport during the latter part of the week.

Several other interesting aircraft and helicopters have also been sighted at Rockhampton Airport this week, with Singapore Flying College Cessna 510 Citation Mustang VH-VSQ noted on Tuesday 2 July, and as shown above, VH-SQJ popping in on Friday 5 July.

A pair of Australasian Jet-operated Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft - VH-AZJ and VH-ZMJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport late on Wednesday 3 July from Longreach.  Local plane spotter, Don W captured some great images of the pair early on Thursday 4 July.  Information suggests that they are still parked at the Airport.

Also on Wednesday 3 July, Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 rescue helicopter VH-EZJ popped into Rockhampton Airport.  The chopper was completing a North-bound journey, touching down from Archerfield and later departing to Townsville and then Cairns.

The new locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Australian Helicopters-operated Bell 412 VH-LSY has also been spotted during the week operating various tasks out of Rockhampton Airport.

Lastly, an interesting 'sighting' in the form of (what's believed to be) an Australian Army maintenance tent has been erected at Rockhampton Airport next to Runway 04/22.  No doubt for use during the forthcoming Exercise Talisman Saber.

Sincere thanks to the Rocky plane spotters for their great coverage during the week - certainly a busy a week - your time and valuable contributions to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog are really appreciated!  Thanks guys!

Photos taken by Don Williams, Travis Whiting and 'IAD'  ©