Terrific Thursday Part 1 - "Double Dragons" - 2 RAAF KC-30A Aircraft do Missed Approaches at Rockhampton Airport

What a terrific day for local plane spotter 'IAD' at Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 21 August!  Under gloomy skies, there was a treat in store with both RAAF and Army aircraft and helicopters visiting, along with a couple of nice bizjets touching down during the afternoon.

In this first part, 'IAD' was at the right place at the right time to capture not one, but two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, as they both performed missed approaches onto Rocky's Runway 15.

Initially, A39-002 - flying as "Dragon 27" - was captured as it climbed out after the missed approach.

Then, about 10 minutes later, and after holding overhead Gladstone, A39-004 - "flying as "Dragon 26" - also conducted a missed approach at Rocky.

What a magnificent sight and sound - and what a rare opportunity to capture two KC-30's in quick succession at Rockhampton Airport.

It is believed that both aircraft came from RAAF Base Amberley, and after their airwork, returned South to Amberley.

Thanks to 'IAD' for capturing and sending through these magnificent photos!  Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for more great photos and reports from what I've called "terrific Thursday"!

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©