Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (52-1C) "Cotam 1161" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 July, making its very first appearance into Central Queensland (or at least on this Blog) was Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (Code 52-1C) which arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as "Cotam 1161".

It had earlier flown up to Townsville from RAAF Base Amberley.

After some time on the ground, the CASA departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Amberley, flying at low-level (around 500ft) all the way down the coast.

Of interest, the French Air Force currently operates 19 CN-235 medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft which are able to carry five tons of cargo or forty passengers.  It appears that '065' is flown by the Squadron ET00.052 La Tontouta at BA186 Noumea/La Tontouta in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Valour 02" was noted visiting the Samuel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters John L and Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by John Lee and Scott Harris  ©