Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

The five victims of Queensland's worst helicopter crash will be remembered today on the anniversary of the tragedy.

In the early hours of Monday 24 July 2000, Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Bell 206 VH-FFI was operating a rescue flight, taking a sick five-year-old boy to hospital. The helicopter crashed in darkness and heavy fog, in a field near Marlborough in Central Queensland. The boy, his mum, and three crew lost their lives in the crash.

The CHRS chopper had flown to pick up the five-year-old boy with breathing problems from a remote property northwest of Rockhampton.

In 2003, an inquest found low fuel was to blame for the crash and heavy fog had been a significant factor.

Pictured above is one of the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service's current choppers - Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia operated Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR - departing Rockhampton Airport on a recent training flight. VH-YXR operates for the service as the primary "Rescue 300".

Fellow Babcock Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPR also operates out of Rockhampton Airport and has been a long-term part of the CHRS fleet as the usual "Rescue 300".

Isle of Man-Registered Bombardier Global 5000 Bizjet M-CVGL Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 18 July, Isle of Man registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet M-CVGL was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 July, M-CVGL finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and this afternoon departed to Clermont Aerodrome and Natal Downs.  Since the start of the week, VH-JSZ has also been noted visiting Moura Aerodrome and Roma Airport amongst other places.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 55" flew into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then flew down to Cooma and Wagga Wagga before returning to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 18 July, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It then departed to Brisbane.

Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Emerald Airport before it then departed to Bundaberg and Pittsworth Airports.  Later, it returned to Bundaberg Airport.  VH-SEX had flown into Emerald Airport from Rockhampton Airport the previous day.

And Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Alan Macdonald  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 "Ausy 624" Completes a Fraser Coast Run!

On Thursday 18 July, a great sight over the Fraser Coast region including Fraser Island as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 completed a low-level flight in the area.

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A97-464 was flying as 'ASY624' and came up from Newcastle (Williamtown) to complete low-level operations around the Fraser Coast region including Fraser Island and also off Bundaberg. 

It then climbed to flight levels and headed for Townsville.

Nice!

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 July, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

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While Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Biloela / Thangool Airport.  It had flown up to Thangool Airport from Archerfield the previous day. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then to Townsville.

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Moura Aerodrome to Emerald Airport.  It had flown up to Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield and Toowoomba the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-VTF departed Emerald Airport for Saint George, Narrabri and Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 July, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as 'Navair 173' landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and back to Archerfield. 

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH, which had flown up to the North-West during the morning from Archerfield and via Longreach Airport, landed at Emerald Airport from Elrose Airport and then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-PDE departed Planet Downs and returned to Archerfield.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Labona for Middlemount Aerodrome before flying across to Rockhampton Airport then Maryborough Airport. It had arrived there over the weekend.

Plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI also departed Labona but for the Gold Coast. It too had arrived on the weekend.

Finally, late on Tuesday 16 July, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as 'SKP980' flew into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Cairns.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 as "Dragon 34" departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew out to the East of Brisbane and flew two laps before heading up to Rockhampton Airport.  It landed and parked on Taxiway Juliet for a crew change.

It then departed to the South. 

Of interest, the KC-30A then met up with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 as "Stallion 50" just west of Gayndah and completed air-to-air refuelling to a position to the South-West of Roma before they both flew down to Amberley separately.

Finally, it's worth noting that late on Monday 15 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 54" completed airwork at the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 July, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

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It flew up from Brisbane to Townsville before then flying down to Rocky and then back to Brisbane.

It's great to see the old Queensland Government Super King Air still flying around given that the State of Queensland has taken delivery of four new Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft - VH-8TT, VH-8PD, VH-8PE and VH-8PF

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 July, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Keeroongooloo and this afternoon flew across to Archerfield. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Chinchilla Aerodromes and then departed back to Toowoomba. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS flew up to Moranbah Airport from Archerfield and later flew back to there. 

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew from Toowoomba to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then to Winton.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Tuesday 16 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before it then headed out to Emerald Airport and then down to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 Bizjet VH-VOF Arrives into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 15 July, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Charleville Airport and then Cairns.  It then flew down to Longreach Airport where it looks to be spending the night.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 July, VH-VOF departed Longreach Airport for Adelaide and Sydney.

Yulgibar Pastoral Company (Victoria) Cessna 560 Citation Encore bizjet VH-YUL also flew into Charleville Airport but from Cairns.  It then continued to Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It also appears that VH-YUL called into Charleville Airport on Thursday 11 July while flying between Cairns and Moorabbin.

While Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 151" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 July, VH-X8X "Navair 151" departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ made a late arrival into Roma Airport from Warrnambool and Ballarat.  It appears to have then returned to Warrnambool.
 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 July, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

And Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to Clermont Aerodrome and then the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then returned to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

Finally, on Sunday 14 July, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Essendon) and Adelaide before returning direct to Essendon.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH departed Longreach Airport for Archerfield before then heading up to Cloncurry Airport.  It looked to have arrived at Longreach Airport from those places over the last couple of days.

Photo taken by Alan Midgley  ©

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Regional Jet VH-UYR Makes Its Long Awaited First Visit to CQ Airports

On Sunday 14 July, QantasLink operated but Alliance Airlines owned Embraer E-190 regional jet VH-UYR made its long awaited first ever visit to Central Queensland, visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on a scheduled QantasLink service from and back to Brisbane as QFA1878/9.

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At the time of writing, it is due to call into Emerald Airport on Monday 15 July, operating as QFA1794/5 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-UYR is ex-N901QQ with the former Copa Airlines E-190 being delivered to Alliance Airlines in Brisbane in October 2021. It was then prepared for operations with Air North in the Northern Territory with it delivered from Brisbane to their Darwin base as ANO4001 at the start of December in 2021. It started flying for Air North just before Christmas.

David Potter / https://www.flickr.com/

After operating out of Darwin with Air North since then, VH-UYR was 'returned' to Alliance Airlines and flew across from Darwin to Townsville on Tuesday 2 July and started flying out of there on Wednesday 3 July, flying out to Cloncurry Airport and back to Townsville as UTY4721/2.

Of interest, three Alliance Airlines E-190s - VH-XFL, VH-XFM and VH-XFC - will be painted into Air North livery and replace the three E-190s which operated in an all-white livery - VH-UYR, VH-UYC and VH-UYJ.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY "Machflight 01" Pops into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 12 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC01' / "Machflight 01" visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Townsville.

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC was back in the region again this week, landing at Longreach Airport from Elliot and Mount Isa. It then departed to Archerfield.

New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO landed at Winton from Brunchilly Station in the Northern Territory and then departed to Mungindi.  

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and a bit later departed to Townsville.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 "Envoy 86" Spotted at Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 12 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 was spotted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Canberra and Sydney as "Envoy 86".

It then departed Gladstone Airport and completed the short hop up to Rockhampton Airport where it was again spotted.

Later in the day, A56-001 "Envoy 86" departed Rockhampton Airport for Sydney and then Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 as "Stallion 34" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Amberley. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Wallaby 35" also flew up from Amberley but at low level at 500ft to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.  It then climbed up to flight levels and returned to Amberley. 

Finally, also on Friday 12 July, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY was spotted at Longreach Airport after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley via Roma Airport.  It then departed to Mount Isa.  

VH-RQY was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Choppa 41".

UPDATE!  On Saturday 13 July, VH-RQY "Choppa 41" continued from Mount Isa to Borroloola, RAAF Base Tindal and RAAF Base Darwin where it seems to be providing support for the RAAF's Exercise Pitch Black 24.

Photos taken by Glenn Lloyd, Steve Vit and 'AC'  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK visited Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo then departed back to there. 

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While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Tocumwal.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, N227SL departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

New Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane

And Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived from there on Sunday 7 July.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 July, Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Winton and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

New Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba before later returning there via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX visited Clermont Aerodrome from Rockhampton Airport.  It has been completing aerial survey flights in the region over the last couple of days.

And Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 July, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Brisbane base.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed to Townsville.  It then returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 10 July, Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome and then departed to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane, Townsville and Mackay Airports before then departing back to Brisbane. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived from there over the weekend.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site for Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived there over the weekend too.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

A Couple of Flight One (Services) Cirrus Lighties - VH-FOE & VH-FOJ - at a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 July, Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR20 VH-FOE was spotted parked at Emerald Airport.  It was visiting from Archerfield.

And up the road at my local Clermont Aerodrome, fellow Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR22 VH-FOJ visited also from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 July, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Emerald Airport and Rolleston to Aerodrome to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then completed a return flight to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and back.  

VH-VEJ had arrived into Emerald Airport on Monday 8 July from Brisbane via Rolleston Aerodrome after earlier completing its 'usual' weekly flight into Clermont Aerodrome from and back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 10 July, VH-VEJ flew from Clermont Aerodrome to the Newlands Mine Site and then Brisbane.

NSW based Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga VH-SMY departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It had arrived from Wannervale and Goondiwindi over the weekend.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Thargomindah then departed to Wellcamp. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport and Visiting a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 8 July, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 July, N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Proserpine Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 July, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome. It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

New South Wales-based Cessna 182C Skylane VH-NLN departed Rockhampton Airport to Barcaldine Airport and then further to the North-West.  It had arrived yesterday from Moruya via Roma Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast and later departed to Bundaberg Airport and the back to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM, which flew to Mackay Airport from Rocky yesterday, departed there for Clermont Aerodrome and Quilpie. It then returned to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.

Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK flew across from there to Clermont Aerodrome and then down to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, VH-LDK reversed the flight.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC flew down from Darwin, Katherine, Newcastle Waters and Mount Isa to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then flying back up to Middlemount Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 July, VH-UTC departed Middlemount Aerodrome for Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters.

Finally, late on Sunday 7 July, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 02" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Monday 8 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork including a missed approach at the Gold Coast before flying up to Bundaberg Airport for more airwork and a missed approach.  It then flew back down to Williamtown.

A30-006 was heard to be flying as "Wedgetail 02".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 7 July, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Cairns and later departed to Adelaide.

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Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea.  It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance. 

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAZ wears the colours and titles.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 7 July, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM passed through Longreach Airport while flying up from Tamworth to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and then flew down to Sydney.  It then returned to Brisbane.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon). 

Finally, on Saturday 6 July, Yulgibar Pastoral Company (Victoria) Cessna 560 Citation Encore bizjet VH-YUL was noted visiting Emerald Airport.  It arrived from Baryulgil and departed to Cairns.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL as Skytrans 965 departed Rockhampton Airport to Cairns before later in the night, returning to Rocky from Cairns but as Skytrans 966.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

New Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On a quiet Friday 5 July, the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  

VH-8PD then returned to Cairns.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 July, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Brisbane.

It then departed to Townsville before returning to Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rolleston Aerodrome before returning to Wellcamp but via Roma Airport.

While American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW landed at Bundaberg Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP landed at Emerald Airport from Miranda Downs and then departed to Archerfield.  Later, it returned to Miranda via Hughenden.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-8HP flew down from Miranda Downs to Mackay Airport and back and this afternoon flew down to Emerald Airport, Bundaberg Airport and then Armidale in New South Wales.

Sydney-registered Skydive Australia Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OZQ landed at Emerald Airport from Shellharbour and then departed to Cairns.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Mackay Airport from Jandakot and Alice Springs.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-OXY departed Mackay Airport for Armidale.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 July, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and then departed to Wagga Wagga.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-JSZ flew back into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Wagga Wagga. It then departed to Archerfield. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 421" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast before later returning there but via Bundaberg Airport.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was in the region yet again, flying out to Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane and then across to Mackay Airport.  It then flew up Townsville and Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 3 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay from Bankstown and Cessnock and late this afternoon flew back to there.

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LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" popped into Gladstone Airport from Townsville and Brisbane. It then departed to Cairns and then back to Brisbane.

And Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 3 July, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ as "Rescue 521" was noted completing a medical evacuation flight from Mackay Airport to Townsville.

As posted below, the two (now former) Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 helicopters VH-CQJ and VH-VAU have gone from Mackay Airport for good; while LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA, which has been at Mackay Airport since the start of the month, completed its first medical evacuation flight on Wednesday 3 July from Mackay to Proserpine Hosptial and back as "Rescue 401".

While Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Agusta AW109SP helicopter VH-CZT landed at Emerald from Townsville and then departed to Roma Airport and then Tamworth.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed to Mackay Airport, Townsville and then Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 4 July, VH-SGQ reversed these flights, coming down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport and then to Brisbane.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Rockhampton Airport to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived on the weekend.

And Gold Coast registered Extra EA300/LT VH-XKW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

A Pair of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-OFA and VH-OFC Both Call into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was spotted visiting Gladstone Airport.  It had earlier flown out to Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane and then flew across to Gladstone Airport.

It is pictured departing back to Brisbane.

And fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Brisbane before then departing to Mount Isa and Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 2 July, now ex-CQ Rescue (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU was noted arriving into Horn Island from Cairns, Cooktown and Coen.  It departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cairns yesterday.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jamie C for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©️

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON Pops into My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 1 July, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site but was unable to land so diverted into my local Clermont Aerodrome.

File photo

It later departed and successfully landed at Labona before then returning to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

Also at Clermont on Monday 1 July was the familiar sight of Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 1 July, Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ landed at Emerald Airport from Moree and then departed to Pinnarendi.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and Cairns.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-PDE departed Planet Downs to Archerfield.

Cairns-based Cessna 206 VH-SQX landed at Longreach Airport from Bourke then departed to Mareeba.

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM departed Hamilton Island Airport for its Gayndah Aerodrome base.  It had flown up from there late last week.

New Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

And through the day, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Mackay Airport to Armidale and Tamworth before then flying back up to Archerfield, Bundaberg Airport and then up to Charters Towers Aerodrome and Miranda Downs and then back to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 2 July, VH-8HP flew out from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and then up to Miranda Downs and to Normanton and back to Miranda Downs.

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter A15-301 "Pegasus 9" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 1 July, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-301 was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport. 

It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pegasus 9" and flew in from Townsville.

After completing an engagement with the local Army Cadets, it departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Facebook posts suggest that it will continue further South over the week.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, A15-301 "Pegasus 9" returned North to Townsville this time via Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©