Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX Bizjet VH-EWB Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 29 November, Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Sydney.

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-EWB departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Sydney.

While also popping into Bundaberg Airport was Turbo Jet Holdings / 360 Aero Space (Melbourne) Lear Jet 45 bizjet VH-LJX.  It arrived from Melbourne (Essendon) and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 3 December, VH-LJX departed Hamiton Island Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then Essendon.

Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW also arrived into Hamilton Island Airport but from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 3 December, VH-BMW departed Hamiton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ also flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourn (Essendon) via Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-OFJ Departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Moranbah Airport.  It then flew back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 29 November, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8TT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then departed to complete several hours of airwork to the South of Rocky.

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And one aircraft we haven't mentioned for a little while in the form of DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.  It still operates general and Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights around the region, including its still going weekly flight from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome via either Rockhampton Airport or Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-NPZ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Gladstone Airport and then back to Bundaberg Airport.

Photos taken by Dave Mooney  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Pops into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 November, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Moranbah Airport from Archerfield.

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While the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Dubbo and Canberra.  As mentioned below, it had flown up from these places on Tuesday 26 November to Emerald Airport before flying across to Rocky yesterday.

Sunshine Coast-based Cessna 172 VH-HAX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Townsville. 

Flylink Aviation College Diamond DA 40 VH-EUU visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited the Oaky Creek Mine site from Brisbane. 

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 "Wedgetail 13" Missed Approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 28 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted completing airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It was flying as "Wedgetail 13" and looked to fly up from RAAF Williamtown to complete the airwork which included a couple of circuits and missed approaches. It then departed back to Williamtown.

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FMZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 24 November, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

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LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

While private 1962-build Cessna 185A VH-AGF was noted flying around Barcaldine Airport.

And Helicopter Resources (Tasmania) Eurocopter AS.350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-UUH flew down from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and further South. It seems to be returning to Tasmania after operating out of Mackay Airport for much of this year.

Deer Jet (China) Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) Bizjet B-8255 Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 November, Deer Jet (China) Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet B-8255 flew down from Cairns to Hamilton Island Airport. It had flown up from Sydney midway through last week and was supposed to land at Hamo but diverted to Cairns due to poor weather in the Whitsundays.

B-8255 at Brisbane a couple of years ago  (File photo)

UPDATE! On Monday 25 November, B-8255 departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Cairns before then departing for overseas.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was spotted at Hervey (Fraser Coast) Airport.

It flew down from Townsville and Cairns and then departed to Brisbane. It later returned North.

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" and VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455" landed at Emerald Airport from Townsville and then departed to Watts Bridge.

And Georgina Pastoral Co. of Gympie Cessna U206G VH-TOC arrived into Clermont Aerodrome from Miranda Downs.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 November, VH-TOC departed Clermont Aerodrome for the West.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Garth Coad  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as “Envoy 47” Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 47" flew up from Canberra and Coffs Harbour to Bundaberg and later departed to Hamilton Island Airport via overhead Emerald.  It then continued to Townsville via a missed approach at Cairns. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 November, RAAF B737 A62-002 "Envoy 47" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville via a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. A bit later it departed to Gold Coast and then Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 November, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 42" landed at Emerald Airport after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then departed to Townsville where it will be no doubt supporting upcoming RAAF fast jet Exercises Crimson Dawn and High Sierra which are about to get underway.

And late on Saturday 23 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted and spotted completing airwork and landing at Bundaberg Airport.  They were identified as A34-006 as "Kaos 72" and A34-008 as "Kaos 74".

Both Spartans looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley and complete airwork before landing at Bundaberg Airport for some time.  They both then returned to Amberley.  Nice!

Photos taken by Scott Grieve and Hayden Alexander  ©

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Calls into Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 22 November, new Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR was noted visiting Maryborough Airport.

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It looked to arrive from and then later return to Brisbane.

While during the morning, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 421" flew up from Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport and then down to Brisbane. This afternoon, it reversed the flight. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Blackall Airport from Archerfield.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and then Emerald Airport before later reversing the flight.

And Wrightsair (SA) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-DJG flew from Longreach Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  

Into the next week, it was noted completing tourist charter flights out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-467 Completes Late Airwork at CQ Airports as "Trojan 51"

Late on Thursday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-467 as "Trojan 51" was noted completing a flight up from RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales to Townsville via some airwork at some airports including a couple in Central Queensland.

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After departed Richmond, it completed airwork at Dubbo and Moree before possibly landing at RAAF Base Amberle.  It then continued up to Townsville via missed approaches at both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Nice!

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QON 'Dasher-8' in Special Christmas Colour Scheme First Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport

Breaking cover on Monday 18 November and immediately calling into Central Queensland was QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QON which has had special Christmas themed stickers added. It completed the QLK2322/3 service from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport and back.

VH-QON then sadly headed South and finished the day at the Canberra.

VH-QON has been dubbed 'Dasher-8' and is designed to bring festive flair to passengers during the month of December.

A Qantas Boeing B737-800 dubbed 'Roo-dolph' will also feature special Christmas stickers - VH-VZX. Frequency Flyers travelling on either aircraft will receive double Qantas Points!

A Qantas Freight Airbus A321PF freighter aircraft will also be decorated with ‘Santa’s Freight’ livery is also set to transport thousands of presents and festive fare across the country in the coming weeks.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Jet A46-304 Touches Down at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 18 November, the much-anticipated arrival into Rockhampton Airport of a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Jets didn't quite eventuate with only one Growler being able to depart RAAF Base Amberley for the trip to the beef capital.

But it was still a spectacular visit as Growler A46-304 as "Wolf 21" arrived from Amberley via an initial and pitch before it then parked in front of the Alliance Airlines Hangar. 

Later it departed back to Amberley low level below 500ft. 

There is another visit by hopefully two more RAAF EA-18G Growler jets into Rockhampton Airport again on Tuesday 19 November, with visits to Mount Isa Airport planned over the latter part of this week.

UPDATE!  Sadly, on Tuesday 19 November, and again on Wednesday 20 November, inclement weather in different parts of Queensland prevented the planned visits.  On Thursday 21 November, RAAF EA-18G Growlers did manage to fly up to Mount Isa and back to Amberley.

The visits by the RAAF EA-18G Growlers are part of their 2024 National Defence Strategy to enhance their ability to operate across a vast network of airports, private aerodromes and airstrips across northern Australia.

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit, 'IAD' and Trevor Hardsman  ©

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

On Friday 15 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was noted visiting Emerald Airport. 

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It looked to arrive from Dubbo and then depart to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 17 November, VH-HQK popped back into Emerald Airport, flying back down from Cairns and then back to Dubbo.

While Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield.  It looked to have arrived from Townsville a couple of days prior.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" landed at Blackall Airport from Townsville and then departed to Rockhampton Airport.  It is then due to fly to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane before later returning back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 15 November, one nice corporate turboprop we haven't seen for a while in the form of RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  

(Turns out that VH-WPH also visited Emerald Airport on Thursday 14 November as well as Bundaberg and Mackay Airports earlier in the week!)

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP, which had flown down to Bankstown and back earlier in the week, flew down to there from Tierawoomba then up to Keeroongooloo and back to Tierawoomba during the afternoon.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  It later returned to Cairns. 

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site before continuing to Clermont Aerodrome.  It then flew back to Brisbane. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 "Wedgetail 22" Missed Approach at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 15 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 22" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to a complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew back to Williamtown.

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While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 Wallaby 76 flew out from RAAF Base Amberley to a missed approach at Miles and Bundaberg Airports before it then returned to Amberley.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Dragon 05" completed a late flight out of Townsville to Cairns via a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew back to Townsville.

GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet ZK-JCJ Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 November, GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ finally departed Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew down to the Sunshine Coast and then across to Christchurch and Taupo in New Zealand.

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It had arrived into Hamo from Christchurch via the Sunny Coast last Thursday 7 November.

AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 994" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Tamworth. It later departed to Archerfield.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB as "Ambulance 624"  flew from Townsville to Cairns and then Mackay Airport before departing to Brisbane. It then flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later departing back to Townsville.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL landed at Emerald Airport from Cessnock and then later departed to Mackay Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 November, VH-PIL departed Mackay Airport for Cessnock.

While re-registered Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed back to Cairns. 

And Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-8UH as "Helitack 516" flew back down to Bundaberg Airport from a deployment to Mareeba via Mackay and Gladstone Airports. 

Finally, late on Thursday 14 November, Commando Skydivers (Victoria) GippsAero GA8-TC320 Airvan VH-SXK flew up from Morwell via Nyngan and Saint George to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then continuing to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it is believed to on delivery to a local operator.

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

A Pair of RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-671 & A32-675 Both Complete Airwork & Land at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork and landing at some Central Queensland Airports.

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A32-671 as "Hudson 15" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth via overhead Roma Airport.  During the afternoon, it departed Rockhampton Airport and flew down to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport where it completed airwork and landed for some time.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

While A32-675 as "Hudson 07" also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth but via a missed approach at Charleville Airport and then up via and inland route to the West of Rocky.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and flew West to complete airwork at Emerald Airport before also returning to Rocky.

Both Super King Airs which are of 32 Squadron based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, flew up from there to Tamworth the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 November, both Super King Airs departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to RAAF Base East Sale - A32-671 "Hudson 15" flew via Brisbane Airport, while A32-675 "Hudson 07" flew there via RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Late Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Aircraft A39-001 & A39-005 at Rockhampton Airport

Late on Wednesday 13 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft were noted touching down and completed missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport.  This is their second visit for the week - see Blog post below!

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First up, A39-001 as "Dragon 46" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and parked up for a little while.  It then departed back to Townsville.

Later, A39-005 as "Dragon 17" also flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport but it completed a missed approach before then also heading back to Townsville.

It was a busy night!

UPDATE!  During Thursday 14 November, both A39-005 as "Thumper 11" and A39-001 as "Thumper 12" both took to the air out of Townsville and flew together for a while before A39-005 returned to Townsville and A39-001 flew down to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Couple of Late Diversions into Rockhampton Airport due Storms at Brisbane - Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI & Jetstar Airways AirbusA321neo VH-OYD

Late on Wednesday 13 November, there was some significant weather to pass through South-East Queensland and operations at Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast Airport were impacted with several inbound flights diverting including a couple of nice aircraft to call into Rockhampton Airport.

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Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI as RON91 from Nauru was first to arrive into Rockhampton Airport.  It later continued its journey to Brisbane.

Then Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYD touched down at Rockhampton Airport as JST796 flying from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to the Sunshine Coast.  It later departed to the Sunny Coast.

It is believed that a couple of local flights also diverted with a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 flight from Emerald Airport to Brisbane noted diverting into Bundaberg Airport.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 13 November, Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Maryborough Airport.  

Reports suggest it is possibly operating in the area for some days.

UPDATE! Nope!  On Thursday 14 November, VH-UHH departed Rockhampton Airport to the North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 13 November, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. It seems to have earlier arrived from Thargomindah having arrived into there from Archerfield via Longreach Airport the previous day.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 38" departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

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

Plus LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane. It then flew up to Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 13 November, NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Borroloola. It later returned to Longreach Airport and Toowoomba.

Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville and Cairns. It had flown South from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane earlier in the day.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 20" Calls into Bundaberg Airport

On Wednesday 13 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 20" was visiting Bundaberg Airport.

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The new RAAF 34 VIP Squadron aircraft looked to fly up from Canberra and Coffs Harbour to land at Bundy.  After just over an hour on the ground, it departed back to Canberra via airwork at Tamworth.

Nice!

Photo taken by Hayden Alexander  ©

Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter N274TH "Helitak 290" Lands at Kabra near Rockhampton - Plus More!

During the afternoon on Tuesday 12 November, Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH as "Helitak 290" was noted landing at private property at Kabra, near Rockhampton.

File Photo

It looked to start the day North of Goondiwindi and possibly made a fuel stop enroute. 

The civilian Black Hawk looked to arrive into Scone in New South Wales from overseas - and via Charleville Airport - in late October and seems to be based there for the Australia bushfire season.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 November, Black Hawk N274TH "Helitak 290" departed the Kabra location for Bowen Aerodrome and then further North to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 November, Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 November, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by George Pergaminelis  ©

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW Spotted Arriving into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 11 November, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It later departed to Goondiwindi. 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then flew to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky before it then departed to Lady Eliott Island. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane. 

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 November, VH-FKB departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO looked to complete the weekly visit to Moranbah Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departing back to Wellcamp and Moorabbin.

And Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Aircraft A39-001 & A39-005 at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 11 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft were noted touching down and completed missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport.

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First up, A39-001 as "Dragon 24" flew North from RAAF Base Amberley to a position near Mareeba where it then flew back South and eventually landed at Rockhampton Airport. It parked on Taxiway Juliet taxiway for a crew change and then departed to Townsville.

Later, A39-005 as "Dragon 16" also flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach at Cairns. It then flew down to complete another missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then also heading to Townsville.

UPDATE!  It seems that both KC-30A's have deployed to Townsville for Exercises with them noted flying single sorties and formation sorties over the course of the week, including more visits to Rockhampton Airport - see Blog post above!

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 10 November, Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown, Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.

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It then departed to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634” arrived into Mackay Airport from Townsville before departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back up to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation V Bizjet VH-VJT as "Firescan 200" at Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 9 November, New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation V bizjet VH-VJT as "Firescan 200" departed Charleville Airport for Townsville via some aerial surveying.  It then flew back South from Townsville down to RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales where it is usually based.

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While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 10 December, VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport for Dalby and other place.  

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  It later flew up to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 9 November, Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" departed Emerald Airport for the North.

Basair (Vectra Holdings) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee VH-VDX flew across from Mackay Airport to Longreach Airport.

And Sydney-registered Skydive Australia Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OZQ was noted operating at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Plus Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF was noted operating out of Lakeside Airpark.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 8 November, recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 9 November, VH-DAA departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 8 November, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft B200 Super King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned North.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VEK was noted departing Gladstone Airport for Brisbane.  It looks to have arrived from Brisbane via the 'usual' stop at Biloela / Thangool Airport

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Emerald Airport and then Brisbane.  It seems to have flown up to Townsville from Brisbane the previous day. 

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H which flew west to Alice Springs via Moura Aerodrome on Monday, returned from the West to Moura Aerodrome and then back Archerfield. 

And new Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9, flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Ballarat.  It was registered in August and previously wore the American Aircraft Registration marking of N883PA.

UPDATE!  On Monday 11 November, VH-TB9 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Ballarat.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) Bizjet N797CP Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

During the late afternoon on Thursday 7 November, a nice corporate bizjet in the form of Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) bizjet N797CP arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It had arrived from overseas earlier in the week.

UPDATE!  During the late afternoon on Saturday 9 November, N797CP departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Brisbane and then back overseas.

While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then later down to Archerfield. 

And GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown across from Christchurch in New Zealand.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 November, ZK-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast and back to Christchurch and Taupo in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 7 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Keeroongooloo and this afternoon flew East to Bundaberg Airport and then back up to Tierawoomba. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV flew down from its Denison Downs (Emerald) base to Dalby. 

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up from Gold Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it later flew down to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.  Of interest, on Wednesday 6 November, VH-VEJ was noted departing Oaky Creek (after arriving at the start of the week) and flying to Emerald Airport and then Rolleston Aerodrome before flying down to Brisbane.

And 1959-built Cessna 180B Skywagon VH-AUE was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Kilcoy.

Photos taken by James Hackett  ©

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Regional Jet VH-UYB Makes First Visit to CQ Since Re-Painting Calling into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 6 November, Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) VH-UYB made its first visit back into Central Queensland following its re-painting into QantasLink colours while in maintenance at Singapore (Seletar).  It completed the QFA1898/9 service into Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane.

VH-UYB parked up at Adelaide Airport after arriving back in Australia from Singapore.

Until recently, VH-UYB wore a very attractive livery paying tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force's 100 years of service to Australia.  

File photo

We will surely miss this livery!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 6 November, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 8 November, N142GZ flew back up to Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  It then departed to Brisbane.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

And privately registered Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YKG was due to complete a late evening arrival into Emerald Airport after flying up from Bankstown and Scone.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ Makes a Rare Visit to CQ at Rockhampton and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 5 November, Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ (ex Air North VH-ANA) made a rare visit into Central Queensland.  It arrived into Brisbane from Melbourne (Essendon) on Monday 4 November as SH105 before then heading up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports early on Tuesday as SH162.  It then flew back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport as SH161 before then flying down to Melbourne (Avalon) as SH106.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 5 November, Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport then down to Brisbane and then back to Sydney.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Emerald Airport and then Caldervale Station.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" landed at Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge and then departed to Townsville.

And Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©