Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHS "Helitack 513" Arrives into Bundabreg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 28 February, Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHS "Helitack 513" was noted landing at Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to fly up from Adelaide (Parafield), Mildura, Griffith, Dubbo, Moree and Toowoomba.

It has since been reported that the Black Hawk has arrived into Queensland in preparation for relief efforts following the expected landfall of Tropical Cyclone Alfred which is presently off the Queensland coast.

While the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane. 

And a fan-favourite with Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Pittsworth and Toowoomba.  It later returned to Pittsworth.

Finally, also on Friday 28 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft were noted flying together in the region at low level while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  

They were noted to be A41-208 and A41-210 and flew as "Charger" up from Amberley to North-East of Mackay at flight levels before they then turned inland to descend to low level and then flew down to West of Rockhampton before climbing back to flight levels and returning to Amberley.

Photo taken by Neil Richardson  ©

McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST Helicopter N726HT Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 February, lovely big McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST Helicopter N726HT was  noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Noosa.  It then departed to Mackay Airport before later returning to Rockhampton Airport and then heading back to the Sunshine Coast area.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" landed at Emerald Airport from Armidale and later departed to Bankstown.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 "Wedgetail 12" Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 12" was noted completing airwork, including a missed approach, at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via a missed approach at Coffs Harbour before then flying back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 February, the two Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters A38-007 and A38-008 that flew North a week or-so prior, returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville again as "Marlin 11". They then departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

And Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was spotted at Rockhampton Airport while ferrying South from Townsville to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

It was heard to be flying as "Warhorse 1".

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Steve Vit  ©

Re-Registered XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 February, re-registered XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

The Hawker looked to be re-registered at the start of the month and previous operated for the (Singapore) Seletar Jet Charter out of Singapore.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 February, VH-OTK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Essendon.  

While Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 1 March, VH-CAD departed Hamo and flew to Sydney and then back to Bankstown.

And Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It had arrived from Ayres Rock over the weekend.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 26 February, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport.  It later returned to Bundy before flying down to Canberra.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then down to Toowoomba and back to Archerfield.

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

Finally, also on Wednesday 26 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Mitchel 06" flew up to the Whitsunday area at flight level while on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Red Diamond Aviation (Sydney) American Registered Cirrus G2+ Vision Jet N806PM Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - UPDATED!! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 February, a nice visitor to the region with fairly recently registered (November 2024) Cirrus G2+ Vision Jet N806PM arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from what seems to be its Bankstown base.

The smart little Cirrus corporate jet was placed in the American Aircraft Register in November 2024 with the registration holder being Red Daimond Aviation in Sydney.  It looked to be delivered to Bankstown Aerodrome in late January.

Of interest, N806PM looked to make its first visit to CQ on Sunday 26 January when it visited Charleville Airport, arriving from the Sunshine Coast and departing to Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Friday 28 February, N806PM departed Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.

UPDATE!  Photo added of N806PM still parked at Cairns in early March!!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 February, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport yet again from Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departing to Townsville.  It flew back to Brisbane later in the day.  VH-SGQ flew South from Townsville to Brisbane via Rocky the previous day.

And Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra to Bundaberg Airport and then Emerald Airport before returning to Bundy later in the day.

Finally, on Monday 24 February, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew out from Archerfield to Dalby then up to Clermont Aerodrome and Natal Downs.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from its Toowoomba base.

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

And the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ landed at Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopter A15-312 "Madcow 362" Spotted at Mackay Airport on Rescue Mission for Army Tiger ARH Helicopter at Clairview

On Sunday 23 February, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-312 as "Madcow 362" flew down from Townsville to Clairview between Rockhampton and Mackay.  

It is believed that it flew down the coast at low level and landed at Clairview to assist with getting a stranded Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter A38-007 "Marlin 11" back in the air after a forced landed on Friday 21 February.  The Tiger was one of two that flew North on Friday from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Rockhampton Airport and then Townsville.

Later, A15-302 "Madcow 362" flew into Mackay Airport where it was photographed above.  It later departed back down to Clairview before later flying back to Townsville in company with the Tiger A38-007 "Marlin 11" which also headed up to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 February, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.  It had flown there from Melbourne (Essendon) a couple days prior

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 February, VH-PPD departed Hamo for Sydney.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 February, VH-VEW landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane before then heading to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then down to Moree. 

Finally, on Saturday 22 February, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWO completed a sports charter flight from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport and then back as UTY3381/2.

And Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-XDU as 'SKP591' passed through Rockhampton Airport while flying down from Cairns to Redcliffe.

A Pair of Australian Army Tiger ARH Helicopters Pass Through Rockhampton Airport Heading North - But One Makes Forced Landing near Clairview

On Friday 21 February, a pair of Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters were spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport. They were identified as A38-008 and A38-007 and looked to arrive from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Both Tigers later departed heading to Townsville, but it seems only A38-008 made it with A38-007 seemingly making a forced landed around the Clairview area, mid-way between Rockhampton and Mackay.

Of interest, the two Tigers were heard to be using the radio callsign of "Marlin" ("Marlin 11/12") which of reportedly of the Australian Army's 162 Reconnaissance Squadron, which forms part of the Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment (1 AVN) based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

On Friday 21 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

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Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to Mackay Airport before it then continued up to Townsville.  VH-WMY then flew back to Moorabbin.

Of interest, VH-WMY has also visited Chinchilla Aerodrome and Roma Airport over the last couple of days.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and Emerald Airport before returning to Rocky and then Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 February, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast before later departing to Townsville.  It then headed overseas to Nadi, Fiji.

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And new Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS arrived into Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 February, VH-DMS departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock.

 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 February, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and later departed to Brisbane

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Archerfield. 

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 121" visited Rockhampton Airport from Mareeba.

Re-Registered TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Calls into CQ Airports - UPDATED!! - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 February, re-registered TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was noted flying up from the Gold Coast to Mackay Airport before continuing to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, Townsville and then Cairns.  

Of interest, it also appears that VH-LXZ visited Maryborough Airport on Tuesday 18 February, arriving from Adelaide and Moree and departing to the Sunshine Coast and then the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 February, VH-LXZ departed Cairns for Rockhampton Airport, Gladstone Airport, Bundaberg Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport where it was photographed above.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 February, VH-LXZ departed Hervey Bay Airport for the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba-Wellcamp, Ballina-Byron Bay Gateway Airport and then back to the Gold Coast.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then heading down to the Gold Coast.

And Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mackay Airport and Townsville. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 February, VH-NMW arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Mackay Airport and then departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Garth Coad  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Aircraft - A97-448 & A97-467 - Spotted Visiting Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 19 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft were spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

A97-467 "Envoy 72"

C-130J A97-448 as "Trojan 46" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before it later departed back there.

And C-130J A97-467 as "Envoy 72" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Richmond before it later departed back to the South.

Nice!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ "Navair 123" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 February, the sleek looking GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 123" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 February, VH-IEQ "Navair 123" departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville before later returning to Rocky and then continuing back to Bankstown.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Roma Airport before returning to Rocky and then later departing back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Jamie C  ©

Phenix Jet Cayman Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 7500 Bizjet VP-CAH at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 February, smart looking Phenix Jet Cayman Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 7500 bizjet VP-CAH as 'CPJ75' / "Phenix Jet 75" departed Hamiliton Island Airport for Cairns and then Nouméa. It looked to have had arrived into Hamo from the Gold Coast on Sunday 16 February and arrived there from Tokyo (Narita) two days prior.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 February, I was able to photograph Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY at Clermont Aerodrome which was visiting from Archerfield.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW also visited Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from Brisbane and the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site.  It then returned to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-VEW visited Emerald Airport on Thursday 20 February and visited Clermont Aerodrome again on Friday 21 February - both times arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliot Island.

Finally, also on Monday 17 February, Sharp Aviation Fairchild Metro III VH-SRU looked to visit Central Queensland possibly for the first time, flying up from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports and then out of Mount Isa as 'SH130'.  It later returned from Mount Isa to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane as 'SH129'.

https://www.instagram.com/mas_kentungs2/

UPDATE!  It looks like VH-SRU operated into CQ into both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during the remainder of the week, departing Brisbane and flying down to Launceston on Sunday 23 February.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS Pops into Mackay Airport Heading to New Cairns Base - Plus More!

On Sunday 16 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then Cairns where it will now seemingly be based. 

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While Strickland Bosavi Foundation Cessna U206G VH-ITV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Atherton. 

And several Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft were noted visiting some Central Queensland Airports, all flying out of their Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport base.

VH-PQE, VH-EFI and VH-YTI all flew up from Wellcamp to Gladstone Airport and then down to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and back to Wellcamp.  While VH-YTL and VH-YNG flew up from Wellcamp to Bundaberg Airport and back. 

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

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

On Saturday 15 February, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield. It had arrived yesterday from Archerfield via Dalby and Natal Downs.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay then to Longreach, Charleville, Wellcamp and Brisbane.  It had also visited Mackay Airport and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport at the start of the week.

UPDATE!  VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport again directly from Brisbane on Sunday 16 February.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also visited some CQ Airports this past week, including Longreach, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports during a busy week flying out of and back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 15 February, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Lady Elliot Island and then departed to Townsville.  It then flew down to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 February, VH-MIF departed Labona to Emerald Airport and then returned to Labona and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and onwards to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Saturday 15 February, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) VH-UZI looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as QFA2690/3 on a sports charter flight for the Queensland rugby League (QRL).

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Regional Jet VH-UYR Now Re-Painted and back at CQ Airports - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Friday 14 February, QantasLink operated but Alliance Airlines owned Embraer E-190 regional jet VH-UYR made a return to Central Queensland Airports following a period of time in the Flying Colours paint shop in Townsville receiving the QantasLink livery.  It operated into Emerald Airport twice during a busy day as QFA1902/13/78/21 both times flying from and back to Brisbane.  (UPDATE!  Photo added below!)

Of interest VH-UYR was transferred back to the QantasLink / Alliance stable after operating in Darwin with Air North for some time.  It was re-painted in Townsville during January and February.

While Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns ad Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  VH-PSK completed a similar flight earlier in the week.

Fellow Flightech Air Logistics / Townsville Airlines Aero Commander 500-S VH-YJI arrived visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Forster Helicopters (Townsville) new Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 VH-KFT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 as "Trojan 14" was noted flying up from RAAF Base Richmond to descend to low level overhead Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then flew low level around Fraser Island before climbing back up overhead Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back South.

Photo taken by Gareth Ruhe  ©

Jetstar Airways New Airbus A320neo (A320-251N) VH-A5C First Visit to Central Queensland at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 February, Jetstar Airways brand new Airbus A320neo (A320-251N) VH-A5C was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It operated as JST890/1 from and back to Sydney.

(Photo Added...)

VH-A5C was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Toulouse at the start of February and entered service on Saturday 8 February.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 February, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY landed at Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Mareeba.  Later VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" landed back at Gladstone Airport from Mareeba and then departed to Sunshine Coast.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as Navair 173 which had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Bundaberg Airport two days earlier, departed there to Toowoomba. 

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-PWX as "AirMed 921" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Coffs Harbour. 

And after arriving at the start of the week, New Zealand based (American registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N146EX departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast. 

Finally, also on Thursday 13 February, Auslink Aviation / Aircrew Training and Support Diamond DA-40 VH-END flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport and then Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 February, VH-END departed Townsville for Richmond and Mount Isa.  On Saturday 15 February, VH-END returned to Archerfield from Mount Isa via Longreach and Roma Airports.

And Heli Qld Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-WJY was noted flying around the Bundaberg area after flying up from Toowoomba.  It later returned to Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 12 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

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Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Archerfield and Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning directly to Archerfield.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some aerial surveillance / search work South of Roma.  It then landed at Emerald Airport to refuel before returning to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" flew back down to the search area near Roma and completed more airwork while on a flight out of and back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 February. Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE, which had landed at Planet Downs yesterday, departed there back to Archerfield.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP, which flew down from Keeroongooloo to Warwick and Toowoomba the previous day, flew out of Toowoomba to Warwick, Caldervale Station, Keeroongooloo and Tumbah Station this morning, continued on to Emerald Airport and then Tierawoomba.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as HND455.

And APA Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 VH-83Q arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South and parked at Stirling Helicopters.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

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

On Tuesday 11 February, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor later looked to return back to Dubbo.

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While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.  It then flew up to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, VH-SHI "Navair 173" departed Rockhampton Airport for Toowoomba and Archerfield.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ made a late visit into Moranbah Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 February, Meandarra Aerial Spraying Ayres S2R-G10 Turbo Thrush VH-NFN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South.  It sounded like the locally-based R-Mach Aviation may have hired it for a while. 

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport, Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield. 

And Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO flew up from Devonport to Archerfield then up to Townsville before then completing three return flights from there to Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It then returned to Archerfield late in the afternoon.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 "Mitchel 01" Completes a Missed Approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Monday 10 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 was noted completing a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

File photo

A30-003 was flying as "Mitchel 01" and looked to visit Hervey Bay Airport from RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle in New South Wales.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

New Zealand Based (American Registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX Bizjet N146EX Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 10 February, New Zealand based (American registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N146EX arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, N146EX departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It then flew onwards to Auckland, New Zealand.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport. Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 February, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP continues to fly around the region.  From early in the morning, it flew a round trip from Mackay Airport to Cairns, Tumbar Station, Bundaberg Airport and back to Mackay Airport.  Then during the afternoon, it flew down to Emerald Airport and Keeroongooloo.

Flylink Aviation College Diamond DA 40 VH-EUU flew out from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then Longreach Airport.  It looked to be planned to return to Archerfield over that route on Tuesday 11 February.

Finally, over the weekend, on Sunday 9 February, visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included Cleveland Bay Aviation (Townsville) Piper PA-31-350 Navajos VH-XMC and VH-JVD (which is registered in NSW) which flew down from Townsville to Labona and then operated between Labona and Emerald Airport.

While on Saturday 8 February, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" and AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 179" called into Labona from the Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns at various times.

Also on Saturday 8 February, re-registered Winton-based Cessna 177 VH-DZF departed my local Clermont Aerodrome for Dalby.  It was later noted heading further South towards Boonah.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

A Third Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter Passes Through Rockhampton Airport Heading to Townsville

On Friday 7 February, a third Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter '88165' was noted passing through Rockhampton Airport as "Concorde", looking to head up to Townsville to provide further assistance with the flood relief efforts in North Queensland.

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As with the other Chinooks, it arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre before later heading to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 February, RSAF Chinook '88165' again as "Concorde" was photographed flying back into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and before it then continued back to Oakey.  The other two RSAF Chinooks remain in Townsville.

As we've mentioned previously, the RSAF Chinooks are flown by the RSAF's 127 Helicopter Squadron which is based at the Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) in Singapore, with a detachment at Oakey.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour.  

The Chinook '88165' also features an attractive commemorative tail livery to celebrate the 25th year of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Oakey detachment in 2023.

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X "Navair 143" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 7 February, Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 143" flew up from Bankstown to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast and back to Bankstown. 

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While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew out to Longreach Airport from Brisbane before then landing at Emerald Airport and heading back to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has had a busy couple of days late this week, visiting Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport twice.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" seems to be presently based at Townsville and called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport earlier in the week.  As did LifeFlight Challenger 604 "Ambulance 614" which also visited Prosie and Mackay Airports but from Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" has returned from a stint in Singapore and visited Barcaldine Airport on Tuesday 4 February from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" again visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 February, there was a swap of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters with VH-EZJ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departing to Mackay Airport and Townsville.  While Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Townsville based Cleveland Bay Aviation seemed to take delivery of Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC after it flew up from Mackay Airport.  The former Victoria based aircraft looked to arrive into Mackay Airport from Adelaide via Traralgon in September last year having looking like it was grounded in Adelaide since early 2023.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And several visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included a single Skytrans Dash-8 flight from each of Townsville and Rockhampton Airports - plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then to Cairns - and a pair of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air turboprops VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" both from and back to Cairns.

It seems that there were no flights in and out of Labona on Thursday 6 February most likely due to inclement weather.

Finally, also on Friday 7 February, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane.  On Thursday 6 February, and after diverting into Emerald Airport the previous day from Mackay Airport, VH-VEW did the same, flying from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane before it then flew back to Emerald Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" completing some aerial survey work in the area, flying out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn via Biloela / Thangool Airport on Thursday.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, job done, VH-VEH "Survey 23" departed Emerald Airport and returned to Goulburn.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 February, RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from its Toowoomba base.

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As mentioned previously, VH-WPH is no stranger to Central Queensland and is unique now that it has been fitted with a 7-bladed propeller which will reportedly generate less cabin noise and provide increased performance allowing for operations into shorter airfields.

Plus AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as 'Navair 179' flew up from Archerfield to Gladstone Airport before continuing to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 February, VH-XGV "Navair 179" departed Mackay Airport for Townsville and Cairns.

While on Tuesday 4 February, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-PWX as "AirMed 974" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Dubbo and Tamworth.  It then departed to Coffs Harbour.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Mackay Airport and back.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

New QantasLink Dash--Q400 Next Gen VH-84B (ex C-GENM) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Longreach Airport

On Tuesday 4 February, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84B completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Barcaldine Airport and then Longreach Airport from Brisbane as QLK2546.

It then departed Longreach Airport and returned to Brisbane as QLK2547.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the second of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore.  VH-84B previously operated as C-GENM and operated with the airline from August 2013 until August 2024.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Darwin and then Brisbane on Sunday 8 December, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GENM, completing a massive delivery flight from Canada - Eastbound via Europe and Asia. 

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and also given the name 'Winton'.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-84B returned back to Longreach Airport from and back to Brisbane as QFA2544/2547.

Photos taken by Gareth Ruhe and Bill Wong  ©

UPDATED! A Pair of The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Pops into Rockhampton Airport Heading to Townsville

Late on Tuesday 4 February, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter '88168' was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as "Celtic" after flying up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

It looked to be staying at Rocky for the night and it is speculated that it will continue up to Townsivlle to assist with clean-up efforts after the heavy rains and flooding in those parts in the North Queensland.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, after some speculation, a second RSAF CH-47F Chinook helicopter touched down at Rockhampton Airport with '88166' also flying up from Oakey but as "Cyclops".

Always great to see the RSAF Chinook helicopters in town.  They are flown by the RSAF's 127 Helicopter Squadron which is based at the Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) in Singapore, however as mentioned, with a detachment at Oakey.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YBF & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 3 February, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as VH-YBF, flying as "Finch 85" and VH-YBG as "Finch 23".

Both helicopters arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then later departed to Mackay Airport where they looked to stay for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 February, VH-YBG "Finch 23" then VH-YBF "Finch 85" both departed Mackay Airport for Townsville. Later, VH-YBG returned South to Mackay Airport as "Warhorse 203" and then flew back to Townsville again.  While VH-YBF operated North of Townsville as "Warhorse 85". 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 February, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA flew up from Toowoomba to Mount Isa and later flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to Clermont Aerodrome. During the afternoon it departed for Collinsville Aerodrome but could not land due to weather and diverted to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-VEW departed Mackay Airport bound for Oaky Creek Coal Mine site but again due to weather had to divert, this time to Emerald Airport.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Karumba.  

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew from Mackay Airport as "Rescue 402" to Proserpine Hospital and then Townsville.

Finally, on a quiet Sunday 2 February, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited Hamilton Island from Archerfield.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Coulson Aviation Sikorsky S-61 Helicopter C-FXEC Spotted at CQ Airports Heading North

On Saturday 1 February, the big Coulson Aviation Sikorsky S-61 Helicopter C-FXEC was photographed at a couple of Central Queensland Airports as it looked to head up to North Queensland where massive rainfall totals continue to accumulate.

C-FXEC flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton Airport and then to my local Clermont Aerodrome.

After parking up for a little while, it then departed to the North-West.

C-FXEC had flown up form Bankstown to the Sunshine Coast via Coffs Harbour the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 2 February, C-FXEC was spotted soon after arriving into Cairns where it then seemed to be parked up in preparation for upcoming flights.

Of interest, C-FXEC has been part of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) fleet based at Bankstown Airport in Sydney.  The NAFC provides a cooperative national arrangement for the provision of aerial firefighting resources for combating bushfires and other natural disasters.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 February, C-FXEC departed Townsville and returned South to New South Wales via Clermont Aerodrome and Roma Airport.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Jonathan Williams  ©