Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-006 "Thumper 12" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-006 as "Thumper 12" was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The KC-30A had been earlier operating out over New South Wales and then up towards Roma on air-to-air refuelling operations with fellow RAAF KC-30A A39-004 as "Thumper 11" which completed its flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley direct.

A39-006 "Thumper 12" flew to Rockhampton Airport to complete a missed approach before it then returned to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 27 January, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then returned to Williamtown.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Scott Harris ©️

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air out of Mackay Airport departing to Brisbane and then Sydney.

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

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

Of interest, on Saturday 24 January, VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) before later departing back to Moorabbin.

And also on Saturday 24 January, Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC as "Helitack 420" departed Rockhampton Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Melbourne-based Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OFJ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 January,  ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ made a late arrival into Hamilton Island Airport from Perth. It then departed to Mackay Airport before continuing down Melbourne (Tullamarine) where it had in fact started the day.

File photo

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 January, VH-ZDM departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield and the Gold Coast.

Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns.

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

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 73" landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Dragon 36" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT had originally departed from RAAF Base Amberley and flew all the way up to Cairns where it landed for a short time. A39-004 then flew back South via the airwork at Rockhampton Airport and then onwards back to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 36".

Of interest, fellow RAAF KC-30A MRTT A39-005 as "Dragon 34" was also in the air at the same time, also flying out of Amberley but all the way up to Cairns. It then flew down to Brisbane and then back to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 40" flew up from Amberley to complete airwork at Biggenden before it then continued over at low level to complete more airwork at Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew down over Fraser Island and down the Queensland coast back to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Scott Harris ©️

Avcair LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-AVL Pops into CQ Airports - Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 22 January, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Emerald Airport and then Mackay Airport.  It then flew across to Longreach Airport where it was spotted below.

VH-AVL then flew back to Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 January, VH-VDF departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

While American-registered (but seemingly Australian-based) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet N510MW flew up from Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to the Sunshine Coast.

And Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H, which had landed at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Chinchilla Aerodrome yesterday, flew down from Shute Harbour to Dysart Aerodrome and back. 

Finally, also on Thursday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 64" was spotted visiting Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

After dark, A34-005 was back in the air this time as "Wallaby 56" and noted completing airwork at Miles Airport while on another flight out of and back to Amberley.

All photos taken by Liam Sellick  ©

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters Dassault Aviation Falcon 900EX Bizjet VH-KCL Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 January, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters Dassault Aviation Falcon 900EX bizjet VH-KCL arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Perth before departing to Brisbane.

File photo

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney before departing to the Gold Coast.

While ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

And New South Wales based Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-RKI as "Firebird 251" departed Rockhampton Airport to the South East and early afternoon returned to Rockhampton Airport before then departing Gympie. 

Plus Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC as "Helitack 420" departed Rockhampton Airport to the Barrage then flew up Fitzroy River and back down to land back at Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 21 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Mitchel 10" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach Rockhampton Airport before then flying back down to Williamtown.

And about the same time, fellow RAAF E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 as "Mitchel 11" flew up from Williamtown to overhead Roma Airport at flight levels before it then completed a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then Moree before heading back to Williamtown.

Plus after dark, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 35" was noted completing airwork at Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Of interest, fellow RAAF C-27J Spartans A34-004 "Wallaby 34" and A34-010 "Wallaby 55" were also in the air after dark noted completing airwork around Armidale in New South Wales while also on flights out of and back to Amberley.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Scott Harris  ©

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 20 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange and the Sunshine Coast to Bundaberg Airport, Emerald Airport and then Mackay Airport.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 January, VH-CMK returned South from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and then Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 21 January, Citation PIY “Machflight 41” departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

A regular visitor in the form of Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed another weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to Nebo Aerodrome from and back to Bundaberg Airport - albeit returning via Rockhampton Airport.  It also appears that VH-NPZ completed a run to North Curtis Island earlier in the day as well as another on Sunday 18 January.

Finally, also on Tuesday 20 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then returning South to complete more airwork at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Ross Huntington  ©

Aerotech Helicopters Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter VH-L6H "Helitack 519" Arrives into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 19 January, Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter VH-L6H "Helitack 519" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Adelaide via Horsham, Mangalore, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Narrabri and Toowoomba.

ADL Plane Spotter / https://www.jetphotos.com/

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 21 January, VH-L6H "Helitack 519" departed Bundaberg Airport for Kingaroy, Moree and Dubbo.

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC as "Helitack 420" flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport presumably on stand-by for the flooding event about to hit the beef capital.

While Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown. It had arrived from the Gold Coast last week.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" flew from the Sunshine Coast to Wagga Wagga and then Bundaberg Airport before later returning to Sunny Coast.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 01" was noted completing airwork at Hamilton Island Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Plus after dark, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 60" was noted completing airwork at Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 Bizjet VH-VOF Departs Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 18 January, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF was noted finally departing Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Dubbo and Melbourne (Essendon).

VH-VOF at Prosie late last year  (File photo)

It had arrived back on Boxing Day - Friday 26 December via Hamilton Island Airport.

And Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR flew up to Charters Towers Aerodrome from Brisbane before then flying down to Canberra.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Air AP / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-AP7 Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 17 January, nice Air AP / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-AP7 arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

While Equipment Holding (WA) / Aeronautics and Technology Holdings P/L (NSW) Cessna 501 Citation I/SP VH-XJI arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Cessnock.  It then departed to Archerfield and back to Cessnock.

As mentioned previously, this aircraft was previously registered N501AF.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 16 January, Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" popped into Longreach Airport from Toowoomba before then departing to Mount Isa and Darwin.  It looked like it flew down from Darwin last week.

File photo

While after arriving at Mackay Airport from Gympie the previous day, Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM departed there to Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Clermont Aerodrome where it looked to stay for the night.

And the visiting Nautilus Aviation helicopters sent down to the region for possible flood relief operations - Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP and Bell 407 VH-VPE - both departed Mackay Airport heading home to Cairns via Townsville.

Finally, also on Friday 16 January, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft were noted completing airwork at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

A30-003 as "Mitchel 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Mackay Airport before then completing another down at RAAF Base Amberley before then heading back to Williamtown.

And at about the same time, A30-006 as "Wedgetail 07" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then completing more and then landing at Amberley.  It later returned to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G First Visit of Type to Rockhampton Airport BUT on a Diversion from Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 January, poor weather over the Whitsundays saw QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G operating as QLK1592 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport unable to land at Hamo and divert into Rockhampton Airport.

This is the first time that an Airbus A220 has landed at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, the A220 was unable to continue to Hamilton Island and instead re-positioned back to Brisbane as QLK7801. 

And a little later, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YIQ as VOZ1283 from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport was also unable to land up there and also diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

VH-YIQ departed Rocky and was able to land at Hamilton Island Airport before it then returned down to Sydney as VOZ1282.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 16 January, VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon and then Moorabbin.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS looked to depart Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport and then down to Cessnock.

Late in the day, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-ACV completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 14 January.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.  It had flown up last Saturday 10 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Calls into Clermont Aerodrome on RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-005 "Envoy 05" - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Envoy 05" arrived into Clermont Aerodrome from RAAF Base Amberley.

It brought the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to town to inspect the clean-up efforts following the massive flooding event which hit Clermont on Monday 12 January.

Engagements complete, A34-005 "Envoy 05" departed Clermont Aerodrome for Brisbane before later returning to Amberley.

Of interest, 'Albo' and entourage earlier touched down at RAAF Base Amberley from Sydney on board RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 99".

Meanwhile, also calling into Clermont Aerodrome, also on Thursday 15 January was RAAF Beech B300 Super King Air A32-675 as "Envoy 01" which landed from Canberra.

It later departed back to Canberra.

The Super King Air appeared to bring Kristy McBain MP -  Minister for Emergency Management - to Clermont to also participate in the Prime Minister's engagements.

Finally, also on Thursday 15 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchell 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

A great day!

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-MQX "Navair 131" Calls into Moranbah - Plus More!

On Wednesday 14 January, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 131" visited Moranbah Airport from Bankstown.

File photo

And Careflight (NSW) Raytheon / Beech 400XT Nextant bizjet VH-OVS as "Careflight 46" landed at Longreach Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) and then departed to Darwin.  It is due to head overseas to Bali later.

Photo taken by Neil Richardson  ©

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Calls into Clermont Aerodrome on Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ "Navair 173" - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 January, Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" landed at Clermont from Archerfield and Brisbane and this afternoon departed back to these places.

It brought the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to town to inspect the clean-up efforts following the massive flooding event that hit Clermont on Monday 12 January.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 January, several helicopters were noted and spotted flying around the skies of Clermont and other parts of the region which are also experiencing flood emergencies in the after-math of Ex Tropical Cyclone Koji passing through Central Queensland.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP, which landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville yesterday as "Helitak 421", flew out from there and landed at Clermont Hospital.  

Later, it hopped to Clermont Aerodrome to refuel before then departing back to Mackay Airport.

Dwyer Aviation (Tude's Choppers) Services Bell Helicopter Textron 407 VH-XFN continued to fly around the Clermont area and seemed to be based at the Bush Heli Services facility on the outskirts of the Clermont township.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-XFN was noted flying out of Emerald Airport to local mine sites.

While Bush Heli Services Bell Helicopter Textron 407 VH-PUM also flew around the Clermont area.

GB Helicopters Guimbal Cabri G2 VH-8GB looked to head North around parts of the Suttor River and Belyando River.

Elsewhere, Heli Qld Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-WJY flew up from Toowoomba to Roma Airport and then Barcaldine Airport and Emerald Airport.  

Brisbane-based Helibras AS350B2 Esquilo VH-EQP followed a similar flight path, arriving into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba via Roma Airport.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-WJY and VH-EQP are both currently based out of the Calibre Aviation (Central Queensland Aviation) facility just the South of the Emerald township and they looked to be completing flights to and from local mine sites.

Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YQK also arrived into Emerald Airport but from Archerfield via (possibly) Monto Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-YQK was also noted flying to local mine sites from and back to Emerald Airport.

Heliservices Queensland (Innisfail) Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 VH-HHU also arrived into Emerald Airport from Roma Airport.  It is reportedly due to continue North to Clermont.

While Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 helicopter VH-T53 was spotted at Barcaldine Airport.  It arrived from Longreach Airport and was due to depart but low cloud prevented this.

And Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-DTS flew out of Mackay Airport and headed West before then flying up to the Whitsundays region.

Plus Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF was also noted flying around Mackay.

Finally, also on Tuesday 13 January, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.  It had flown down from Hamo to the Goldie at the end of last week.

And the Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew down from Mackay Airport to Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.

Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYD First 'Official' Visit into CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Tuesday 13 January, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYD made its first 'official' visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

It has previously visited CQ at Rockhampton Airport on a diversion from Brisbane in November 2024.

VH-OYD was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg, Germany in December 2023 and entered service later in that month.

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Major Flooding in Central Queensland - Including in my Home Town of Clermont - Means Multiple Helicopter Movements into Local Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 12 January, the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji have dumped massive rainfall and produced destructive winds across the Whitsundays, Mackay region and into the Central Highlands - including where I am based at Clermont.  Consequently, several helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have been noted flying around these places in support roles.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF around Mackay.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 VH-T53 was noted arriving into Longreach Airport.

And around Clermont was Bush Helicopters / Qld Helicopters Bell 407 VH-PUM and GB Helicopters Guimbal Cabri G2 VH-8GB which were both involved with airlift stranded residents on outlying properties.

Nautilus Aviation Bell 407 VH-VPE brought swift water rescue personnel from Mackay Airport.

And Dwyer Aviation Services Bell 407 helicopter VH-XFN also popped in.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 12 January, Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 173" flew down from Bowen Aerodrome (pictured) to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up to Bowen Aerodrome from Brisbane the previous day.

After some the ground, VH-85H "Navair 173" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane. It is rumoured to have brought the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to town.

Finally, also on Monday 12 January, Executjet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-L2B arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney and then departed to the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew back up to Hamilton Island Airport from Toowoomba before then hopping down to Mackay Airport and then back to Hamo.  It had originally flown up from the Gold Coast over the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-DMS completed another hop to Mackay Airport and back to Hamilton Island Airport.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL made a late visit to Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 10 January, Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It appears to have arrived last Sunday 4 January from Bankstown - and we missed it!

File photo

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to Moorabbin.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Toowoomba.

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Archerfield and then back to Toowoomba.

It looked like VH-SCQ also visited Roma Airport last week too! 

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport, Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport before it later continued on to Townsville.

We presume it is on stand-by should it be needed to assist with any rescues or the clean-up following the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Koji which has formed in North Queensland waters.

There has also been some flight disruptions and cancellations around the Whitsundays Airport with at least virgin Australia cancelling flights into Proserpine, Hamilton Island and Mackay Airports, while Townsville Airport has closed as of 1600hrs in Saturday afternoon.

Photo taken by Jayden Laing  ©

Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PF Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 9 January, Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PF was spotted visiting Mackay Airport from Mount Isa.

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

And fellow Police Super King Air VH-8PD was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 9 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was photographed also arriving back into Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast after it flew down there earlier in the week.

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

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ararat and Melbourne (Essendon) and then Moorabbin. 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 21" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then returned to Amberley.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopters VH-ESH & VH-EGK Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 January, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport. VH-EGK flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-ESH arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

A bit unusual to see both stopped at Emerald Airport at the same time.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTD was also spotted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as PE743/4.  It also visited late on Wednesday 7 January on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run over the same route but as PE745/6.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Richmond and then Mount Isa. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Plus Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 121" landed at Boulia from Cairns. 

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 13" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 8 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 13" was noted completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and then flew low level down the land-side of the Queensland coast back to Amberley.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-87X Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 7 January, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

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It looked to arrive from Bankstown and then depart Melbourne (Essendon). 

And Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa before it then departed to Bundaberg Airport.  I think I also saw this Caravan at Emerald Airport in the days prior.

Photo taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©