General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 6 July, and possibly entering service in its own right, was General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD.

It flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport and Townsville as 'GA845' / "Gamair 845" and was due to return South from Townsville to Brisbane via only Mackay Airport on Monday evening as 'GA847'.

Of interest, VH-YJD has been noted completing several training and test flights between Brisbane and Maryborough Airport in recent weeks with still the occasional run out to Emerald Airport in place of the  Cessna 208 Caravan VH-UJK.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 6 July, Albury-based Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO visited the region again this time arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra and Brisbane and then later departing to Bundaberg Airport.

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM departed Archerfield for Canberra before then flying up to Hamilton Island Airport and then across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

While Arbormeta P/L (Byron Bay) Gippsaero GA8-TC 320 Airvan VH-AUM flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway to Emerald Airport before continuing to Mareeba and Cairns.

And Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M was spotted at Longreach Airport after earlier arriving from Winton.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Liam Sellick  ©

Transwisata Prima Aviation (Indonesia) Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV) Bizjet PK-TWY at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

A real beaut bizjet that was almost missed but was spotted late on Wednesday 29 April was Transwisata Prima Aviation Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV) bizjet PK-TWY.  It was spotted below departing to Brisbane.

It appears that PK-TWY brought high-ranking mining officials to town with the sleek Gulfstream looking to have arrived the previous day from Jakarta (Halim) via Darwin.

Meanwhile, a blast from the past with former Bundaberg-based - now Indi Flight of West Bathurst (NSW) - Cessna 414A VH-CBT noted departing Longreach Airport for Kempsey.  It looked to have flown down from Darwin and Mount Isa into Longreach Airport late on Tuesday 28 April.

Finally, late on Wednesday 29 April, there were more Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) training flights into Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airport - as there has been each night this week so far!

RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 as "Dragon 65" called into Rockhampton Airport while on a flight out of RAAF Base Amberley and then to Brisbane Airport.

And a pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Kaos 33" and A34-010 as "Wallaby 41" were noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport while on flights out of and back to Amberley.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Tuesday 28 April, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast before it then continued to Bundaberg Airport and Emerald Airport.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 April, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

While in the evening, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 as "Dragon 63" was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport while on a flight out of RAAF Base Amberley and then to Brisbane Airport.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 as "Kaos 34" was noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport while also on an evening flight out of and back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Ross Huntington  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB Pops into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 27 April, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Photo contributed...

It seemed to be a closed charter flight with it arriving from and then departing back to Brisbane as WO454/3.

Also at Hervey Bay Airport, American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW was noted visiting.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and departed to Roma Airport.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Mackay Airport before departing to Ararat and Melbourne (Essendon).

VH-WMY had arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour last Thursday 23 April after flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Ararat, Tamworth and the Gold Coast before it then hopped down to Mackay Airport for parking.

VH-WMY also appeared to visit Roma and Chinchilla Airports early last week as well.

Finally, late on Monday 27 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Dragon 60" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from RAAF Base Amberley and then flew to Brisbane Airport.

And a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Kaos 04" and A34-001 as "Wallaby 06" were both noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport while on flights out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Aircraft - A97-449 & A97-450 - Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Friday 24 April, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft were noted completing airwork at some Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

They were identified as A97-449 as "Trojan 35" and A97-450 as "Trojan 36" and both appeared to fly down from Townsville to each complete a missed approach each at both Hamilton Island and Emerald Airports before they then flew down to RAAF Base Amberley.

Nice!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 "Envoy 66" Calls into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as Envoy 66 flew into Gladstone Airport from Townsville.  It then departed to RAAF Base Amberley.

File photo

It appeared to have flown up to Townsville from Canberra via Amberley the previous day.

Fellow RAAF Beech Super King Air A32-021 as "Hudson 07" flew up from RAAF Base East Sale and Orange to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before it then flew down to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 April, A32-021 "Hudson 07" departed Hervey Bay Airport and flew to RAAF Base Amberley and then back to East Sale.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 April, Microflite (Moorabbin) Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopter VH-8JJ landed at Longreach Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Griffith and Charleville Airports.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 April, the BK117 VH-8JJ departed Longreach Airport for Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Cairns.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW visited Clermont Aerodrome once again on the triangle run between Brisbane and the Oaky Creek Mine Site.  It also visited as per usual on Monday 20 April.

Also on Monday 20 April, NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome again.

Then on Tuesday 21 April, Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC was noted visiting Middlemount Aerodrome and Longreach Airport before continuing up to Mount Isa and Darwin.

Angel Flight Cessna 402C VH-AF3 flew into Longreach Airport from Jundah before continuing to Townsville.  It had flown down also via Longreach Airport the previous day.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 as "Stallion 57" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before it then back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Michael Mc  ©

Photos of Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXT 'QFA705' Emergency Landing at Rockhampton Airport - Fellow B737-800 VH-VZW Sent as Rescue Plane

Late on Saturday 18 April, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXT as QFA705' was on its way from Cairns to Melbourne (Tullamarine) where near Alpha it declared an emergency and diverted to Rockhampton Airport.

Later, fellow Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VZW flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as QFA6116 before it then departed back to Brisbane but as QFA1005.

At the time of writing, VH-VXT remains parked at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Late morning on Sunday 19 April, VH-VXT as QFA6117 departed Rockhampton Airport to Brisbane.

Photos taken by John Lee  ©

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Spotted at Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 17 April, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR was photographed on the ground at Maryborough Airport. 

While Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba before it then departed to Mount Isa and Darwin.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  It and sister-ships are still making mutiple visits to CQ Airports each week.

And National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as 'JTE452'.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 April, VH-IYJ as 'JTE444' departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and is due back later in the night.  Looks like another Rugby League football charter flight.

Finally, on a quiet Thursday 16 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 04" was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via a missed approach at the Gold Coast before then returning direct to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Josh Matica  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 41" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 was spotted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

A41-213 was flying as "Stallion 41" and flew up from and then returned back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 April, Flight Options (Australia) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-LJX was also spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport but from its Sunshine Coast base.

Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport once again from Archerfield.

And as evening fell, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 110" was noted flying down from Townsville to Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 17 April, VH-SHI "Navair 110" departed Gladstone Airport for Bankstown.

Photos taken by Andrew Alexander  ©

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 April, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew up to Mackay Airport from Cessnock and in the afternoon it flew across to Mount Isa.

File photo

NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK was noted flying out of Hamilton Island Airport. It seems to have completed a couple of flights between Townsville and Hamo over the last couple of days.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.  It then continued to Natal Downs.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 April, flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and the Clermont Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Sydney and then back to Clermont and Emerald Airports before returning again to Archerfield.  A big day!

While Little Wings Beech 58 Baron VH-LW4 visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 14 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209 as "Stallion 27" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then to land at Rockhampton Airport.  It later departed to complete another missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then several circuits at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Monday 13 April, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

It arrived from and then later departed back to the Sunshine Coast.

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

Like many of the other Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter fights into CQ, we probably won’t report on these much anymore.

And Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH flew up from Watts Bridge following planned maintenance to land at Biloela / Thangool Airport, Emerald Airport, Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Cairns.

Finally, also on Monday 13 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 as "Stallion 27" flew out from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Charleville Airport and up to Rockhampton Airport where it landed for a bit.  It then departed up to Mackay Airport where it completed another missed approach before then landing at Townsville.

Photo taken by Fraser Coast Aviation and Plane Spotting  ©

Teen Pilot Rose Donald Touches Down in CQ in Record Breaking 15000km Trip Around Australia in Cessna 172 VH-DWE

On Monday 13 April, teen pilot Rose Donald touched down in Central Queensland on the latest leg of her reconrd breaking 15000km trip around Australia.  She flew up from Caloundra in her Dino Air / Interair (Victoria) Cessna 172 VH-DWE to land at Bundaberg Airport.

UPDATE!  On 14 April, VH-DWE departed Bundaberg Airport for Biloela / Thangool Airport and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then heading across to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Pilot Rose, 17, is currently on a 15,000km journey which will take her right around the Australian continent as she raises funds for Little Wings, a charity which provides free transport for sick kids living in rural Australia.

The flight could also potentially earn her the record-breaking title of the youngest female pilot to fly solo around Australia in a small aircraft.

Pilot Rose and VH-DWE originally departed from Melbourne (Essendon) on Easter Monday.

Cirrus Design Corp. SR22T N51GH at Mackay Airport for Demonstration Flights - Plus More!

On Saturday 11 April, Cirrus SR22T N51GH flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. It was then noted completing some local flights.

File photo

Then on Sunday 12 April, N51GH departed Mackay Airport and departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 11 April, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane. It then flew to Townsville and Mackay Airport and then back to Gladstone Airport and Brisbane.

It is believed that VH-AVL is completing medical evacuation flights and given its frequent visits, we probably won’t report on it much more - similarly to the LifeFlight Challenger bizjets and their almost daily medical evacuation flights in and out of CQ.

Finally, also on Sunday 12 April, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from and then back to Sunshine Coast.

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84J (ex C-FQWE) First Flight into CQ at Gladstone Airport

On Sunday 12 April, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84J completed its first revenue flight into CQ, with it touching down at Gladstone Airport as QLK2336/7 from and back to Brisbane. It had earlier flown up from Canberra after spending some time operating in the Southern states.

Added...

VH-84J then returned to Gladstone Airport for an overnight stay as QLK2340. It is expected to leave early on Monday 13 April as QLK2329. It is scheduled to also then visit Bundaberg and Moranbah Airport later on Monday 13 April.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the tenth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore. VH-84J previously operated as C-FQWE and operated with the airline from June 2014 until November 2025.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Thursday 26 March - as shown below.  

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

Photos taken by Quentin Cowman, Vernon Harvey and James Saunders  ©

A Pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Complete Airwork at CQ Airports - A34-001 "Wallaby 16" & A34-004 "Wallaby 17" - Plus More!

On Friday 10 April, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted completing airwork at a couple Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

Spartan A34-001 as "Wallaby 16" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before then completing a couple more at Bundaberg Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then returning to Amberley.

At the same time, A34-004 as "Wallaby 17" flew up to a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before then flying low level down the Burnett River to the coast and up to Agnes Water before it climbed and flew west to Thangool and then flew low level back to Amberley where it completed more approaches there. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 April, Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield. 

After arriving over a week ago, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP finally departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

Revesco Aviation (Western Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJC flew into Mackay Airport from Perth via Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 April, VH-NJC departed Mackay Airport and returned West via Mount Isa.  It was spotted above during its stay!

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane as 'JTE440'.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 April, VH-IYJ again as 'JTE440' departed Mackay Airport for Cairns.  It later returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane but as 'JTE441'.  The flights are believed to the rugby league football charter flights.

And three Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 Kingair turboprop aircraft have all been in and out of Central Queensland Airports over the course of the week.

On Friday, VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

 

VH-8PH visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

And VH-8PE has also been around this week too!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and 'AC'  ©

VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet 9H-VJX 'VJT972' Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 9 April, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet 9H-VJX as 'VJT972' / "Vistajet 972" was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

It flew down from Cairns and then departed to Townsville where it was photographed above and seemingly staying for parking.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 April, 9H-VJX as 'VJT972' / "Vistajet 972" returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Townsville before then departing to Sydney.

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY hopped from Mackay Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then departed to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Swan Hill, Horsham and Waikerie.  It was due to fly back to the Sunshine Coast later. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and this afternoon returned to those places. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 as "Wallaby 43" flew into Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base Amberley. The same Spartan A34-009 but as "Wallaby 41" was noted completing a low level flight up the Fraser Coast out of RAAF Base Amberley but on Wednesday 8 April.

Finally, also on a quiet Wednesday 8 April, re-registered Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-NFH was noted departing Longreach Airport for the South.  It had arrived from Moree and Toowoomba the previous day.

Of interest, it appears VH-NFH was only placed on the Australian Aircraft register late last month and was previously registered as VH-DNG.

UPDATE!  In mid-May 2026, VH-NFH was re-registered to Gulf Coast Aviation at Moree.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Real Time Aviation - Brisbane - Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into my local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus Much More!

On Tuesday 7 April, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby. 

File photo

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

This is the reverse a flight it did late last week.

Meanwhile on Monday 6 April, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK visited Hamilton Island Airport possibly from Townsville.  It also possibly completed a similar flight the previous day and possibly also mid-last week.

Fellow NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Aerospatiale AS350 B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-MHE as "Energy 401" has been operating out of Rockhampton Airport around the Stanwell Power House over the weekend. 

And Brisbane based Beech 58 Baron VH-L2G, which flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport last Friday, returned South to Bundaberg Airport and then Toowoomba. 

Finally, very late on Friday 3 April, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Brisbane and Archerfield to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - touching down just after midnight on Saturday 4 April.  It then departed back to Archerfield.  Sneaky!

LifeFlight and QGAir Rescue Helicopters Pass Through CQ Airports Heading to All Corners of the State - Plus a Few Bizjets Around too!!

On Wednesday 1 April, LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters AW139 helicopter VH-LF4 landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports and then departed to Mount Isa.  It will operated there as "Rescue 400".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow LifeFlight AW139 helicopter VH-LF3 also passed through Longreach Airport arriving from Mount Isa and departing for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast.

While also on Wednesday 1 April, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.  It will operate there as "Rescue 521".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ also passed through Rockhampton Airport arriving from Archerfield and departing to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 2 April, there were several corporate bizjets noted around various Central Queensland Airports.

 Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ departed Longreach Airport for Cairns and Mareeba.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Tuesday 31 March and was photographed below on Wednesday 1 April.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X A56-001 "Envoy 18" popped into Charleville Airport arriving from Canberra and departing to Moree and then back to Canberra.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport - BUT it diverted into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing there and heading back to Archerfield. 

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 73/121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Finally, on a relatively quiet Wednesday 1 April, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ, which landed at Natal Downs on Monday, hopped to Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport before later returning to Clermont Aerodrome and then departing there to Archerfield.

All photos taken by Liam Sellick  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 12" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 31 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 was spotted on the ground at Rockhampton Airport.

It was flying as "Envoy 12" and arrived from Canberra and RAAF Base Williamtown then departed back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 March, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB as "Jetex 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns and Horn Island as "Jetex 442" on a school holiday charter.  Later it returned to Townsville as "Jetex 445".

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew out from Sunshine Coast to Rolleston Aerodrome and then down to Injune Aerodrome and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Monday 30 March, NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome again.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW also made its usual Monday run up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Archerfield.

North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 29 March, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU was spotted at Emerald Airport.  It had arrived from Port MacQuarrie.

UPDATE!  On Monday 30 March, VH-MBU departed Emerald Airport for Mareeba.

And Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Toowoomba and Cessnock.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Friday 27 March.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 28 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-007 as "Aussie 495" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before it then continued on to Townsville.

Whitsunday Helicopter Group / Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Mackay) Eurocopter EC135 P2 helicopter VH-ZGZ departed Gladstone Airport to Toowoomba, Armidale and Dyke Point/Newcastle.

And during the evening, Skytrans Dash-8-200B VH-TQX as "Skytrans 552" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Sydney.

Of interest, Skytrans, which took the SmartLynx brand in July last year to bring it into alignment with other airlines in the Avia Solutions Group, has recently brought back its former branding following the collapse of SmartLynx Latvia at the end of November.

Finally, also on Saturday 28 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-200 VH-YXW departed Australia for good.  It departed Darwin for Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru) in Malaysia as "Southern Cross 2611". 

It is reportedly due to continue to Toulouse in France via Gaya (India) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Of interest, VH-YXW made its final visit to Central Queensland on last visit on Wednesday 28 January as JST832/3 into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

VH-YXW then ferried from Tulla to Singapore the next day on Thursday 29 January before returning to Melbourne at the start of March and the next day, ferrying to Alice Springs for storage.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" flew up from Port MacQuarrie to Mackay Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast.

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Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed to Emerald Airport to Young and Canberra.

It had arrived into CQ from Canberra at the start of the week and has spent the week visiting Rockhampton, Rolleston, Emerald, Bundaberg and Maryborough Airports - with some multiple visits!

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-003 as "Hudson 07" flew up to Mackay Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Coffs Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 March, RAAF Super King Air A32-003 "Hudson 07" flew down from Mackay Airport to Birdsville and Port Lincoln.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

TWO FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) Turboprops VH-OTE & VH-NTL Both Pop into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 25 March, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) as PE95.

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Soon after, fellow FlyPelican Jetstream 32 turboprop VH-NTL also arrived into Emerald Airport as PE745 on the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

VH-NTL later returned to Wellcamp and Archerfield as PE746 and then returned to Emerald Airport again on Thursday 26 March operating today's FIFO charter flight over the same route as PE743/4

While also on Thursday 26 March, VH-OTE departed Emerald Airport and returned to Williamtown again as PE95.

And Cirrus SR22 N312GM visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Plus Helicom AU P/L Bell 206L-4 helicopter VH-SHA landed at Gladstone Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Mackay Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 25 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had flown up from it Orange be the previous day and at the time of writing, it expected to return there on Thursday 26 March.

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While a couple of Pilatus PC-12s visited various places in Central Queensland.

S. Kidman & Co. Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-SKW visited Winton Airport from Archerfield and Dalby.

And Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from a property near Moura - possibly Degunnie - before it then departed to Wagga Wagga.  It had arrived into Rocky earlier in the week from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  Over the remainder of the week, VH-8HG flew between Rockhampton Airport and Alpha Aerodrome before continuing out to Longreach Airport and then back to Archerfield.  A busy week!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 March, R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT departed Rockhampton Airport for The Old Station farm.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome and then down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

And McDermott Aviation Bell 214B-1 BigLifter VH-SZV (ex P2-MBH) landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville.

Photo taken by Ross Huntington  ©

A Pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Ospreys Spotted at Cloncurry Airport Heading to Darwin

On Wednesday 25 March, a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were spotted passing through Cloncurry Airport.

The two Ospreys were identified as 168642 (YZ-04) and 168678 (YZ-07) and flew up as 'KONA91' from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Cloncurry Airport and then Darwin.

They are two of four Ospreys 'stored' at Wellcamp that were designated to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) ‘Lucky Red Lions’ (‘YZ’).

They have seemingly now been reassigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) (Reinforced) ‘Red Dragons' ('YQ') with 168642 since noted re-coded YQ-03 of VMM-268.

The remaining two Ospreys at Wellcamp are expected to also fly up to Darwin in the coming days where they will be part of this year's Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) Aviation Combat Element (ACE).

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Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 88" Spotted at Gladstone Airport

Late on Tuesday 24 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 was spotted arriving into Gladstone Airport. It flew up from Canberra and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Envoy 88".

Then on Wednesday 25 March, A62-001 "Envoy 88" departed Gladstone Airport and returned to Canberra.

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

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©

American-Registered Cirrus SR22T N312GM pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 24 March, American-Registered Cirrus SR22T N312GM was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Of interest, over the weekend, another Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY flew across from Exmouth in Western Australia to Newman and Ayers Rock before it then continued to Longreach Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Tuesday 24 March, Yak 52 Aerostar (Yakovlev) YAK-52 VH-YDB completed a run out of Rockhampton Airport to the Capricorn Coast and back.

Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 March, Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Search ops off the Central coast and after a refuel it departed back to the search area and then back to Cairns.

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Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour then down to Stawell and back to Moorabbin.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane.

Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCX as "Careflight 24" flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Port Macquarie.  It later departed to Bankstown.

And GBR Helicopters Bell 206B JetRanger III VH-YEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 April, VH-YEC departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns again via Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Finally, late last Friday 20 March, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Gladstone Airport and then departed back to Brisbane now in the wee small hours of Saturday 21 March.

Photo taken by Wally H  ©

Two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters - A60-006 & A60-009 as "Valkyrie" Return South via CQ Airports After Exercises in Townsville - Plus More!

On Monday 23 March, the two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters that deployed to Townsville a couple of weeks ago, were noted flying back South to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre from there via Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports.  They were identified as A60-006 and A60-009 and were heard flying together as "Valkyrie".

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The two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the 16th Aviation Brigade were in Townsville to participate in Exercise Valkyrie Crawl at Townsville Field Training Area.  This training saw infantry soldiers integrate with the Black Hawk helicopters to conduct familiarisation training which enables them to support future operations.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 83" flew up from Canberra to complete a missed approach at Longreach Airport before then flying back to Canberra.

And RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-448 as "Trojan 74" visited Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from RAAF Base Richmond.

Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYK First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 21 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYK made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

VH-OYK was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg (Germany) in early Juney 2024 and entered service only a few days after arriving in Australia.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 21 March, and making a 'neo double' was fellow Jetstar Airways Airbus A320neo (A320-251N) VH-A5E which also visited Proserpine Airport but from Melbourne (Tullamarine) as JST832/3.  This was not a first visit.

But would've been nice to see two 'neo's' on the ground at once!

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" Spotted at Clermont Hospital - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 19 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" was spotted by me as it flew into Clermont Hospital on what we believe to be a medical retrieval flight.

It flew down from Townsville and Moranbah and then to Clermont Hospital before it then completed a medical evacuation flight to Mackay Airport. It then flew back to Townsville. This aircraft was at Longreach Airport last week - as posted below.

UPDATE!  On Monday 23 March, AW139 VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" flew down from Townsville to Archerfield via Mackay, Gladstone and Caloundra Airports.

Then on Friday 20 March, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B-1 BigLifter VH-SZV (ex P2-MBH) passed through Rockhampton Airport from the South to the North. 

UPDATE!  VH-SZV was spotted at Cooktown on Saturday 21 March.

Photo taken by Chris Vela  ©

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up to Hamilton Island from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 March, VH-VTF departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.

Finally, also on Friday 20 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-206 as "Stallion 61" flew up the inland from RAAF Base Amberley via overhead Emerald to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew South to complete one more missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to Amberley.

And Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 as "Wallaby 52" flew low level up the inland from Amberley to near Emerald before then flying East to near Bundaberg and then back to Amberley.

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Photographed at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 March, the two visiting bizjets that arrived into Gladstone Airport late the previous day departed but not before one of them was spotted in spectacular early morning light.

Local plane spotter Glenn L captured some stunning photos as S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA rested in the early morning light before it later departed Gladstone to Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 01" departed Gladstone Airport to Warwick, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba and this afternoon returned to those places.

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-8DE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

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

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Avalon).

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew down from Mackay Airport to Roma Airport and then Dubbo.

NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome. This seems to be now a regular flight and note worth mentioning much more!

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 179" flew up from Archerfield to Clermont Aerodrome and then Labona and this afternoon returned to Archerfield.

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

Sincere thanks to Gladstone plane spotter Glenn L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©