East Air Starts Flights into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns with Beech 1900D VH-JYA

On Monday 3 November, East Air commenced flights between Cairns and Hamilton island Airport with Beech 1900D VH-JYA completing inaugural EA1/2 flights.

VH-JYA at Hamilton Island Airport.

The twice weekly flights will again link the two Queensland holiday destinations for the first time since pre-COVID.

East Air is currently operating Monday and Thursday services, with Sunday flights set to commence in February. One way fares start at $235.

Of interest East Air is a virtual brand of its parent company, Townsville Airlines, which is a well known charter flight operator in North Queensland. Its fleet consists two Beech 1900Ds, three Cessna 208B Caravans, two Cessna 402Cs, one Beech B200 King Air, and six AeroCommander 500-S. Townsville Airlines also uses the brand name of Weipa Air.

VH-JYA departs Cairns for Hamilton Island.

They also have future plans to add larger Dash-8 turboprop aircraft into their fleet.

We wish them all the very best!

Photos taken by Kellie Leonard and James Nancarrow  ©

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS Bizjet VH-XCU Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 22 June, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before flying back down to Moorabbin.

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While Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/45 turboprop VH-XAQ flew South from Cooktown to Longreach Airport.  It flew North last weekend.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG which flew West last week, landed at Blackall Airport from Ambilindum and then departed to a property northwest of Theodore before continuing 'home' to Archerfield. 

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Chinchilla Aerodrome. It had flown up from there on Friday 20 June.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP which had previously flown to Darwin, flew across from Inverway to Brunette Downs, Mount Isa and Mackay Airport. 

And Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-S VH-TZS was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville. 

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 22 June, civilian Black Hawk helicopter Sikorsky EH-60A N61AA, which flew up from the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong to Bourke and Birdsville over the last couple of days, continued up to the North-West today.

And the Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ flew to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rockhampton Airport both today and yesterday.

Finally, on Saturday 21 June, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Cairns.

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  ©

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500 Aircraft VH-TZS & VH-TXE Come and Go and Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 January, Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-S VH-TZS was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville.

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Sistership Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE was then noted departing Mackay Airport bound for Townsville.  It has been undergoing planned maintenance at Mackay Airport.

Of interest, Tex Assets P/L also operates Aero Commander 500-S VH-JPO and Aero Commander 500-U VH-TQA.

Finally, also on Friday 24 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

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

On Tuesday 26 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor looked to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew into Clermont Aerodrome from Natal Downs.  It then continued down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-8HP flew South-West from Mackay Airport to Tumbar Station and then East back to Archerfield. 

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted departing their private airstrip North of Emerald township for Redcliffe.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-FYN flew back to its private airstrip near Emerald from Redcliffe.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield returning via Emerald Airport.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE landed at Emerald Airport from Canberra and Dubbo. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-STE departed Emerald Airport to near Consuelo then to a place near Rockhampton.  Late in the afternoon it hopped to Rockhampton Airport.  It is planned to return to Dubbo and Canberra on Thursday 28 November.

While the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-VEC was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and then Horn Island.  It then flew back to Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI was photographed as it operated their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

We can only assume one of the bigger Dash-8-300s is in for maintenance.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 November, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its fifth deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

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It looked to fly down as "Fireguard 541" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.  It will take up a new radio callsign of "Bomber 390".

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport at the start of September from Avalon after being stored there since February. 

UPDATE!  It's worth noting that on Wednesday 27 November, fellow Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQF as "Fireguard 391" arrived into Brisbane and then Avalon after ferrying all the way over from Abbotsford in Canada.   It looks to be joining C-FFQE at Avalon for the Victorian bushfire season as "Bomber 391".

Also of interest, on Monday 25 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" departed Bundaberg Airport also for Avalon. 

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Busy!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee, Lloyd Fox and Graham Aspinall  ©

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

On Wednesday 20 November, Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and later departed to Bourke and then Melbourne (Essendon). 

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While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had arrived two days earlier from those places.

And Deer Jet (China) Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet B-8255 was due to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney but was unable to land due to bad weather and instead diverted up to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 November, B-8255 flew down from Cairns to land at Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 November, Norair P/L Beech A36 Bonanza VH-PIZ visited Rockhampton Airport from its Townsville base. 

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM departed Rockhampton Airport for Gayndah Aerodrome yesterday afternoon and then this morning arrived back into Rocky before later departing once again back to its Gayndah Aerodrome base.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Mount Isa and Borroloola.  It later reversed this flight.  

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW flew up from Toowoomba to Winton and then back to Emerald Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

And Sunshine Coast-based Cessna 210 VH-ORR visited Dysart Aerodrome from its Caloundra base. 

Finally, also on Wednesday 20 November, the Bundaberg Airport based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141" and Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" both departed Bundy for Townsville.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 21 November, both C-FFQE "Bomber 141" and VH-LMC "Birddog 125" returned to Bundaberg Airport from Townsville.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Graham Aspinall  ©

Cloncurry Bushfire Sees a Number of Firefighting Aircraft Pass Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 26 October, a couple of aerial firefighting aircraft were noted and spotted passing through the region, including at Longreach Airport, while heading up towards Cloncurry where a large bushfire continues to burn outside of the town.

Kennedy Aviation (Kennedy Air Services) North American Rockwell 500S VH-XAS "Birddog 444"  arrived into Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Cloncurry.

Meandarra Aerial Spraying Air Tractor AT-802A VH-SDJ "Bomber 424" and VH-NFY "Bomber 426" were spotted taking on fuel at Longreach Airport before departing towards Cloncurry.

It is also believed that Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" also passed through Longreach Airport heading up to Cloncurry.

And the Bundaberg Airport based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141" and Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" both returned to Bundy from a night up at Townsville, flying back via a water-drop at Cloncurry.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 26 October, Interair (based at Essendon) Beech B200 King Air VH-ITH passed through Longreach Airport arriving from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke and departing to Atherton.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 October, VH-MMC returned to the Sunny Coast from Hamo.

And Inverted Downunder / Matt Hall Racing MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Dubbo and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 October, Matt Hall on board VH-CQE departed Rockhampton Airport for Hamilton Island Airport where he landed and then completed a performance during the early afternoon - photos added below!  He then landed again and then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 29 October, VH-CQE departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to its Lake Macquarie base.

Photos taken by Drew Mackay and Glen Bradford  ©

Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE Arrives into Bundaberg Airport for the 2024 Bushfire Season - Plus More!

On Sunday 1 September, Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport ahead the upcoming Queensland bushfire season. It touched down direct from Melbourne (Avalon) where it has been stored since February.

https://www.facebook.com/Bundaberg.Aviation.Fuel

This is the fifth (and final?) year that the Canadian aircraft and crew members of the Large Air Tanker (LAT) have been deployed to Bundaberg Airport, meaning the state will again not have to borrow aircraft from other states to fight dangerous bushfires.

Again this year, the Dash-8 will be based at Bundaberg Airport and take up the radio callsign of "Bomber 141".  It will be based in Bundaberg for Queensland’s bushfire season and will be sent to Victoria again for its fire season, which coincides with Queensland’s wet season.

The Dash-8 has a 670km/h travel time meaning the bomber can quickly reach other parts of the state if needed, potentially saving lives and communities all over Queensland. It is able to fly the 300-kilometre direct journey from Bundaberg to Brisbane in 30 minutes at top speed.

Also arriving into Bundaberg Airport for the Bushfire Season, also on Sunday 1 September, was Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" which was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Stawell in Victoria.  It is assumed that it will again provide airborne support for C-FFQE during this coming bushfire season.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 1 September, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU flew down from Cairns to Roma Airport.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Port Macquarie.

Of interest, the first Jetstar Australia flight connecting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Adelaide took off also on Sunday 1 September, with Airbus A320 VH-YXS operating the first JST842/3 from Adelaide to Prosie and back to the Sount Australian capital.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane.  It also visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane but on Saturday 31 August.

Finally, on Saturday 31 August, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Blackall and Keeroongooloo and then on Sunday morning, it flew on to Ayers Rock.  During Sunday afternoon, it flew back East to Tumbar Station and Blackall then back West to Ayers Rock.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI "Navair 173" Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" departed Hamilton Island Airport to Bankstown and Archerfield.  It had arrived from Bankstown early on Thursday 6 June and flew down from Archerfield the previous afternoon.

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Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Dalby and Bundaberg Airports.  It is due to depart back to those places on Sunday 9 June.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 June, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport before continuing to Dalby and Archerfield. It then flew to Moura Aerodrome and onwards to Mount Isa.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Cairns.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 June, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport via some aerial survey work.  It then completed a local flight out of and back to Mackay Airport again via some aerial surveying.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE continued to complete aerial survey flights out of Bundaberg Airport.  It had flown up from Redcliffe last weekend and also operated out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP flew from Gladstone Airport to Mackay Airport.  It has been operated daily aerial survey flights out of Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports after flying up Archerfield last weekend.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 172RG VH-BCD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing to Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.  It looked to have flown up to Prosie the previous day flying up from the Gold Coast via Roma, Longreach and Bowen Airports.

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the North.

Victoria-based Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-BTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

And Sunshine Coast registered Aerospatiale AS.350D Squirrel VH-PIH, which possibly arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Friday, operated several charter flights over Rocky.  It took off from outside the Rockhampton Aero Club, did a wide circuit over northside of the city, the direction varied according to traffic approaches and departures, then landed at a school on the western side of the river for a short stop, then did a short hop back to the Aero Club.  It flew over a dozen flights through the morning, finishing in the early afternoon.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 12 January, the best movement into the region so far this year touched down at Hamilton Island Airport in the form of ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN.  The smart looking bizjet flew up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) after arriving there from overseas just over a week earlier.

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At the time of writing, if appears that OK-SUN is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

Of interest, ABS Jets is a business jet operator based in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bratislava, Slovak Republic.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 January, OK-SUN departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast and then Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Sydney and back to Archerfield.

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA flew up from Shellharbour at Woolongong to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Melbourne (Essendon). 

And Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It appears to have flown North from Bankstown late last year (we missed it!)

Finally, also on Friday 12 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane. During the afternoon, it returned to Townsville and Cairns.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE flew from Mackay Airport to Townsville.  It has been parked at Mackay Airport since late last year.

Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP81 flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then continuing to Brisbane as SKP542.  Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew up from Brisbane to Townsville and Cairns as SKP541.  An aircraft swap in Brisbane meaning that next Tuesday we will likely see VH-QQC into Emerald Airport!

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 6 December, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK arrived into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It appears to have earlier flown there from its Orange base.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 December, VH-CMK departed Mackay Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Hamilton Island Airport from the sunshine Coast.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 131" flew into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Newcastle (Williamtown).

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 December, VH-X8X "Navair 131" departed Clermont Aerodrome to Newcastle. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.  It then hopped to Maryborough Airport and then returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 6 December, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY flew from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane.  It then flew down to Newcastle (Williamtown).  VH-VEY appears to have arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn at the start of the week.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU flew out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and completed aerial survey work over Gympie and Maryborough before landing at Archerfield.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 December, VH-SGQ returned to Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport before then departing to Brisbane.

Four Vectra Holdings (Basair Australia) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees were in the area, with VH-VDQ and VH-VOU noted flying down from Longreach Airport to Charleville Airport and then Roma Airport, while VH-BKM and VH-RMZ flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport. 

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Lady Eliott Island to Middlemount Aerodrome and then down to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. 

Finally, also on Wednesday 6 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYZ as "Choppa 22" flew down from Townville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport where it looks to be spending the night.  It has been at Townsville supporting the RAAF's Exercise High Sierra.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 December, VH-SYZ "Choppa 22" departed Rockhampton Airport to Amberley. 

Photo taken by 'AC'   ©

The Loss of Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY "Birddog 370" Near Mount Isa

Sadly, on Saturday 4 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY "Birddog 370" crashed between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Gavin Merten   ©

The aircraft was out on a bushfire-related flight out of Toowoomba and was uncontactable before vanishing from radar between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) reportedly tried for over an hour to contact the aircraft and as it got up past the Winton area, ATC had some other aircraft call "oxygen, oxygen, oxygen - descend to 10000 feet" over the radio as a warning. 

An aircraft up near Normanton got through to VH-HPY and got them on to the area frequency and the pilot of VH-HPY said they were 'ops normal' and told ATC what frequency they had been on.  The pilot also described the GPS point they were going to work at and what they were doing there. 

ATC cleared them to there at 28000 feet but a little bit later the aircraft dropped altitude and started heading North-East to East and was again uncontactable. 

RFDS King Air VH-VJU "Flydoc445" was diverted towards Cloncurry and eventually found a crash site.

The Mount Isa based LifeFlight rescue helicopter VH-EHQ "Rescue 400" also headed out to look.  They eventually landed on the site of a large fire. Ground crews were on-site as well. 

AMSA Challenger VH-XNE "Rescue 330" was also noted circling the area too.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 27 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued out to Longreach Airport.

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VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" then appeared to fly out to Mount Isa and then back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 October, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville and Cairns.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

While New South Wales based Piper PA-30 Commanche VH-HPR landed at Emerald Airport from Maitland and then departed to Cairns. 

And Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as "Helitak 365" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield and then departed towards Gladstone. 

Finally, late on Thursday 26 October, Hinterland Aviation completed a swap of aircraft operating Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights out of Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND3350 and then Townsville as HND2251.  While fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES flew down to Labona from Townsville as HND2250 and then across to Rockhampton Airport as HND3351.

UPDATE!  This was the last time we saw VH-LZK in CQ in its current livery with it re-painted into the blue and white livery of Hinterland Aviation at Redcliffe over the Christmas / New Year's period.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Bushfires in the Region Sees a Number Aerial Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters Come and Go at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

In what seems to be a repeating pattern, on Wednesday 18 October (and again on Thursday 19 October), bushfires in the region saw a number of firefighting aircraft and helicopters coming and going from Bundaberg Airport, including:

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR "Helitack 516".

Three Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft - VH-XAV as "Bomber 266" (first time we've seen this aircraft), VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" and VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455".

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141".

https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandEmergencyServices

Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125".

Plus fellow Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370".

And during the afternoon, Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as Helitak 365 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Meanwhile, also noted at Bundaberg Airport, also on Wednesday 18 October, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cairns.  It then flew to Townsville at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 October, VH-SGQ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

And Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra and Caloundra to Maryborough Airport and then Bundaberg Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 18 October, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Roma Airports before then departing back to those places. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB landed at Arcadia from Toowoomba and then returned to there. 

And the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN Calls into Some CQ Airports on Federal Referendum Duties - Plus More!

On Sunday 15 October, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN as "Sharp 173" departed Winton Airport for Longreach, Barcaldine, Charleville, Cunnamulla and Toowoomba Airports before flying onwards to Brisbane.  As mentioned below, it had originally landed at Winton Airport on Friday 13 October.

Of interest, on Saturday 14 October, VH-UZN as "Sharp 104" did a similar run out of Winton Airport, flying to Longreach, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Saint George and Toowoomba before then returning to Winton Airport.

It appears that these flights were in support of the Federal Referendum held over the weekend.

Perhaps a similar set of flights were completed by General Aviation Maintenace (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-KAK.  On Saturday 14 October, it flew up from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Mount Isa, before then, on Sunday 15 October, flying across Mount Isa to Cairns and then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 October, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew back from Alice Springs and Ambalindum to Longreach Airport before then continuing to Archerfield.  It looked to have flown out there a few days earlier.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI flew out of Blackall Airport to Archerfield after arriving there the previous day.

And also visiting Blackall Airport, also on Sunday 15 October, was American-registered (but seemingly Australian-based) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet N510MW which arrived from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  Monday 16 October, N510MW departed Blackall Airport and flew up to Lizard Island.  Over the next week, it flew to Cooktown and the Sunshine Coast before eventually returning to Essendon.

And Cessna 182 VH-RYZ was noted operating the parachuting flights out of Lakeside Airpark around the Laguna Quays Resort.

All photos taken by Garry Wilkinson  ©

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 October, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK called into Longreach Airport from Cairns and Mount Isa before it then departed to Brisbane. 

File photo

While late in the afternoon Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN as "Sharp 104" flew up to Winton Airport from Brisbane on what looks to be a flight supporting this weekend's Federal Referendum.

And General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU completed aerial survey work over the greater Bundaberg region while on a flight out of and back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 13 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane.

As mentioned below, on Thursday 12 October, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and then flew up to Townville via Cairns. 

Photos taken by Steve Vit   ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 October, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had arrived from those places over the previous couple of days. 

File photo

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Cairns and then Townsville.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 October, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane before it later departed to Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 October, there was another charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRJ.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield but returned via the Sunshine Coast.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona from Archerfield flying up there via the Sunshine Coast and directly back.

While Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370" landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba then departed back to there via a fire check North of Emerald. 

And recently re-registered (to Emerald Coaches, in Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM departed Mackay Airport for Emerald Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC'   ©

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 7 October, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" which flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield yesterday, flew down from there back to Archerfield. 

File photo

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 169" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Bankstown.  It also visited earlier in the week.

While Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370" flew from Toowoomba up to around Maryborough Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

Beech 58 Baron VH-PRB flew into Bundaberg Airport from its Lismore (New South Wales) base.

And Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172M VH-MDX visited Clermont Aerodrome from its Mackay Airport base.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Potential Serious Bushfires Flare-up around Rockhampton and Bundaberg Sending Aerial Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters into the Air - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 September, there were a couple of potentially dangerous bushfires that blew up around both the Rockhampton and Bundaberg areas.

Around Rocky, R-Mach Aviation Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME as "Firespotter 404" joined Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS.350BA Squirrel helicopters VH-WHW "Firebird 421" and VH-LGG "Firebird 465" in fighting a fire between Alton Downs and Mt Lyon, to the West of Rocky.

While down at Ashfield, Bundaberg, Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141" and Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR "Helitack 516" were both seen operating with Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125" .

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 September, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Towoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Bushfires in the Region Sees a Number Aerial Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters Come and Go at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 11 September, bushfires in the region saw a number of firefighting aircraft and helicopters coming and going from Bundaberg Airport, including:

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR "Helitack 516".

Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404".

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft - VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" and VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455".

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141".

Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125" 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 September, Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370" was also noted in the region.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 11 September, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It seems to have arrived into Hamo from Cairns last Thursday 7 September.

Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney after flying up from there last Friday.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.  It had flown up last Friday.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Charters Towers Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Monday 11 September, Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT arrived into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and then Collinsville Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 September, VH-MPT departed Clermont Aerodrome for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander and Jan Kretschmer  ©