United States Air Force (USAF) Dornier C-146A (Dornier 328-120) 11-3097 "Cata 202" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 December, United States Air Force (USAF) Dornier C-146A (Dornier 328-110) 'Wolfhound' wearing the serial number of 11-3097 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  

It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Cata 202" and looked to touch down from Brisbane.

A short time later, the Dornier departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns.

Of interest, the C-146A Wolfhound looks to be flown by the 524th Special Operations Squadron (524th SOS), located at Duke Field, Florida.  It is one of four flying squadrons within the 492nd Special Operations Wing. 

The squadron flies the C-146A Wolfhound in order to provide agile intra-theatre mobility support for special operations forces worldwide.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as  "Envoy 18" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and Coffs Harbour and a bit later departed to Hamilton Island Airport and then Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 December, RAAF B737 A62-001 as Envoy 18 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns then departed to the Gold Coast.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 20" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach Rockhampton Airport before it then flew back to complete a few more and then land at Amberley.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 11" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport.  It then flew down to land at Amberley before eventually heading back to Williamtown.

Finally, also on Thursday 4 December,  Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Rescue 901" flew down from Mount Isa to Longreach Airport, Roma Airport and the Oakey Army Aviation Centre this afternoon.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter and photographer Scott H and Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos of a great visitor to Rocky!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Steve Vit  ©

SAR Helicopters (Cairns) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-SLU Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More Over the Weekend!

On Saturday 18 March, SAR Helicopters (Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter?) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-SLU "Lifesaver 21" was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while on a ferry flight from Cairns to Caloundra.

Sistership VH-SLA  (https://www.facebook.com/nautilusaviation)

It looked to have flown down from Cairns to Townsville and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour the previous day before then continuing down to Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Sunshine Coast Airports and then Caloundra.  

It seems that VH-SLU - as sistership VH-SLA - continue to be operated by Nautilus Aviation in Cairns - as pictured.

While after ferrying up to Mount Isa last weekend via Roma and Blackall Airports, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA "Guardian 10" looked to return from Mount Isa, again via those places to the Sunshine Coast.

And Townsville-based NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Eurocopter AS.350 Squirrel, which has been noted completing power-line inspections around the region as "Energy 403", landed at Kortes Resort near Rockhampton from the North.

Meanwhile, on Sunday 19 March, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWN visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as UTY3385/6.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport as UTY3387 from Townsville but encountered a hydraulic problem affecting its nose wheel steering.

VH-XWN remained just off the Runway for some time before being towed away.

Fellow Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQW completed the sports charter flights, departing Rockhampton Airport for Townsville as UTY3390.  It had earlier arrived on the scheduled Virgin Australia VOZ1251 service from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 March, VH-XWN finally departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as UTY9810.

Of interest, fellow Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM operated a sports charter service on Saturday 18 March, visiting Mackay Airport from Cairns as UTY3381/2.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 19 March, Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ looked to arrive into Roma Airport after completing an aerial survey flight out of Blackall Airport.

Two Fly-Oz (Cowra, New South Wales) Piper PA-28-161 Cherokees VH-PMU and VH-UQM flew up from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  In the days after, VH-PMU and VH-UQM flew up to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Mareeba before returning South to Cowra via Hughenden, Longreach, Charleville, Walgett and Dubbo.

Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Skydiving Aircraft VH-XFB flew South from Lakeside Airpark to Bankstown via Gunnedah.  It had operated parachuting drops out of Lakeside Airpark for about the last month.

Proserpine-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-HKQ flew down from there to Rockhampton Airport.

Toowoomba-based Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive into Rocky from Barcaldine Airport via a trip to the Capricorn Coast and back to Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 18 March.

And also late on Saturday 18 March, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJN looked to fly up from Brisbane to complete airwork around Kingaroy Aerodrome before landing then returning to Brisbane.

Avia Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-MSU Arrives into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

Also on Tuesday 8 November, Avia Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-MSU was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

At the time of writing, it appears that the sleek little Citation Mustang is staying for at least the night.

UPDATE! On Wednesday 9 November, VH-MSU was photographed resting in the morning sun before it later departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Moorabbin.

While a couple of other bizjets noted around the region, also on Tuesday 8 November, included Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ which was noted visiting Mackay Airport once again, this time from Bankstown via Cessnock.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Moranbah Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 8 November, ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI looked to arrive into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville. It then completed a local flight before returning to its Townsville base.

After arriving at the end of last week, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH was noted departing Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Cairns. It later returned to Prosie before then departing to the Gold Coast.

Horizon Airways Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-WZS made a late departure from its Mackay Airport base for Innisfail. It is planned to continue up to Weipa and Aurukun early on Wednesday 9 November.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Chinchilla Aerodrome, Yellow Bank and then Rolleston Aerodrome before later returning to Wellcamp.

Fellow Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT arrived into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 9 November, VH-MPT departed Clermont Aerodrome for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF was noted doing the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back to Bourke and Latrobe Valley.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back.

VH-NPZ also looked to fly up from Bundaberg and Gladstone Airports to around Great Keppel Island and then back on Monday 7 November.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE looked to fly up from Brisbane (pictured) to complete airwork around Maryborough Airport before landing then returning to Brisbane. It also seems to have done the same on Monday 7 November.

Of interest, sistership VH-VJN operated the week-daily freight run from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport, with it later due to return to Brisbane but via Rockhampton Airport.

Of further interest, it appears that General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aerocommander 500-S VH-YJL returned to Brisbane early last week from maintenance at Melbourne (Essendon) wearing a revised colour scheme as pictured.  

VH-YJL has immediately operated into the region on the Brisbane to Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gayndah freight run at the end of last week and the Brisbane to Dalby, Roma and Charleville run so far this week.

Plus Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Maryborough Airport, arriving from Toowoomba and later departing to Tambo. It then returned to Toowoomba. VH-ZGD also passed through last Thursday 3 November, but flying in the opposite direction!

While Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW was also spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It arrived from Toowoomba and later returned there but via Archerfield.  It seems VH-NMW also visited Bundaberg Airport on Monday also from Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then Townsville before it then returned to Cairns.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed its Rockhampton Airport base for Emerald Airport and then Mount Isa and Brunette Downs.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 9 November, VH-KNV returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brunette Downs but flying via Mount Isa and Longreach Airports.

And Brisbane-based Bell Helicopter Textron 429 helicopter VH-SUV flew up from Archerfield to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before returning to Archerfield but via Gayndah Aerodrome.

Photos taken by Dan B and Lloyd Fox  ©️

United States Air Force (USAF) Dornier C-146A (Dornier 328-120) 12-3047 "Cata 202" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

A nice visitor to Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 5 November was United States Air Force (USAF) Dornier C-146A (Dornier 328-110) 'Wolfhound' wearing the serial number of 12-3047 and using the radio callsign of "Cata 202".  It looked to touch down from Sydney.

After taking on fuel, the Dornier departed to Cairns and then Darwin.

Of interest, the C-146A Wolfhound looks to be flown by the 524th Special Operations Squadron (524th SOS), located at Duke Field, Florida.  It is one of four flying squadrons within the 492nd Special Operations Wing. 

The squadron flies the C-146A Wolfhound in order to provide agile intra-theatre mobility support for special operations forces worldwide.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Tasfast Air Freight (Southern Airlines) Beech 1900C VH-YSO Operates the Weekly FIFO Charter Flight to Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 September, Tasfast Air Freight (Southern Airlines) Beech 1900C VH-YSO was noted making a rare visit into Central Queensland, operating the Airlines' weekly Fly-n Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Moranbah Airport.

Donald Withers / https://flightaware.com/

VH-YSO flew up West Sale and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before it then departed back to Bourke, West Sale and onwards to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ made its weekly flight from Bundaberg to Nebo Airfield and back but this week, via Gladstone Airport.

Meanwhile, other lighties noted around the region, also on Tuesday 27 September, included FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB which visited Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Toowoomba via Archerfield before later departing back to Toowoomba.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY called into Rockhampton Airport while flying from Brisbane to Townsville.

Re-registered Brisbane-based Cessna 310R VH-NBI flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport.

While also visiting Mackay Airport was General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJN.  It flew up early in the day from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport before returning to Brisbane in the early evening.

Sistership and fellow GAM Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE completed the early morning week-daily freight run from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport before later flying across to Rockhampton Airport and down to Brisbane.

I believe these flights are operated on behalf of Toll Freight.

And up at Hamilton Island Airport, ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT visited from Townsville.

Spectrum Air Hire (of Sydney) Beech 76 Duchess VH-IPH flew up from Gladstone Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.  It had arrived there from Bankstown via Chinchilla Aerodrome on Sunday 25 September.

And Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Gold Coast base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 27 September, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and Newcastle (Williamtown).  It later flew back to Brisbane. 

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM flew up from Bankstown to Emerald Airport before continuing to Cairns and then Vanrook Station.

Airlift New Zealand / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-ZEK Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 19 September, Airlift New Zealand / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK flew up from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Mackay Airport where it was photographed parked up for at least the night.

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV flew up from Archerfield and the Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before returning to Archerfield.

While Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL flew into Bundaberg Airport from Armidale and the Gold Coast. It later departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning to Archerfield..

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew into Bundaberg Airport from Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane before then flying up to Rockhampton Airport (pictured) and back to Townsville.

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 19 September, Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from its Archerfield base.

Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ visited Bundaberg Airport from Moree. 

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane. VH-JYA then flew directly back up to Cairns.

While Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM flew up from Archerfield to Rolleston Aerodrome and then Cairns.  It then flew down to Hamilton Island Airport and then back to Rolleston Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 20 September, VH-UJM departed Rolleston Aerodrome and returned to Archerfield. 

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.  It looked to do the same last Friday 16 September.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 20 September, VH-VJE completed a flight to Kingaroy Aerodrome from and back to Brisbane.  New routes??

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB looked to visit the Wanella Station Aerodrome near Coppabella, flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports. It then flew to Rockhampton Airport and onwards to Lady Elliot Island.

Finally, also on Monday 19 September, Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It had arrived from the North the previous day.

And Bell 407 VH-CMI visited Rockhampton Airport from the Springsure area.

Photos taken by 'JM' and Steve Vit  ©

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-MMC Calls into Biloela / Thangool Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 8 June, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was back in Central Queensland yet again, this time noted visiting Biloela / Thangool Airport.

File photo

It appeared to have arrived from and then later departed back to its Sunshine Coast base.

A couple of other bizjets around the region, also on Tuesday 8 June, included Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG which flew into Blackall Airport from the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour before then later returning to the Gold Coast.

And AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 650 Citation VII bizjet VH-ING was noted completing airwork around Bundaberg Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 8 June, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was noted visiting Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

Gold Coast-based MP Hydro Cessna 340A VH-XGH visited Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast.

AirCorrigan (Brisbane) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-TBM arrived into Biloela / Thangool Airport before continuing to Moura Airport.  It then departed to the Gold Coast.

And Colville Aviation Services Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2B-26 VH-ZOU was noted departing Emerald Airport for Charters Towers Airport.  It seems to be heading back to Far North Queensland following planned maintenance in the South-East corner of the state - possibly at Watts Bridge.

Finally, also on Tuesday 8 June, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE was noted flying down from Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane at the conclusion of its closed tourist charter - see Blog post for more!

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 404 VH-TFO as "Hinterland 626" was noted calling into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site   from Townsville.  A bit later, it departed back to Townsville and was followed by fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN as "Hinterland 815", which appeared to suffer a technical issue and not depart after arriving into Labona the previous day.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE Calls into Central Queensland Airports on Closed Tourist Charter Flight

On Friday 4 June, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 VH-VJE was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Gladstone Airport on what appears to be a closed tourist charter flight.

File photo

It had originally departed Brisbane for Bundaberg Airport and then Gladstone Airport on Wednesday 2 June.

At the time of writing, it appears that the Dornier is staying in Rocky for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 June, VH-VJE departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 6 June, continued from Mackay Airport to Charter Towers Aerodrome and then Townsville.

New Toowoomba-based Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-JHP Calls into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

A trio of interesting visitors to Longreach Airport on Monday 22 February included recently delivered Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-JHP which arrived from and later departed back to its Toowoomba base.

Andy Elliott / https://www.flickr.com/

The Super King Air was registered and delivered from New Zealand via the Gold Coast in October 2020 and was previously operated in New Zealand as ZK-VMF - as shown above.

We eagerly await the first photo of VH-JHP!

Of interest, the operator of VH-JHP appears to be the same as frequently visiting Cessna 208B Caravan VH-JOZ.

Also noted visiting Longreach Airport, also on Monday 22 February, was Aerorescue (ex-AMSA) Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG which looked to arrive from Darwin and later departed to Brisbane. 

And Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO also popped into Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Donors Hill (South of Normanton) via Mount Isa and later departed to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, over at Emerald Airport, also on Monday 22 February,  Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ was photographed soon after arriving from Brisbane.

It later departed back to the capital.

While at my local Clermont Aerodrome, Redjet Aviation Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU visited once again from its Toowoomba base.

Finally, also on Monday 22 February, Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM arrived into Rockhampton Airport yet again but this time from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 February, VH-YGM departed Rockhampton Airport and flew to its Orange base in New South Wales.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-MMC Back at Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 October, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was noted once again visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome.  

VH-MMC is a fairly regular visitor to my local Clermont Aerodrome with it touching down couple of weeks over the previous couple of months.

File photo

On this occasion, it appears that the passengers from VH-MMC then joined Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC, which was earlier noted arriving direct from Rockhampton Airport as HND610. VH-NDC then departed as HND611 up to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then returned to Rocky but as HND612.

At the time of writing, VH-MMC appears to be closed up and staying for the night at Clermont Aerodrome.

Of interest, also on Thursday 8 October, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF completed the daily Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) runs from Rockhampton Airport direct to Labona and back.

Meanwhile, also visiting Clermont Aerodrome, also early on Thursday 8 October, was Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN which arrived from Labona before departing to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It had flown up to Labona from Wellcamp the previous day.

Out at Longreach Airport, also on Thursday 8 October, Aerorescue (ex-AMSA) Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG was noted passing through.  It arrived from Brisbane and later departed to Darwin.  VH-PPG looked to spend time operating with Air Affairs (Australia) out of HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales.  It had arrived into Brisbane from there in July.

Finally, also on Thursday 8 October, often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.  It had arrived into the Whitsundays on Monday 5 October.

Toll Freight Aviation ATR 42-300F VH-TOQ Surprise 'Planned' Visit to Rockhampton Airport

During the evening on Friday 24 April, Toll Freight Aviation ATR 42-300F VH-TOQ was a surprise 'planned' visitor to Rockhampton Airport.  It was operating as TFX5 and arrived from Townsville before later departing to Brisbane - usually direct flight.

VH-TOQ at Mackay Airport recently  (File photo)

Reports suggest that there was extra freight to be taken to the capital as well as a possible unserviceable aircraft with a Toll Metro also believed to be parked up and broken down at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 1 May, VH-TOQ did the same, calling into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and later departing to Brisbane again as TFX5.  I suspect this could be to do with a broken down General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier 228, as it was noted that there was no arrival into Emerald Airport from Brisbane by the Dornier on Friday and that a Toll Freight Express Metro 23 VH-HPE completed a flight from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool and Emerald Airports and back as TFX110/113.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Aerorescue / Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG Pops into Longreach Airport - UPDATED!

Another interesting visitor into Longreach Airport also on Friday 17 January was Aerorescue (ex-AMSA) Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG.  It looked to call in directly from Darwin where it has been parked for some time.

File photo

After taking on fuel, VH-PPG departed Longreach Airport for HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales.  It has reportedly been acquired by the locally-based Air Affairs (Australia).

Of interest, VH-PPG is one of five Dorniers that Aerorescue previously operated for AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority - at various ports around Australia.  The other Dorniers are registered VH-PPF, VH-PPJ, VH-PPQ and VH-PPV.

As seen below, a new search and rescue agreement was signed in October 2014 seeing Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd (Cobham) contracted to provide four Bombardier Challenger CL-604 bizjets from late 2016 for a period of 12 years.

UPDATE!  In late February, VH-PPG was photographed at HMAS Albatross now wearing titles of Air Affairs (Australia).

Air Affairs (Australia) was established in 1984 with headquarters based at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park at Nowra in New South Wales.  They have been providing target services, fire surveillance and precision engineering support services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), other military forces and Governments since 1995.

Since October 2015, Air Affairs (Australia) has been providing specific services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the Jet Air Support Contract which provides Training Support Tasks including Aerial Target Towing and Tactical Flight Missions in various locations across Australia.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Calum Gibson  ©

Great Photos of General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202s VH-VJE and VH-VJN Operating Through Rockhampton Airport

For some time now, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Dornier DO 228-202 turboprop aircraft have operated both passenger charter and general freight flights into Central Queensland.  The current week-daily freight flights depart Brisbane around dawn and touch down at Biloela / Thangool Airport before continuing the Emerald Airport where they terminate for the morning.  Then, around sunset, the return flight departs Emerald Airport, generally flying direct to Brisbane, but on most Mondays and Fridays, they make a stop at Rockhampton Airport.

Local photographer Russell P enjoys taking plane and sunset photos and has taken the opportunity to do both at once.  He shares with us some great photos of the two current GAM Dornier DO 228-202 turboprops - VH-VJE and VH-VJN - operating through Rockhampton Airport in recent weeks.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) is based at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Victoria and comprises of GAM, GAMair, DC3 Australia, Commander Air and Reefwatch Air Tours. 

In Central Queensland, GAM also operates AeroCommander 500-S aircraft on smaller freight flights to Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gayndah Airports (amongst other places) also out of Brisbane, and from Emerald Airport to Longreach Airport via Barcaldine.

Of interest, GAM also has a third DO 228-202 VH-VJJ currently registered and previously operated other DO 228-202s - VH-ATZ and VH-VJD - with the latter photographed several times operating freight and passenger charter flights into CQ until its departure overseas in 2017.

File photo

The Dornier DO 228 is a twin-turboprop Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) utility aircraft, manufactured in Germany by Dornier GmbH (later DASA Dornier, Fairchild-Dornier) from 1981 until 1998.  In 2009, RUAG started building a Dornier 228 New Generation (DO 228NG) also in Germany.

The Dornier DO 228 is considered the most versatile and most advanced high-wing aircraft in its class.  Capable of high payloads and high seat utilisation at relatively low cost, this aircraft is heavily relied upon by operators and government authorities world-wide.  Capable of operating on short and narrow regional runways, including remote gravel and unprepared strips.

Sincere thanks Russell for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!  Enjoy!

Photos taken by Russell Prothero and Micah S  ©