Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 "Ausy 517" Make Emergency Landing at Longreach Airport

On Sunday 3 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 flying as "Ausy 517" was flying down from Darwin to RAAF Base Amberley and suffered de-pressurisation and descended to low level then before making an emergency landing at Longreach Airport.

The aircraft had only just returned into Darwin from overseas.

After some time on the ground, A34-002 "Ausy 517" departed Longreach Airport and continued its planned flight to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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  ©

Tea Extracts Australia Pty Ltd (Malanda) Grumman American G-164B Ag Cat VH-IZF Crashes near Charters Towers Aerodrome - Was Earlier Spotted at Emerald Airport

On Wednesday 18 March, Tea Extracts Australia Pty Ltd (Malanda) based Grumman American G-164B Ag Cat B VH-IZF sadly crashed near Charters Towers Aerodrome suffering significant damage.  The female pilot on-board was not injured.

https://7news.com.au/

https://7news.com.au/

VH-IZF was earlier spotted taking on fuel at Emerald Airport after flying up from the South.  It then headed up towards Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" Completes Medical Evacuation from 'Carnival Adventure' off Bundaberg - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and then down to the Sunshine Coast before later returning to Bundaberg Airport and then completing two Search and Rescue (SAR) flights to the North-East of Bundy. 

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Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to oversee the SAR operations by VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" for a few hours then returned to Cairns.  It is believed this may have also included a passenger extraction from the cruise ship 'Carnival Adventure'.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were noted at Rockhampton Airport. VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then departed onwards to Archerfield as "Rescue 500", while VH-EGK arrived from Archerfield as "Rescue 500" and then departed to Townsville.

And Far North Queensland based Diamond DA 50 C VH-88R visited Mackay Airport from Mareeba.

Finally, over the weekend on both Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK continued to operate flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport - including three return flights on Sunday.  VH-8GK operated one more flight (which seems to be the last one for now) on Monday 2 March.

And also on Saturday 28 February,  the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ  flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane after flying down to there at the start of last week.

Plus Cirrus SR22 N312GM looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Emma McDonald in R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT Flying out of Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 February, Emma McDonald in R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT flew two flights out of Rockhampton Airport to the Capricorn Coast and back. 

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She also flew one run to there late yesterday afternoon.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 February, Emma McDonald again in Extra EA 300L VH-LXT flew several more flights to the coast and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It sounded possibly like she was taking joyflights.

Finally, also on Friday 6 February, and out of the area, but a frquent visitor to the regio in the form of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY which was flying as "Machflight 313" crashed near Normanton Airport, sadly killing the sole pilot, a 32-year-old man from Clifton Beach, Cairns.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Saturday 31 January, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

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Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" flew from Archerfield to Moranbah Airport before then hopping down to Emerald Airport. It later returned to Archerfield.

It flew up with engineers to 'rescue' a couple of broken down QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 aircraft at both airports - VH-LQQ at Moranbah Airport and VH-84L at Emerald Airport.

While Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

And Honeybee Air (Sydney) Cirrus SF50-G2 Vision Jet Arivee Xi VH-TEA flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Roma Airport and Bankstown. It had arrived in the middle of last week and had also completed a couple of runs to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour over the previous couple of days.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

It later departed back to Canberra.

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

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

A great day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Jayden Laing  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet N605JL Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 26 December, Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL as "Machflight 01" flew up from Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and then West to Ayers Rock and then down to Brisbane.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 27 December, N605JL again as "Machflight 01" returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane before again flying out to Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 December, N605JL yet again as "Machflight 01" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney before it then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 26 December, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF flew up from Adelaide and Kingscote to Charleville Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It then hopped to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Ayers Rock and then across to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Friday 26 December, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp. It is also due to visit Emerald Airport again from these places on Saturday 27 December.

The rare National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH visited Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and departed to Brisbane.

Townsville Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-NXU completed the East Air flight EA1/2 run yet again to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI, which was flying up from Gold Coast to Lady Elliott Island, was just to the South of there when they activated their Emergency Beacon, which was immediately heard by a passing Jetstar plane.  They also called a "Mayday" as their Engine Fire light came on. They assessed there was no actual trouble and continued to and landed safely at Lady Elliott Island.

UPDATE!  VH-TQI remained on Lady Elliott Island until Friday 2 December when it finally departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Jet VH-UYN Medical Diversion into Longreach Airport

On Saturday 29 November, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Jet VH-UYN was spotted at Longreach Airport.

It was operating as QLK1874 from Brisbane to Alice Springs and diverted into Longreach Airport due to a medical emergency.

After a short time, VH-UYN as QLK1874 departed Longreach Airport and continued to Alice Springs.

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

Photos taken by Liam Sellick and Calen Harvey  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-008 "Wallaby 12" Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-008 as "Wallaby 12" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Tindal and when they started to depart they developed a problem and stayed there.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 November, A34-008 "Wallaby 12" departed Longreach Airport for RAAF Base Amberley.

After dark, also on Tuesday 25 November, fellow C-27J Spartan A34-009 as "Kaos 04" was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

UPDATE!  It also seems that A34-009 "Kaos 04" completed more airwork around Bundaberg Airport on Wednesday 26 November.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 03" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to operate off Shoalwater Bay and at the same time, fellow RAAF E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 as "Mitchell 30" departed Townsville and operated between Hughenden and Kidston.

A30-002 "Mitchel 03" returned to Williamtown while A30-001 "Mitchel 30" returned to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 25 November, RAAF Beech B300 Super King Air turboprops A32-670 as "Hudson 14" and then A32-671 as "Hudson 07" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete a touch and go approach at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to the Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by Liam Sellick and Drew Mackay  ©

Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB Surprise Diversion into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 23 November, a nice surprise visitor touched down at Rockhampton Airport on a diversion from Brisbane which was experiencing rain storms with Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB touching down as ANZ271 from Wellington in New Zealand.

After taking on fuel, ZK-NHB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane again as ANZ271.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 November, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X  visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO flew down from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then to Archerfield.

Emerald-based Cessna 177B VH-UGS was noted flying West of Mackay.

Re-registered Aero Facilities (SA) / Alamah (NSW) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-PGA as "Birddog 376" departed Bundaberg Airport for the Gold Coast.

NSW based Amateur Built Lancair IV-P VH-XL7 flew up to Hamilton Island from Port Lincoln.

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 November, VH-XL7 departed Hamo for Murwillumbah.

R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT and Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME both returned to Rockhampton Airport from The Old Station.  They flew down there the other day.

Brisbane based Cessna A185F Skywagon VH-OZA was also noted at The Old Station.

And sadly, also at The Old Station Farm, Private Van's RV-8 VH-YGY experienced an engine failure shortly after take-off and made an emergency landing in a field and hit a fallen tree and caught fire.

The pilot suffered life-threatening burning injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by the post impact fire.

Finally, on Saturday 22 November, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning to Moorabbin.

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Michael Mallick  ©