XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 May, XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 May, VH-OTK departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS also flew up to Hamilton Island Airport but from Cessnock.  It then returned to Cessnock.  Of interest, this is the first time we've seen the most recent version of the PC-24 VH-DMS with this airframe (cn 614) only registered and delivered at the start of this month.

And Indara Holdings / Corporate and Luxury Air Charter Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 May, Cirrus SR22 N312GM arrived visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ landed at Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport and then continued to Nebo Aerodrome on its usual Tuesday Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run up there and back.

Finally, over the weekend, on Sunday 10 May, Microflite (Moorabbin) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MI was noted flying up from Charleville Airport to Cairns.

And on Saturday 9 May, Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME as "Careflight 2" departed Longreach Airport for the North.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

SHM Aviation Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 February, SHM Aviation (Gold Coast) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS flew up from Archerfield and Toowoomba to Roma Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before it then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

File photo

While Bundaberg-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG visited Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport.  Much like DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which also completes weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) flights between Bundy and Nebo Aerodrome each Tuesday.

While Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Emerald Airport from Bankstown.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to Roma Airport before then flying up to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 February, VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport for Roma Airport and Miles Airport before it then flew down to Melbourne (Essendon).

Finally, also on Thursday 19 February, a couple of Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports and then departed to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 February, VH-8PE visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And fellow Police Super King Air VH-8PH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Doomadgee.

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Ross Huntington  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 "Envoy 79"Calls into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 as "Envoy 79" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

Defence image.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 January, C-27J A34-002 "Envoy 79" departed Longreach Airport for Cloncurry Airport and then later departed to Richmond and later departed to Brisbane. 

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 76" flew up from Canberra to Mount Isa and this afternoon departed there to Sydney.

Finally, also on Tuesday 6 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew down from Mackay Airport to the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 9 January, N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from the Goldie.

Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL arrived into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then later departed to Cairns and Townsville before returning to the capital.

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Cairns.

Re-registered Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG (ex N175NG) flew up from Archerfield to Julia Creek before later flying down to Longreach Airport and then back to Archerfield.

While DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ is still completing weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to Nebo Aerodrome from and back to Bundaberg Airport.  It also appears that VH-NPZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Bundy on Monday 5 January.

And also Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop aircraft looked to continue FIFO charter flights into Theodore Aerodrome from and back to Brisbane via the Sunshine Coast.  On Tuesday VH-VEB operated the flight.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 January, VH-VEF operated the flight.  And on Thursday 8 January, VH-VEC operated the flight.

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

On Wednesday 4 June, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

File photo

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

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport via Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 June, fellow CQ Rescue AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and Archerfield for service. 

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as 'PE745/6'.

UPDATE!  VH-OTQ was spotted completing the same run on Thursday 5 June but as 'PE743/4'

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

This seems to be a new permanent replacement for the recent flights over the same route that were operated by Southern Airlines Beech 1900C aircraft VH-VSO and VH-YSO. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 June, it was noted that Link Airways 'main' flights to Bundaberg and Biloela / Thangool Airports started using the "Linkair" (LR) flight numbers and callsigns. 

Finally, late on Wednesday 4 June, one or two United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were noted completing a flight down to around the Nebo township.  They are presently deployed to Townsville and looked to fly down and then return to there.

Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX Bizjet VH-EWB Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 29 November, Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Sydney.

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-EWB departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Sydney.

While also popping into Bundaberg Airport was Turbo Jet Holdings / 360 Aero Space (Melbourne) Lear Jet 45 bizjet VH-LJX.  It arrived from Melbourne (Essendon) and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 3 December, VH-LJX departed Hamiton Island Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then Essendon.

Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW also arrived into Hamilton Island Airport but from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 3 December, VH-BMW departed Hamiton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ also flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) via Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-OFJ Departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Moranbah Airport.  It then flew back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 29 November, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8TT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then departed to complete several hours of airwork to the South of Rocky.

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And one aircraft we haven't mentioned for a little while in the form of DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.  It still operates general and Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights around the region, including its still going weekly flight from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome via either Rockhampton Airport or Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 December, VH-NPZ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Gladstone Airport and then back to Bundaberg Airport.

Photos taken by Dave Mooney  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-8QA Calls into Emerald and Moranbah Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 January, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 VH-8QA arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane as JTE388D.  This is its first visit in Emerald Airport and the first time in a number of weeks that a National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 has touched down at Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  After spending the night, on Wednesday 10 January, VH-8QA was spotted soon before departing Emerald Airport for Moranbah Airport before it then flew down to Brisbane all as JTE381D.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 January, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport - this time flying there and back direct.

Finally, also on Tuesday 9 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before it then departed to Brisbane.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also flew down from Cairns to Townsville but then into Mackay Airport before then also continuing to Brisbane.

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.  As posted below, VH-8MT was also in the Whitsundays late last week.

UPDATE!  On Monday 15 January, VH-8MT departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And the visiting Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT looked to depart the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Birdsville and Coober Pedy.  It is due to continue to Forest and Jandakot in Western Australia the next day.

It had arrived into Shute on Saturday 30 December after a two-day flight across the country.  It appears to have completed some local flights while it has been in the Whitsundays.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 January, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport once again. It again looked to arrive from and later depart back to Sydney.

File photo

VH-RIU has complete similar visits over the last couple of weeks.

While Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 187" was also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport but from Bankstown.

And Jet Aviation Flight Services (USA) Gulfstream Aerospace GVI (G650ER) bizjet N650HA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney. It had arrived on Saturday 30 December.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" made two visits to the region to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Rockhampton Airport, both times arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMD flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome and back.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport - this time flying there and back direct.  It had also completed a local flight on New Years Day.

And a pair of Victoria-based visitors in the form of New Day Aviation Services Piper PA-31 VH-MWC and Piper PA-23-250 VH-CUW were spotted at Gladstone Airport.  They both had arrived into the Port City from Victoria on Boxing Day.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 January, both VH-WMC and VH-CUW departed Gladstone Airport together for Coffs Harbour and Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Photos taken by John Lee and Swavek Topolski  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s Around Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 September, there were at least three different Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 turboprop aircraft completing a variety of different flights at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

VH-QQG at Rockhampton Airport last week

After operating between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site for the last couple of weeks, VH-QQG flew from Rockhampton Airport to Cairns as SKP545 after making mid-flight return to Rocky seemingly with a technical problem.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-QQC seemed to be the 'replacement' aircraft, arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Labona as SKP525/778.

Down at Gladstone Airport, high-level industry meetings brought VH-QQF which arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville as SKP522, as well as VH-QQB which also arrived from Brisbane but then departed to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane as SKP741/2/3.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 September, there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome via Mackay Airport and then back to Bundy direct.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

While Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane. It later returned to Townsville and Cairns. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC55' / "Machflight 55" flew down from Cairns and Aurukun to Charters Towers Aerodrome.  

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-ZPY departed to Ingham.

Longreach-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-PRI also called into Charters Towers Aerodrome before later returning home to Longreach Airport.

WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR departed Charters Towers Aerodrome for Kidston and Emerald Airport.  It had arrived from its Chinchilla Aerodrome base the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-EZR departed Emerald Airport for Archerfield and Chinchilla.

And after being noted flying through Longreach Airport last week, the various New South Wales-based light aircraft were again noted flying through the region, this time all departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and landing at Bundaberg Airport.

Cessna 182 VH-SHN, Beech 76 Duchess VH-BFP and Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee VH-AIZ all flew down from Shute Harbour to Bundaberg Airport direct, while Cessna 172 VH-MCJ called into St Lawrence and Gladstone Airports while enroute to Bundy, and Cessna 172 VH-WYZ stopped at Gladstone Airport on the way to Bundy as well. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 September, after supporting recent Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployments of helicopters and aircraft for various joint military exercises Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU completed a ferry flight from Mount Isa to Redcliffe via Longreach and Roma Airports.  It flown across from Darwin to Mount Isa the previous day.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 August, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport where it appears to be staying for the night.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 August, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to Labona before then flying all the way back down to the Sunshine coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 August, Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed 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 South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Aero Logistics (Bayswater Road P/L) Cessna 404 VH-LHV landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Normanton.

RDO Equipment Cessna 210N VH-JSC visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Townsville.  It looked to have arrived from there the previous day after also visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Fellow ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as ZD440 was noted completing aerial survey work around the Hervey Bay and Fraser Island areas before flying into Toowoomba.

And Australian Army Aviation operated (Tillair Services / Omni Aviation Services) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV as "Waler 18" was noted on a flight out of and back to Oakey via completing airwork at Miles Airport.

The "Waler" callsign which is reportedly an Australian Army callsign.

A Couple of McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air Turboprops Around CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 8 August, Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before then departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It then departed back to the Sunny Coast.

File photo

Fellow Machjet King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight" 242 flew down from Cairns to Labona and back to Cairns, plus Machjet King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" flew down from Cairns to Labona and then across to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Cairns.

New South Wales based Cirrus SR22 VH-JPD was noted flying from Clermont Aerodrome to the Sunshine Coast.  It seems to have been flying around the local area over the last couple of days with visits possible at Roma, Emerald and Dysart Airports, as well as Clermont Aerodrome.

While there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back to Bundy direct.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

And Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY hopped across to Mackay Airport from Moranbah Airport as HT722.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport as HT715.  This seems to be a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run and it seems to have operated since the start of June.

VH-FVY then departed Mackay Airport and returned to Moranbah Airport and then Brisbane as HT721/719.

Finally, also on Tuesday 8 August, Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK117 D-2 VH-ZFM flew up from Archerfield, Redcliffe and Bundaberg to Gladstone and Mackay Airports.  This seems to be a new 'addition' to local Mackay Airport scene.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 July, there were quite a few lighties around including Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE which looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 July, VH-STE flew to Maryborough and Bundaberg Airports before returning to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Canberra.

Another nice PC-12 in the form of the new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP was back in the air again.  It's been doing quite a number of flights and today flew from Emerald Airport to Quilpie and Armidale and then back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived yesterday from Keeroongooloo after arriving there over the weekend.

UPDATE!  VH-8HP spent each day this week, flying out of Emerald Airport and visiting various places (including Clermont Aerodrome on Wednesday 19 July) before later returning to Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to Mackay Airport on Friday 21 July.

And Private Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YKG landed at Longreach Airport from Camooweal and Mount Isa before it then departed to Winton and back to Camooweal. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 18 July, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to Kidston before then flying down to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then departing back to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Recently re-registered Piper PA-31 VH-DWX flew down from Innisfail and Mareeba to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 July, VH-DWX departed Mackay Airport and returned to those places.

Reefchange P/L (Cairns) Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSJ flew down from Mareeba to Rockhampton Airport and then Bundaberg Airport.  It is due to return to Mareena on Wednesday 19 July.

While Brisbane-based Robinson R44 II VH-SMD flew up from Archerfield and Gayndah Aerodrome to land at Rockhampton Airport before then continuing up to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  VH-SMD looks to have continued up through Far North Queensland and into the Northern Territory, landing and flying out of and back to Emkaytee near Darwin.

Privately-owned Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 D-2 (H145) Helicopter N163WT possibly called into Gladstone and Mackay Airports while flying up from the Sunshine Coast to points further North.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 July, N163WT looked to return South again via Mackay and Gladstone Airports before finishing the day at Redcliffe.

And normally Darwin-based Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME "Careflight 2" was spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after flying down from Townsville.

I suspect it is in town to support operations during the upcoming joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) which will have some focus this time around the Proserpine and Whitsundays area.

Finally, also on Tuesday 18 July, there were the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charters into the region including Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO which visited Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back direct.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL looked to fly down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and then to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF continues to operate their FIFO flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.  Plus Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ looked to fly into Labona from Cairns before later returning.

And yet again, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY looked to complete a flight from Moranbah Airport to Mackay Airport and back to Moranbah. 

Photos taken by 'AC' and James Kirk  ©

Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY Spotted at Mackay Airport on new FIFO run to Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 July, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY was spotted at Mackay Airport soon after it had arrived from Moranbah Airport as HT722.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport as HT715.  This seems to be a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run and it seems to have operated since the start of June.

VH-FVY then departed Mackay Airport and returned to Moranbah Airport and then Brisbane as HT721/719.

While a trio of Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravans were noted completing some Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) runs in the region.

VH-TQI and VH-TLH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport respectively before then both departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-TQI then departed to Lady Elliott Island, while VH-TLH departed back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

VH-TFB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay and Maryborough Airports before it then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

And there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back to Bundy direct.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 July, Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as "Zedair 440" flew survey work around the region out of Bundaberg Airport.  Fellow ZephAir Australia recently delivered Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as "Zedair 110" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport.

It joins another ZephAir Australia aircraft - Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP "Zedair 330" - which arrived yesterday.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 July, VH-ABP 'ZD330' departed Mackay Airport and returned to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 July, VH-MJA 'ZD110' departed Mackay Airport and also returned to Townsville.

And the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane before later returning North and calling into Mackay Airport before then returning to Townsville and then Cairns.

Finally, also on Tuesday 11 July, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted arriving into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.  It then departed to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Archerfield.  VH-JSZ then flew back up to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before flying back out to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then finally back to Archerfield.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ flew up to Mackay Airport from Cessnock before later flying back to there and then continuing to Bankstown.

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF landed at Longreach Airport from Cairns and then departed to Broken Hill and Adelaide. 

Photos taken by Jake Weir and 'JM'  ©

Townsville Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NXU First Visit into CQ at the Labona Station Airstrip - Plus More!

On Tuesday 4 July, it was interesting to note that Townsville Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NXU has (possibly?) made its first ever visit into Central Queensland, flying into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Cairns and then Townsville.  It then returned to those places.

File photo

VH-NXU was delivered and registered to Townsville Airlines in September 2022.  It was previously registered as N406CR.  VH-NXU seems to mostly operate out of Cairns Airport so if this is indeed its first visit to the region, it is a welcome sight!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 4 July, some of the 'usual' FIFO charter flights included Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visiting Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke Dubbo and then departed back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport and looked to fly in and out of Mackay Airport.  I presume the inclement weather in the area prevented it from landing at Nebo Aerodrome.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS also encountered bad weather and was unable to land at Mackay Airport while flying down from Townsville as HND2290.  It returned to Townsville without landing and obviously was unable to complete its usual run out to Labona.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued to Brisbane before later returning to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Cairns direct. 

And new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Adelaide.

It looks like the new PC-12 was only delivered early last month.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 July, VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport for Keeroongooloo.

Finally, also on Tuesday 4 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Bankstown, Maitland and Roma Airports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 July, VH-LXZ "Navair 131" flew down from Mackay Airport to Maitland and then Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.  It then departed to Wagga Wagga before returning to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 June, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was noted Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Gold Coast before then flying down to Adelaide.

While Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Archerfield. 

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ popped into Gladstone Airport from Bankstown before then departing to Cairns and Mareeba.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before then departing to Sydney.

And AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport before flying across to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 27 June, Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to complete aerial survey work North of Clermont.  It then landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome for fuel before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.

And Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD was again noted completing aerial survey work out of Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Tuesday 27 June, some of the 'usual' FIFO charter flights included Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visiting Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back there and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport and looked to fly in and out of Nebo Aerodrome direct.

Of interest, it looks like VH-NPZ has completed flights to Archerfield and Toowoomba from and back to Bundy over the last few days.

And Skytans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL completed the FIFO charter flights from Rockhampton Airport to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.

Fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP511, while Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as SKP512.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 June, VH-QQI departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville as SKP787.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX Bizjet VH-WIO at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 June, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Bankstown base.

File photo

After some time on the ground, VH-WIO later returned to Bankstown.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY also visited Hamilton Island Airport but from the Sunshine Coast.

And late on Monday 12 June, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Mungindi before it then departed to Tennant Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 June, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from Toowoomba and Chinchilla Aerodrome to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Kidston.  It then flew down to Charters Towers Aerodrome and back to Clermont, Chinchilla and Toowoomba Airports. 

Whitney Pastoral Co Cessna 206 VH-WPC landed at Longreach Airport from then Sunshine Coast before then departing further to the North-West.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB arrived into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Archerfield before later departing to Bowen Aerodrome.  It is due to return to Archerfield and Wellcamp on Wednesday 14 June.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA popped into Longreach Airport after flying down from the North-West.  It then departed to Archerfield.  It appears to have flown up that way the previous day.

And finally, also on Tuesday 13 June, the usual Tuesday Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights took place yet again...

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visited Moranbah Airport.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport to Mackay Airport and then to Nebo Aerodrome.  It then returned directly to Bundy.  Of interest, on Saturday 10 June, VH-NPZ looked to complete a flight from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and back.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL looked to fly down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and then to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 June, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES also operated flights between Mackay Airport to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVH looked to complete a flight from Moranbah Airport to Mackay Airport and back to Moranbah. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - First Photos with its 7-Bladed Propeller! - Plus More!

On Friday 9 June, the reasonably familiar sight of RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH was back in Central Queensland with the sleek little turboprop spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to fly in from Cloncurry Airport and Ucharonidge Station.

After some time on the ground, VH-WPH then departed to its Toowoomba base.

This is first time we have seen VH-WPH in CQ since it has been fitted with a 7-bladed propeller.  

This will reportedly generate less cabin noise and provide increased performance allowing for operations into shorter airfields.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 9 June, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane.  VH-RUE then returned directly to Townsville and then Cairns. 

And Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL was noted completing aerial survey work around Nebo on a flight out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - where the aircraft seems to be currently based - nice!

Finally, some airline news, also on Friday 9 June, with Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR making a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7298.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7299.  There were no other flights into CQ.

And after diverting into Rockhampton Airport with a technical problem on Wednesday 7 June - see Blog post below - Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 was potted receiving some maintenance attention before eventually departing to Brisbane later on Friday as UTY9810.

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

All photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Re-Registered Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-MSU "Navair 162" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 June, re-registered Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-MSU as "Navair 162" was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

After some time on the ground, it returned to Essendon but via Dubbo.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" was noted making an early arrival into Longreach Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and Gladstone Airport before returning to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 6 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN flew up from the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then hopped across to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but via Mackay Airport before returning to Bundy direct.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Cravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then across to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

Brescon Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Yellowbank and Rolleston Aerodromes before then flying across to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp. 

While Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA landed at Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then flying back up to Townsville and Cairns.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Brisbane and landed at Ingelara before then flying up to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 June, VH-AAC flew across from Emerald Airport to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

And The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV departed Longreach Airport for the North.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©️

Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 30 May, Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Cairns and Townsville and later returned directly to Carins.

VH-SGQ also visited Rockhampton Airport on Monday 29 May from Cairns as posted below.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 30 May, 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.

Fellow Brescon Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW departed Wellcamp for Yellow Bank Junction, Rolleston Aerodrome and Chinchilla Aerodrome before returning to Wellcamp.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but via Mackay Airport before returning to Bundy direct.

While Handel Aviation Cessna 402C VH-VID completing an aerial survey flight over Bundaberg Airport after earlier departing the Gold Coast.

And Aerlink (ex Hevilift) ATR 72-500 looked to call into Mackay Airport, flying from and back to Brisbane and Moranbah Airports as HT719/721/722/720.  That's different!

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 May, recently delivered Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ visited Cloncurry Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield (returning via Brisbane).

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI "Navair 125" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

New Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TQV First Visit to CQ at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 23 May, newly delivered Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TQV was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland, arriving into Rockhampton Airport directly from Cairns as HND710.

File photo

VH-TQV later returned to Cairns again as HND710.

Of interest, VH-TQV was acquired by Hinterland Aviation earlier in the year from AviAir in South Australia after the Cessna Grand Caravan spent time operating for the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service as "Park Air 7".

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 May, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH, which arrived from Gold Coast late yesterday, departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona and back before then departing to Lady Elliott Island. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then flew to Labona and back before departing back to Archerfield. 

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to the Sunshine Coast before continuing to Rolleston Aerodrome and Yellow Bank Junction before then returning back to Wellcamp. 

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Robert Myers  ©