ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK Pops into Rockhampton Airport on ADF Charter - Plus Multiple Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 Charters

Late on Monday 28 July, ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as PARTEC820.

Then on Tuesday 29 July, VH-CYK was photographed loading before it then departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin as PARTEC821 operating what has reported to be a charter for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

VH-CYK then returned to Brisbane from Darwin as PARTEC822.

This is possibly the first time we have seen ASL Airlines Australia operating into Central Queensland.  Of interest, ASL Airlines Australia is the former Pionair - an Australian charter and cargo airline which is based at Bankstown Airport in Sydney - and was taken over in early March 2023.  It is a subsidiary of ASL Aviation Holdings.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 29 July, there were three Virgin Australia closed charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and Darwin operated by three different Boeing B737-800 aircraft which all flew up from Brisbane at different times during the day - VH-FH arrived as VOZ9901 and departed as VOZ9002, VH-YFE in as VOZ9905 and out VOZ9006 and VH-YFS in as VOZ9909 and out as VOZ9010.

These were also believed to be closed charter flights for the ADF.

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 41" Pops into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 1 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 41" was noted visiting Moranbah Airport from the Sunshine Coast via Brisbane.

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And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 1 February, Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS departed the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site for Rockhampton Airport and then Archerfield.  It had arrived at Labona from Townsville at the start of the week.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESH was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Townsville. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport and then back to Brisbane. 

And Savannah LSA 19-2020 as "Savannah 2020" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Iveragh and a bit later departed back to there.

Finally, also on Thursday 1 February, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW departed Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport as QFA7422 but could not land there due to the weather.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and then later departed to Brisbane as QFA7425. 

Photo taken by Alan Macdonald  ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC VH-SIF Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 19 January, something a little different with Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) VH-SIF operating the early morning freight flight up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports from and back to Brisbane as QFA7424.

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UPDATE!  VH-SIF in fact operated from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Cairns as QFA7424/7298.  There was no flight into Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW had been operating the flights into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during the rest of this past week.

It seems that the 'regular' airframe operating the run - Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV - could be in for some planned maintenance after flying into Pionair's Bankstown base earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back to Townsville and Cairns.

Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as Machflight 55 landed at Bundaberg Airport from Cairns and then departed to Lizard Island.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport and then departed to Archerfield.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL flew a maintenance flight as SKP543 out from Rockhampton Airport to around the Keppels and back.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Flys into Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 22 December, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ flew up from Bankstown to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 December, VH-IEQ now as "Navair 131" departed Bowen Aerodrome for Townsville.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew into Mackay Airport from Cairns via low level airwork off the Whitsunday Coast.  It then returned to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Brisbane. 

JV Regional P/L Cessna 421B VH-DEG flew into Charleville Airport from Shepparton.  It then continued up to Ingham.

While National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP visited Charleville Airport from Brisbane as JET398/9.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and back as SKP745/6.

And Philippines registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 RP-C1728, which had landed at Toowoomba around seven months ago, flew out and to the North-West from there.

Finally, also on Friday 22 December, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR making a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7425.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7298.  

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 November, the now becoming a familiar sight of Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD called into Hamilton Island Airport again, this time from Bankstown via the Shellharbour Airport at Woolongong and Adelaide.

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VH-CAD also visited Hamo last weekend!

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-CAD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane, Sydney and Bankstown.

And the very familiar sight (almost daily visits) of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in CQ once again, this time calling to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew up to Townsville and Cairns before calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then back to Brisbane,

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 November, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Alpha Aerodrome from Archerfield. It was also there from Ambilindum and Longreach Airport on Tuesday 21 November. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-PGA departed Alpha Aerodrome and returned to Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT, which had landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed there for Moura Aerodrome and then to Springsure Aerodrome.  It then looked to continue to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-MPT departed Emerald Airport for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Thargomindah and back to Wellcamp. 

Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ departed its Toowoomba base for Rockhampton Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, VH-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 November, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane after arriving into Rocky early on Tuesday morning and presumably encountering a technical problem.

Photo taken by Jake Weir  ©

Recently Delivered Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 21 September, recently delivered Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

https://www.facebook.com/navairjets

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

This is the first time we have noted VH-X8X in Central Queensland since it was registered in May this year.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 September, VH-X8X departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 21 September, there was another charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393.

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

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB had a busy day, flying up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Toowoomba, Archerfield and Roma Airport before then flying back down to Toowoomba.  It later flew to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Tamworth.

Trans Wonderland Holdings P/L Cessna 208 Caravan I Blackhawk VH-FLL departed Bundaberg Airport for the North.  It appears to have arrived just over a week ago.

Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried up to the Lakeside Airpark for parachuting operations at Laguna Quays.  It flew up from Bankstown via Caloundra.  VH-FYC had previously been operating in Victoria and New South Wales.

VH-FYC looks to have replaced fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-XFB which departed the Whitsundays area on Tuesday 19 September and flew down to Bankstown via Caloundra.

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 206 VH-KQM landed at Emerald Airport from Cairns, Vanrook Station and Ingham.  It then did a short hop to the South-East before later returning to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 September, VH-KQM departed Emerald Airport and flew up to Ingham and Vanrook Station before then continuing to Mareeba.

Finally, also on Thursday 21 September, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV flew up from Brisbane and had two attempts to land at Rockhampton Airport but was unable to due to fog.  It continued up to Mackay Airport, but then later returned to Rockhampton Airport as QFA7425. 

It then departed to Brisbane as QFA7424.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton (and Mackay) Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Wednesday 19 July, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Adelaide as SFZ9090/696.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Adelaide but as SFZ9088.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-IKJ departed Adelaide for Newcastle (Williamtown) before then flying up to Mackay Airport all as SFZ716.  VH-IKJ then returned to Brisbane from Mackay Airport but as SFZ9093.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 July, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 123" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and is due to return to there later in the evening. 

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before returning down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Hellwin Aviation (Emerald) Robinson R44 II VH-TIB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then departed to Agnes Water.  VH-TIB looked to later reverse the flight and return to Shute Harbour.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-SGQ flew back South from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before returning to Brisbane. 

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-CJJ looked to visit Gladstone Airport, arriving from the South and looked to depart to the West.

And New South Wales registered Lancair IV VH-LKG, which landed at Longreach Airport on Monday, departed there to Aramac to Birdsville Airports. 

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW First Visit to CQ at Mackay and Rockhampton Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 May, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW made what we believe to be its first visit into Central Queensland - and it was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport on what appeared to be a different 'rotation'.

It flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport first as QFA7421 before then popping into Rockhampton Airport as QFA7425 and then departing back to Brisbane as QFA7426.

Of interest, the much-travelled freighter found a home in Australia in late 2016 with Pionair Australia and soon after, it began operating freight flights for Virgin Australia including up to Townsville and Cairns.  VH-SFW maintains the basic orange colour scheme of its former operators that flew on behalf of TNT Freight.

And also spotted at Rockhampton Airport, also on Tuesday 16 May, was Sharp Aviation (ex Toll) Metro III Freighter VH-UZP which arrived from Brisbane as SH162 before continuing to Mackay Airport as the same.  

After parking for the day, it is currently flying back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport but as SH161.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 May, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was in the region again, visiting Rockhampton Airport from its Brisbane base.

While the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before returning there but via Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 May, VH-PSY once again visited Rockhampton Airport but from Cairns direct.

And a couple of the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights were again noted operating with Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arriving into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Plus DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back, calling into Mackay Airport on the way up and then Rockhampton Airport on the return flight.  

It appears that VH-NPZ completed a couple of runs to Gladstone Airport and back to Bundaberg Airport over the last couple of days.

Finally, also on Tuesday 16 May, some small Cirrus aircraft were noted flying up and down through the region.

Victoria based Cirrus SR22s - Tomfoolery Holdings VH-8AT and Weztex P/L VH-CFD - landed at Gladstone Airport from Townsville.  They had flown from Sweers Island in Far North Queensland to Cairns a couple of weeks ago then to Townsville a week ago.  They then departed to Gold Coast.

NSW based Sercon Aviation SR22 VH-IRP flew up into the region from the Gold Coast, but its exact movements are not fully known.

And new SR22 VH-FBT flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Gold Coast.

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ "Navair 199" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 24 April, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 199" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 24 April, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  VH-FAQ later flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TLH and VH-TQW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport respectively.

They, along with VH-FAQ, then all flew out to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 25 April, VH-FAQ, VH-TLH and VH-TQW all departed Rockhampton Airport once again to Labona and are due back into Rockhampton Airport before then departing to their respective home ports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 April, Seair Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW actually stayed at Rockhampton Airport from the previous night, departed for Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay Airport.

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

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Thargomindah then departed to Wellcamp. 

And Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa before it then departed to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Monday 24 April, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as "Skyforce 9097".  It then departed to Brisbane as "Skyforce 9098".

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 March, Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as 'SFZ9089' / "Skyforce 9089".   Then on Thursday 30 March, VH-SYO departed Rockhampton Airport for Horn Island as 'SFZ644' / "Skyforce 644" on what seems to be one of the regular school student charter flights.  VH-SYO then flew down to Brisbane as 'SFZ9079' / "Skyforce 9079".

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew down from Brisbane to Melbourne (Essendon) and then up to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then returned to Brisbane.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted departing Blackall Airport for Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Archerfield.  It looked to have flown up there the previous day.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 30 March, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield direct.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and then back to the capital.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEB flew down from Horn Island to land at Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane.  It appears that VH-VEB flew North from Brisbane to Charters towers Aerodrome and then Horn Island the previous day.

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  ©

Southern Cross University / Eastern Air Link Cessna 337G VH-AEV Operating at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

As it has done each day so far this month, on Wednesday 29 March, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV completed an aerial survey flight out of and back to Gladstone Airport.

VH-AEV at Gladstone Airport last week

Research reveals that VH-AEV first arrived into Gladstone Airport from Port Macquarie on Friday 3 March and almost each day since it has completed an aerial survey flight out of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.  It has been reported that South Cross University is utilising VH-AEV to complete complex research of the Reef.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 April, VH-AEV finally departed Gladstone Airport one final time, returning to Port Macquarie via Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 March, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 March, VH-UJU departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Stirling Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 VH-HKC was noted flying between Rockhampton Airport and Gladstone Airport.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY flew up from Armidale to Mackay Airport before later returning there but via Port Macquarie. 

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew out from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Charleville and Emerald Airports before then returning back to Wellcamp. 

While locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR departed Rockhampton Airport for the Rolleston Open Cut Mine with a heap of people on board.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And of the other Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport before then flying back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

It also looks like VH-HLL also visited Mackay Airport but on Tuesday 28 March, flying down from Townsville and out to Labona and then back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

Finally, also on Wednesday 29 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew down from Weipa to Mackay Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had flown North over that route on Monday 27 March. 

American-Registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield.  It had flown up there last Wednesday 22 March.

While Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns and operated around the Herbert Creek area East of Ogmore and Marlborough for a while before it then moved to the North-East part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before eventually returning to Cairns. 

And Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR looked to operate a delayed freight service into both Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport.  It departed Brisbane and firstly called into Mackay Airport as QFA7424 before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport as QF7425.  VH-SQR then returned to Brisbane from Rocky as QF7426.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©️

Pionair Australia (Skyforce Cargo) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV Calls into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 11 March, Pionair Australia (Skyforce Cargo) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV was noted visiting Longreach Airport twice while on a closed freight charter flight from Brisbane to The Monument (a.k.a. Phosphate Hill Airport) in Western Queensland.

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It flew as SFZ914/915 and later departed Longreach Airport for Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 11 March, Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO looked to also depart Longreach Airport but for Caloundra.  It seems to have arrived a couple of days prior.

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMZ flew back from Adelaide (Parafield) via Charleville Airport to its Emerald landing site.  It looked to have flown down there to South Australia last year!

And Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-EUM flew up from Redcliffe to Bundaberg Airport, The Old Station, Rockhampton Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and finally, Mareeba.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 March, VH-EUM continued up to Papua New Guinea (PNG) via a few stops in Far North Queensland.

Finally, also on Saturday 11 March, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQA completed a sports charter into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Cairns as UTY3385/6.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" called into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Brisbane and Toowoomba (Wellcamp) and later departing to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'TM'  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ "Navair 131" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 March, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

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While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield. 

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport before then calling into Bundaberg Airport and Gladstone Airport before returning to Brisbane.

And overnight and in the wee small hours of Wednesday 8 March, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Townsville and later departed to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 March, Nebrean P/L Hawker Beechcraft B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-JHP was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from Toowoomba and Orange before later departing to Tennant Creek. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 March, VH-JHP was photographed above arriving back into Rockhampton Airport from Tennant Creek before it then departed to Orange and back to Toowoomba.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY flew up from Brisbane to the Newlands Coal Mine site before then flying down to Rolleston Aerodrome and Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 March, C441 VEY departed Emerald Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome and then Newcastle (Williamtown). 

Finally, also on Wednesday 8 March, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR called into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as QFA7421.  It later returned to the capital but as QFA7424. 

It also looks like VH-SQR called into Mackay Airport on Tuesday 7 March, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7298 and departing to Cairns as QFA7299.

Photos taken by 'JM' and John Lee  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton Airport Again - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 February, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted completing a training flight into Rockhampton Airport.

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The Embraer arrived from and then later depart back to Brisbane and was heard to use the flight numbers and callsigns of "Skyforce 9078/9" for its flights.

While on the ground at Rockhampton Airport, crew changes occurred as well.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Gold Coast base. 

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport once again from its Mareeba base via Cairns. 

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Maitland.

Finally, also on Wednesday 8 February, 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 Thargomindah and Port Lincoln.  It is due to continue to Forest and Jandakot in Western Australia the next day.

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VH-PXT has been 'on holidays' at Shute Harbour since just before Christmas last year.

Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM visited Emerald Airport from its Gayndah Aerodrome base.

Piper PA-34-200 Seneca VH-IAJ arrived into Emerald Airport from Tamworth.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 February, VH-IAJ departed Emerald Airport and returned to Tamworth.

Brisbane-based Hawker Beechcraft G36 Bonanza VH-DYH visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Private (New South Wales) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-MHV called into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before later departing to its Scone base.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Boulia and Barrow Creek before returning direct to Rockhampton Airport.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM landed at Bundaberg Airport from Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 February, VH-PVM departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Dubbo Wagga Wagga direct. 

While new Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before then continuing up to Townsville and Cairns.  It flew up to Hervey Airport from Bankstown, Gunnedah, Inverell and Archerfield the previous day and looks to be the third of five new Bell 407 helicopters on delivery to Cairns-based Nautilus Aviation.

And Hinterland Aviation Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NTQ flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Lee Holloway  ©

Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR Pops into Mackay Airport - First Visit to CQ! - Plus More!

Early on Tuesday 7 February, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR made a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7298.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7299.

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This is believed to be the first visit by VH-SQR into Central Queensland since it was registered and delivered to Pionair Australia in late 2020.  The BAe 146-300(QT) has been a freighter since it was built in 1989 and operated by various companies in several countries in Europe.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 February, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Rockhampton Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Also visiting Rockhampton Airport was Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - South-Eastern Section - Textron B300C Super King Air VH-MQK.  It was heard to fly as "FlyDoc 286" and arrived from and later departed back to Melbourne (Essendon).

Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA also visited Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Dubbo and later departing to Kidston.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 February, VH-WJA returned to Rockhampton Airport from Kidston before later departing back to Dubbo.

Recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew from Rockhampton Airport to the Sunshine Coast and back.

Vectra Holdings (Basair Australia) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee VH-VDQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Bundaberg Airport before then departing to Hamilton Island Airport but returning to land at Rockhampton Airport for the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 February, VH-VDQ departed Rockhampton Airport and landed at Emerald Airport.  It later continued out to Longreach Airport.  On Thursday 9 February, VH-VDQ departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Plus, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK called into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.

Also at Bundaberg Airport, Balus Air of Warrnambool (Victoria) Piper PA-31-350 VH-LGX visited from Redcliffe.  It had arrived the previous day from Warrnambool via Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 February and Thursday 9 February, VH-LGX again visited Bundaberg Airport from Redcliffe.

While also out my way in Central Western Queensland, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Pekal Aviation Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-TRA visited Longreach Airport from Goondiwindi.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then back.  It had flown across from Alice Springs to Mount Isa and then Townsville the previous day.

After arriving on Australia Day, Royal Victorian Aero Club Cessna 172S VH-LSP finally departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Cairns.

While Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO visited Moranbah Airport once again, arriving from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and later departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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

Finally, also on Tuesday 7 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP510 before operating a flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB, which arrived yesterday, completed two trips to Labona and back and then departed to Brisbane as SKP511.

Of interest, Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQL was noted again visiting Labona from Townsville, as was Dash-8-100 VH-QQG.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted completing the 'Tuesday' run from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Labona and back as HND290/1/2/3.  Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-HLL continue to operate out of Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY at a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 2 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY had a busy day of flying between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

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It looked to actually arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the North-West the previous day before then completing three flights out to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Friday 3 February, VH-ZSY departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast before later visiting Maryborough Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 2 February, Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCX as "Careflight 24" was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Bankstown.  It then departed to Darwin.

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

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Cairns and departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 3 February, VH-SGQ was back at Rockhampton Airport, visiting from Brisbane.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew down from Moura Aerodrome to Archerfield and then back before then flying all the way down from Moura Aerodrome to Tamworth in New South Wales.

Gladstone Aviation (Hunters Hill, New South Wales) Cirrus SR22 VH-FIF looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 4 February, VH-FIF departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bankstown.

Locally-based Stringair Vision Beech A36 Bonanza VH-YLL completed a trip from Rockhampton Airport to the Sunshine Coast and back to Rocky.

As did Comet-based Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC but it then returned to the Sunshine Coast from Rockhampton Airport once again before then continuing to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 3 February, VH-RTC returned to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has visited Gladstone Airport in the evening from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Thursday 2 February, something a little different with Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) VH-SIF operating the early morning freight flight up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports from and back to Brisbane.

However, VH-SIF as "Qantas 7421" from Brisbane aborted its landing at Rockhampton Airport due to low cloud and instead flew onwards direct to Mackay Airport.  It later it returned to Rockhampton Airport as "Qantas 7420" before then departing to Brisbane as "Qantas 7424". 

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-MQX Calls into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 1 February, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 169" was noted arriving into Moranbah Airport from Bankstown.

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After spending the day parked, VH-MQX "Navai 169" departed Moranbah Airport and returned to Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 1 February, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from its Toowoomba base.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up to Moura Aerodrome again from Archerfield.  It then flew across to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Moura Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 February, VH-PGA flew back to Archerfield from Moura Aerodrome.  It then returned to Moura Aerodrome before flying down to Tamworth.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

While Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew down to Gladstone Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY visited Longreach Airport from its Cloncurry Airport base.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.

Finally, also on Wednesday 1 February, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as "Skyforce 9078/9".

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 26 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Sydney.

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Meanwhile, also on Thursday 26 January, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

While Royal Victorian Aero Club Cessna 172S VH-LSP flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It looks like VH-LSP has spent the last week and-a-half flying up through Victoria and New South Wales after taking off from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI flew from Mackay Airport to Redcliffe where it then completed a local aerial survey flight before then flying up to Gayndah Aerodrome for the night.  VH-YSI had flown into Mackay Airport from Cairns earlier in the week.

Finally, late on Wednesday 25 January, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as "Skyforce 9078/9".

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton Airport Twice! - Plus More!

On Thursday 5 January, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted completing a pair of training flights that both called into Rockhampton Airport.

VH-IKJ departs Brisbane Airport last week on a flight also up to Rockhampton Airport

Both flights saw the Embraer arrive from and then later depart back to Brisbane.

VH-IKJ flew as "Skyforce 9076/7/8/9" for its flights.

While on the ground at Rockhampton Airport, crew changes occurred as well.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 5 January, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted calling into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to fly up from the Sunshine Coast and looks to be spending at least night at Hamo.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ called into Roma Airport while flying up from Archerfield to its Natal Downs property 'base'.

Finally, also on Thursday 5 January, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Aero Professional Services Piper PA-46-310P Malibu VH-BGK looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from its Emerald (Denison Downs) base.

And after arriving last Thursday 29 December, Victoria-based Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Bourke and then Tyabb.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton Airport Twice!

On Thursday 29 December, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted completing a pair of training flights that both called into Rockhampton Airport.

Both flights saw the Embraer arrive from and then later depart back to Brisbane.

VH-IKJ flew as "Skyforce 9076/7/8/9" for its flights.

While on the ground at Rockhampton Airport, crew changes occurred as well.

Meanwhile, as mentioned previously, former Pionair Embraer E-190 (ERJ-190-100 LR) VH-SEF has been acquired by Alliance Airlines and was ferried back to Brisbane from Townsville on Wednesday 12 October.  It was then promptly re-registered at the start of November as VH-XFC and was photographed below parked at Brisbane Airport at the end of November. 

VH-XFC (ex VH-SEF) is yet to enter service with Alliance Airlines. 

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Lloyd Fox  ©