Melbourne-based Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OFJ Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 1 June, ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

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

Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M landed at Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

While new and just registered to Sutcliffe P/L Mackay, Tecnam P-2012 VH-HID, which landed in country last night from Norfolk Island into Brisbane and then the Gold Coast, departed to Goldie for Mackay Airport.

Finally, on Sunday 31 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG arrived into Roma Airport from Cairns before then departing to Sydney all as SKP552.

ConocoPhillips Company Gulfstream G-VII (G600) Bizjet N795CP Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 27 May, ConocoPhillips Company Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N795CP was spotted at Gladstone Airport.  It appears to have visited from Brisbane.

While Cirrus SR22T N312GM flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast. It later flew across to Maryborough Airport and then back to the Goldie.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG flew across from Ballera to Longreach Airport and then to Cairns as SKP551.

Finally, this week, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2N was spotted still parked at Rockhampton Airport after arriving into the country some time ago.

As shown, it still remains without engines...

Photos taken by 'AC' and John Lee  ©

North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 29 March, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU was spotted at Emerald Airport.  It had arrived from Port MacQuarrie.

UPDATE!  On Monday 30 March, VH-MBU departed Emerald Airport for Mareeba.

And Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Toowoomba and Cessnock.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Friday 27 March.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 28 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-007 as "Aussie 495" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before it then continued on to Townsville.

Whitsunday Helicopter Group / Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Mackay) Eurocopter EC135 P2 helicopter VH-ZGZ departed Gladstone Airport to Toowoomba, Armidale and Dyke Point/Newcastle.

And during the evening, Skytrans Dash-8-200B VH-TQX as "Skytrans 552" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Sydney.

Of interest, Skytrans, which took the SmartLynx brand in July last year to bring it into alignment with other airlines in the Avia Solutions Group, has recently brought back its former branding following the collapse of SmartLynx Latvia at the end of November.

Finally, also on Saturday 28 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-200 VH-YXW departed Australia for good.  It departed Darwin for Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru) in Malaysia as "Southern Cross 2611". 

It is reportedly due to continue to Toulouse in France via Gaya (India) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Of interest, VH-YXW made its final visit to Central Queensland on last visit on Wednesday 28 January as JST832/3 into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

VH-YXW then ferried from Tulla to Singapore the next day on Thursday 29 January before returning to Melbourne at the start of March and the next day, ferrying to Alice Springs for storage.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-FGJ Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 29 January,  Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart to back Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

While  Honeybee Air (Sydney) Cirrus SF50-G2 Vision Jet Arivee Xi VH-TEA flew up from Bankstown and Roma Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.

And re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF (c/n 183) arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. It then departed to Sydney and then back to Archerfield.

Of interest, also on Thursday 29 January, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services took delivery of their brand new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF (c/n 602) at Adelaide after it flew all the way from Stans Buochs in Switzerland via all stops!

Finally, also on Thursday 29 January, SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville while fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport to Townsville as SKP532.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 5 January, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before it then flew down to the Gold Coast and then back to Archerfield.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 January, Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba to Brisbane and then Barcaldine Airport.  It then continued to Winton for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 January, VH-NMW departed Winton for Julia Creek before then flying back to Barcaldine Airport and then Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Monday 5 January, the regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights into the CQ region are picking back up and continuing - and here is our chance to mention them - once!!

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-VEW was back at these places, as well as Emerald Airport, during the latter part of the week.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as ZD110 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then out to Lady Elliot Island

And at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site, there was SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-300s still visiting from Rockhampton Airport (VH-QQL) and Townsville Airport (VH-QQM).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK visited from Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 5 January and Wednesday 6 January, VH-LZK also visited Labona from and back to Mackay Airport.

Plus Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited from Archerfield and the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 January, VH-FAQ "Navair 173" visited Labona again, along with Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ from and back to Archerfield.

Hope this is of some interest!

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH Spotted Making First Visit to CQ at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 December, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH was spotted making what we believe was its first ever visit to Central Queensland visiting Emerald Airport from Brisbane on a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) charter flight as JTE358/9.

It looked to fly across from Adelaide into Brisbane via Prominent Hill on Friday 19 December.

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL flew down from Emerald Airport to Toowoomba-Wellcamp as PE746.  It had arrived the previous day from Archerfield as PE606.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH was spotted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 December, re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" flew up to Hamilton Island from the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne (Essendon) before returning to the Sunny Coast later.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport after flying down to Brisbane last week - as posted below! It then flew back down to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 December, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.

Finally, also on Wednesday 24 December, Smartlynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and this afternoon fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQI departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP532 to Cairns.

And Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 December, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR looked to complete a couple of visits to Maryborough Airport flying between there and Brisbane and also Canberra.

File photo

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange, Tamworth and Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport before later returning back down over the same route.

Smartlynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQI as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and this afternoon fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP532 to Cairns.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Maryborough Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Angel Flight Australia Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-AF4 visited Theodore Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter VH-8UL "Helitak 517", which arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport late yesterday, departed back to Bundy.

SmartLynx Australia Dash-8-202 VH-TQX Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 12 November, SmartLynx Australia Dash-8-202 VH-TQX as "Skytrans 541" was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before later departing to Sydney.

We presume it will then take up operating the SmartLynx Australia flights to Lord Howe Island.

UPDATE!  Indeed on Thursday 13 December, fellow SmartLynx Australia Dash-8-200 VH-TQS positioned from Sydney direct to Cairns.  Then on Tuesday 18 November, VH-TQS commenced a flight out of Australia via Darwin all the way over to Nairobi in Kenya.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Gippsland Aeronautics GA8 Airvan VH-MFI landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 November, VH-MFI plus fellow MAF GA8 Airvan VH-WOS departed Longreach Airport for Mareeba.

Nautilus Aviation Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-ZPH was noted departing Clermont Aerodrome. This registration marking is best known as being worn by a Virgin Australia Embraer E-190.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH landed at Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and this afternoon departed back to there.

ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then did survey work to the North before returning to Rocky.

LifeFlight Leonardo Helicopters S.P.A. (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-LF3 landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 November, AW139 LF3 departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa where it is now to be based.  Through the day, it then flew circuits at Mount Isa Airport and also at the Hospital.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Liam Sellick  ©

American-registered Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER (G-VI) Bizjet N988NC Pops into Whitsunday Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 29 August, American-registered (News Corporation) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER (G-VI) bizjet N988NC was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney. It then flew across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking before later returning to Hamo.

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Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  Across the weekend, on both Saturday 30 August and Sunday 31 August, it looked like VH-NJR visited Maryborough Airport on both days from Brisbane.

SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Roma Airport and Chinchilla Aerodrome before flying down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It looked to have arrived yesterday. 

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE! On Sunday 31 August, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 29 August, SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans Airlines) Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as 'SKP531' arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns while fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQB then departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns as 'SKP532'.

Of interest, SmartLynx' Dash-8-300s VH-QQL and VH-QQM swapped at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site between Rockhampton Airport and Townsville.

And Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHG "Helitak 515" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Goondiwindi and Toowoomba ahead of the Queensland bushfire season.

It is expected that the Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141" and possibly another Black Hawk helicopter - plus support aircraft - will arrive into Bundaberg Airport in the coming days.

Finally, also on Friday 29 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 22" flew up to Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Williamtown and was spotted as it completed 4 low over-shoot approaches.

It then returned to Williamtown.

Photos taken by Grahame Hutchison and Trevor Hardsman  ©

SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans Airlines) Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A 'SKP410' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 August, SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans Airlines) Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A as 'SKP410'  arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 August, SmartLynx Australia A319 VH-L7A now as 'SKP413' departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 August, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane. It later returned to the Sugar City.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast via the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 28 August, VH-ZDM departed Hamo for the Sunny Coast and the Goldie.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM visited Clermont Aerodrome from its Gayndah Aerodrome base.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN visited Rolleston Aerodrome from the Sunshine Coast via Injune Aerodrome.

And some Cirrus SR22s in the form of N312GM, VH-82C, VH-84T and VH-CPK all called into Emerald Airport on their way back 'home' from Darwin. 

Finally, late on Tuesday 26 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 70" completed airwork at Rockhampton and Emerald 

Airports while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Fellow C-27J Spartan A34-002 as "Wallaby 62" was also flying about the region and noted completing airwork at Roma Airport.

Photos taken by Scott Harris and 'IAD'  ©

Skytrans Airlines (now SmartLynx Australia) Starts Flights to Moranbah Airport from Cairns with Dash-8-100 VH-QQI

On Monday 30 June, Skytrans Airlines started flying between Cairns and Moranbah Airport with the first flight being operated by Dash-8-100 VH-QQI as SKP101/2.

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The flights are only Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights and operate each Monday and Tuesday.

At the time of writing, VH-QQI was due to fly back to Moranbah Airport twice from and back to Cairns on Tuesday 1 July as SKP103/4/5/6.

UPDATE!  In late July, Skytrans, part of the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider Avia Solutions Group, will now be known as SmartLynx Australia.  Avia Solutions Group acquired Skytrans in March 2024.

UPDATE!  From Monday, 22 September, SmartLynx Australia, in partnership with Whitehaven Coal, opened part of its FIFO charter services to the public, providing new travel opportunities for the Moranbah community. Ten seats on selected services between Cairns and Moranbah are available for community members at a fare of $299 each way.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL 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 11 June.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 June, it was noted that the Qantas/QantasLink Embraer E-190 flights have started using the callsign "Qlink" and the Aerlink ATR-72s have started using the "Aerolink" callsign plus flight numbers with the code 'AL'. 

Finally, Skytrans Airlines recently commenced operations out of Sydney to Lord Howe Island operating Dash-8-Q200 aircraft acquired from Qantas/QantasLink.  The first flight operated with a Skytrans flight number and callsign was on Saturday 10 May.

The acquired aircraft include VH-TQG which looked to position to Sydney from Cairns via Roma Airport on Wednesday 11 June.

The other aircraft acquired by Skytrans are VH-TQS and VH-TQX and we reckon could definitely make an appearance on the airline's flights from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - as well as Moranbah Airport with scheduled services from Cairns recently announced to start in July.

The Moranbah Airport flights will be operated by Dash-8-100/200 aircraft with the proposed schedule showing 3 weekly flights starting from Monday 30 June.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D Transport Aircraft VH-RPR at Old Station Airshow - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 May, and before we prepare our official Blog post on the Old Station Airshow, it was awesome to see McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D transport aircraft VH-RPR arrive into The Old Station Farm at Raglan from Scone in New South Wales.

The massive aircraft made a spectacular low pass over Old Station before coming back around and parking for the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 May, VH-RPR departed the Old Station and returned to Scone - where the other two Transall C-160D aircraft - VH-TIT and VH-RFW - are all presented stored.

Stand-by for more from the Old Station Airshow!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI completed a sports charter into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Cairns as SKP841/2.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.  It then departed back to Archerfield.

While the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ, which had flown up to Emerald Airport from Brisbane yesterday, flew across to Alpha Aerodrome and later departed there back to Brisbane.

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

Photos taken by Jo AwBlake  ©

Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-XDU Passes Through Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 May, Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-XDU passed through Rockhampton Airport arriving from Redcliffe and departing to Cairns as SKP588.  It looked to fly down in late February from Cairns again via Rockhampton Airport for re-painting at Redcliffe.

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

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172s VH-MAO and VH-WLX landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 May, both Cessna 172s departed Longreach Airport with VH-MAO heading to Townsville and VH-WLX heading up to Mareeba.

Finally, also on Wednesday 21 May, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before returning to Moorabbin.

Stored Aircraft Depart Rockhampton Airport and Return to Brisbane Airport to Re-enter Service Following TC Alfred - Plus More!

On Sunday 9 March, and with the worst of Tropical Cyclone Alfred out of the way for South-East Queensland, some sense of normality is returning to the skies as several of the parked-up aircraft departed Rockhampton Airport to re-enter service largely from Brisbane.

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190s VH-XVQ as QFA6281, VH-XVS as QFA6285, VH-UZF as QFA6283, VH-XVO as QFA6287, VH-XVX as QFA6289, VH-UZH as QFA6291 and VH-UZI as QFA6295 all departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Brisbane. 

Plus Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70s VH-NKU as UTY9822 and VH-NUU as UTY9821 and Fokker F-100 VH-UQG as UTY9820 also all departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 9 March, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU as RON314 departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane. It had arrived the previous evening from Darwin on a diversion from Brisbane as RON312.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-HPE as SH101 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa after several days parked out there.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And the welcome sight back in CQ of Skytrans Airlines Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A as SKP801 which flew down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to Brisbane.

Of interest, Skytrans has been cleared to start A319 wet-leasing operations, with CASA signing off on updates to its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).  After being purchased last year by global aviation firm Avia Solutions Group, Skytrans received its first A319, VH-L7A (ex LY-FAB), in mid-December and just received its second into Brisbane to be registered VH-L7C (ex LY-FAC).  VH-L7C is pictured below arriving into Toowoomba-Wellcamp from Brisbane to also escape TC Alfred.

Finally, also on Sunday 9 March, Brisbane-based Cessna 310R VH-NBI departed Rockhampton Airport for Quilpie and Coober Pedi.  It had arrived last week from Archerfield to avoid the weather.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 flew into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Ayr.

And over the last week, the LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets have continued to complete medical evacuation flights with some of them in and out of the region.

VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" has been noted visiting Longreach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

While VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was spotted (above) visiting Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 8 March and was noted also visiting Mackay, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast)  and Hervey Bay Airports.

Photos taken by Steve Vit, Tom Carmichael and Phil M  ©

Various Civil Helicopters Depart Rockhampton Airport - And Other CQ Places - To Arrive at the Sunshine Coast to form the 'Energex Aviation Crew' to Assist with TC Alfred Clean-up - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 March, a heap of different helicopters departed Rockhampton Airport (mostly) and other parts all heading South to the Sunshine Coast.  It is reported they are forming the 'Energex Aviation Crew' to assist with the relief efforts following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 VH-KFT

Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopters VH-YQK and VH-DTS.

Omni Executive (Canberra) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-AB3.

Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale / Eurocopter AS.350 B2 Squirrel helicopters VH-LBT and VH-LGG.

APA Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 VH-83Q.

Rotorco Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-LDH.

Cloncurry Mustering Services Robinson R66 VH-8C4. 

All of these helicopters flew down from Rockhampton Airport via either Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport or Bundaberg Airport before continuing to the Sunshine Coast.

Bush Heli-Services Bell 407 VH-8BU flew down from Clermont to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

 
Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 March, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 VH-UZK flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport as QFA1793 before it then departed to Townsville as QFA1790.

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-NUU as UTY9820 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI popped into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, arriving from Townsville and departing to Cairns as SKP902/3.

Photos taken by Alan Macdonald and James Hackett  ©

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopter A15-312 "Madcow 362" Spotted at Mackay Airport on Rescue Mission for Army Tiger ARH Helicopter at Clairview

On Sunday 23 February, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-312 as "Madcow 362" flew down from Townsville to Clairview between Rockhampton and Mackay.  

It is believed that it flew down the coast at low level and landed at Clairview to assist with getting a stranded Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter A38-007 "Marlin 11" back in the air after a forced landed on Friday 21 February.  The Tiger was one of two that flew North on Friday from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Rockhampton Airport and then Townsville.

Later, A15-302 "Madcow 362" flew into Mackay Airport where it was photographed above.  It later departed back down to Clairview before later flying back to Townsville in company with the Tiger A38-007 "Marlin 11" which also headed up to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 February, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.  It had flown there from Melbourne (Essendon) a couple days prior

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 February, VH-PPD departed Hamo for Sydney.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 February, VH-VEW landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane before then heading to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then down to Moree. 

Finally, on Saturday 22 February, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWO completed a sports charter flight from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport and then back as UTY3381/2.

And Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-XDU as 'SKP591' passed through Rockhampton Airport while flying down from Cairns to Redcliffe.

Skytrans Airlines New Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A Makes First Visit to Central Queensland at Mackay Airport

On Saturday 28 December, a nice first-time visitor into Central Queensland was Skytrans Airlines recently delivered Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A which was spotted on the ground at Mackay Airport.

It was completing its second test and training flight since being delivered and it touched down at Mackay Airport from Brisbane and Cairns as SKP451/2. It looked to complete training on the ground with local ground handlers and later departed back to Brisbane as SKP453.

The 22.5-year-old A319-112 was delivered to Skytrans Airlines in Brisbane as LY-FAB early on Monday 16 December as MVE9771. It is now owned by Skytrans' parent company Avia Solutions Group (ASG) and will launch its wet-leasing operations. Prior to that, the aircraft was operated in Italy Alitalia / ITA Airways as I-BIMJ / EI-IMJ.

ASG and Skytrans are in talks with several interested airlines and expect the A319 to be up and running by the middle of January, with a second and third aircraft to arrive early next year. ASG, which bought Skytrans earlier this year with an eye to using its valuable Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to start wet-leasing operations in Australia, has plans for up to 18 aircraft in the country. They currently operate a global fleet of 221 aircraft.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

File photo

Busy!

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