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

On Wednesday 12 May, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC departed Biloela / Thangool Airport for Emerald Airport.  It had arrived at Bilo from its Sunshine Coast base the previous day.

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After spending the day parked, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 May, BK Hire (Toowoomba) Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-TTX arrived into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba before it then flew up to Collinsville Aerodrome.  VH-TTX later returned to Emerald and then Toowoomba Airports.

This appears to be a weekly flight by the Navajo.

Finally, also on Wednesday 12 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted calling into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive from and later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 Completes Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 12 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 was spotted as it completed a missed approach and low overshoot at Rockhampton Airport.

It appears that the Wedgetail flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle direct to Rockhampton. After completing the airwork, A30-003 departed Rockhampton Airport to RAAF Base Amberley where it landed for some time. It then returned back directly to Williamtown.

Of interest, A30-003 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 11".

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 May, a pair of RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were both noted in the area, with one completing a missed approach at Roma Airport.

A32-988 as "Hudson 07" flew up from RAAF Base East Sale to Dubbo then to Roma Airport where it completed a missed approach.  It then flew across to the Sunshine Coast.

While A32-426 "Hudson 06" also flew up from Sale to Dubbo but didn't come through Central Queensland, instead completing airwork at Inverell in New South Wales before continuing to the Sunshine Coast. 

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-005 Completes Missed Approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Tuesday 11 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted completing a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It was flying as "Wedgetail 04" and came up from RAAF Base Williamtown direct to Hervey Bay.  After the airwork, A30-005 then flew South and landed at RAAF Base Amberley before eventually returning to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 May, new Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was spotted at Bundaberg Airport.

It looked to fly up from and then return to Brisbane via the Sunshine Coast.

Also noted calling into Bundaberg Airport, also on Tuesday 11 May, was Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ.  It looked to arrive from Archerfield before later returning there via Kingaroy.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 May, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport during a busy day of flying.  It looked to arrive from Bankstown before departing to Melbourne (Essendon).

VH-UYX then flew to the Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport and Sydney before returning to Bankstown.

And Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was noted arriving into Biloela / Thangool Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

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

UPDATE!  Early on Wednesday 12 May, VH-MMC departed Biloela / Thangool Airport and continued to Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Tuesday 11 May, Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ once again flew into Emerald Airport from Moree before continuing this time to Ayr.  It then returned directly to Moree.

Of interest, VH-MPQ called into Emerald Airport three times last week while flying between Moree, Ayr and Pinnarendi - see Blog posts below.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYT looked to fly from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Wanella Station (near Coppabella) before flying back there.

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

All photos taken by Peter Sajko  ©

Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE Back at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 10 May, Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE made yet another visit to Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from the Gold Coast via Caloundra

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During the afternoon, VH-PLE departed Bundy for Maryborough Airport, before continuing back to Caloundra and the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 10 May, Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-WSF visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from its Archerfield base.

Sunshine Coast-based Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga VH-PDY departed Rockhampton Airport for Caloundra.  It had arrived from the Sunshine Coast last Friday 7 May. 

And Aero Logistics Cessna 441 VH-YFD completed yet more aerial survey work West of Bundaberg and then Maryborough while on a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Monday 10 May, Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Coominya before it then departed to the Herbertvale Cattleyards (North-West of Mount Isa, near the Queensland/Northern Territory border).

Sincere thanks to the Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting Facebook page for allowing us to share their great photo of VH-PLE!

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 Completes a Missed Approaches at Rockhampton and Emerald Airports

On Friday 7 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 was spotted as it completed a missed approach and low overshoot at Rockhampton Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Stallion 42".

It appears that the Globemaster flew up to Rocky from RAAF Base Amberley via some airwork off the South-East Queensland coast.  After completing the missed approach at Rockhampton Airport, A41-209 then headed inland where it appeared to complete another missed approach but at Emerald Airport. 

The Globemaster then returned to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Kayanne H who was at the right place at the right time to capture these great photos!

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©️

Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week) Arrivals and Visitors to Rockhampton Airport on Thursday

As Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week) rolls on in Rockhampton, some more nice bizjets and light General Aviation (GA) aircraft have visited Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 6 May including another visit by a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet.

Pilatus Aircraft PC-24 'Super Verstaile Jet' corporate bizjet VH-FGM visited from its Adelaide base. 

Gold Coast-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-OXF returned to Rocky from Brisbane via Roma Airport.  It again returned South later in the day. 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 as "Envoy 52" arrived from and later departed back to Canberra. 

Drury Farming Co Piper PA-28-236 Dakota VH-EDB arrived from its Miles base. 

Walhallow Pastoral Co (Nothern Territory) Cessna 182 VH-ZJD arrived from the West. 

Tansey-based Van's RV-10 VH-JRV arrived from the North and later departed back in that direction. 

Moree-based Cessna 210 VH-FGY arrived from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It had flown up from New South Wales the previous day.

And Jampair P/L Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ arrived from Bankstown and Brisbane.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA arrived back direct from Alice Springs before later departing to Moree and Archerfield.  It had departed Rocky for Alice Springs the previous day. 

Hawker Beechcraft B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-JHP arrived from Toowoomba, Roma and Rolleston Airports before then departing to Toowoomba.  During the afternoon, VH-JHP flew up to Rolleston Aerodrome and back to Roma Airport and Toowoomba again. 

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ visited from Brisbane. 

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC arrived back at Rockhampton Airport from Emerald Airport before it departed to the Sunshine Coast. 

And the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived back from Gladstone Airport before later departing to Brisbane.

Other departures departures were highlighted by BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU which departed to Casino and Tamworth.  It had arrived from Tamworth on Monday 3 May. 

Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA departed to Hughenden.

North Australian Pastoral Co Cessna 182 VH-WLQ departed to Clermont. 

Brisbane-based Cessna 182 VH-EVC departed to Archerfield.  It is unclear when it actually arrived! 

And Cessna 182 VH-CPY departed to Goondiwindi, while Cirrus SR22 VH-USW to Bundaberg, Redcliffe and Tamworth Airports.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Spotted at Emerald Airport

During the afternoon on Wednesday 5 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" was spotted on the ground at Emerald Airport. It looked to arrive from Townsville.

After almost an hour on the ground, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" then departed Emerald Airport for Brisbane.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week) Arrivals and Visitors to Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday incl RAAF B737 BBJ A36-001 Back as “Envoy 47” and Queensland Government Corporate Aircraft

As Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week) rolls on in Rockhampton, some more nice bizjets and light General Aviation (GA) aircraft arrived or visited Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 4 May, including both Queensland Government corporate aircraft bringing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as well as the RAAF private jet which collected Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Aero Optics Aero Commander 500-S VH-JAJ arrived from its Bundaberg Airport base and in the afternoon, it departed back to there.

Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed to Longreach Airport and at lunch time arrived back at Rocky.

Olsson Ag P/L Cirrus SR22 VH-USW arrived from Redcliffe and Bundaberg Airports.  It flew North from Tamworth in New South Wales the previous day. 

Beech F33A Bonanza VH-ZWB arrived from its Capella base and in the afternoon, it departed back to there.

Albury (New South Wales) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ returned to Rocky from Bankstown after departing to there yesterday.  VH-JSZ later departed to Bundaberg Airport where it appeared to be overnighting. 

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was spotted visiting from its Archerfield base. 

Hughenden based Cessna 182 VH-PKV arrived from Gregory Springs. 

Cessna 182 VH-JLM also arrived from its Hughenden base.

Gold Coast-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-OXF looked to fly up from Brisbane to the Roma area before calling into Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Brisbane. 

Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA arrived from Charters Towers. 

Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO arrived once again from Brisbane before then returning there later in the day. 

Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA arrived from Toowoomba. 

Piper PA-46R-350T Malibu VH-NYG visited once again from its Dalby base.

And Amateur-built Van's RV-7A VH-PXP arrived from its Dirranbandi base.

Meanwhile, there were a couple of helicopter visitors, also on Tuesday 4 May, including Heli Qld Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-WJY which arrived from Toowoomba. 

BCP Farming (Mulgildie) Robinson R66 VH- TAI arrived and departed. 

And Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-EUM arrived and departed a couple of times. 

A couple of departures included Paraway Pastoral Co Cessna 182 VH-YDU which departed Rockhampton Airport for Longreach Airport and then Rocklands.

Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ departed to Bundaberg Airport and then the Gold Coast. 

And Cessna 210 VH-YLS departed to Cairns. 

Finally, of the VIP visitors, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Envoy 47" returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane to collect Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and others.

It later departed to Cairns and then Townsville.

While two of the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Airwing aircraft departed Longreach Airport and brought the Queensland Premier, Ministers and support staff to Rockhampton Airport.

The Government's Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY later departed to Gladstone Airport and Brisbane, while  the Government's Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ departed and looked to be spending the night parked at Gladstone Airport.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Queensland Government Aircraft call into Barcaldine and Longreach Airports for Labour Day Celebrations and a Country Cabinet - Plus More!

On Monday 3 May, Queensland Labour Day celebrations and a Queensland Government Community Cabinet Meeting resulted in two of the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Airwing aircraft bringing the Queensland Premier, Ministers and support staff to both Barcaldine and Longreach Airports.

The Government's Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY arrived into Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane before later flying across to Longreach Airport.

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While the Government's Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also arrived into Longreach Airport but direct from Brisbane.

At the time of writing, both aircraft appear to be spending the night parked at Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 May, VH-SGY flew across to Rockhampton Airport before flying down to Gladstone Airport and then back to Brisbane.  While VH-SGQ also flew across to Rockhampton Airport before it too flew down to Gladstone Airport but it stayed parked.

Meanwhile, also noted calling into Longreach Airport, also on Monday 3 May, was Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA.  It arrived from Darwin and later departed to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Monday 3 May, Hinterland Aviation completed an aircraft swap at Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS flying down from Cairns as 'HND790' before a little later, fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC departed to Cairns also as 'HND790'.  

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK remains operating out of Rockhampton Airport.

Cirrus SR22 VH-CWG flew out from the Sunshine Coast to Tambo and then Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to the Sunny Coast.

And Handel Aviation Cessna 210 VH- ZIK and Cessna 310 VH-NXS both landed at Gladstone Airport.  VH-ZIK flew up from the Gold Coast while VH-NXS flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) via Charleville Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©