NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-8GK Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Also on Tuesday 25 August, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-8GK visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

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Believed to be New Zealand-based Piper PA32R-301 Saratoga SP N100NA, which had flown across from NZ to the Gold Coast last Tuesday and Wednesday, then from Toowoomba to Gladstone Airport on Sunday 23 August, departed there for Bowen Aerodrome.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Rockwell (AeroCommander) 690A VH-YJG landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mount Isa.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 60" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before returning back to Amberley.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 as "Wallaby 57" flew up from Amberley to complete several approaches at Bundaberg Airport and then to one at Taroom before returning to back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2026 - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '734' Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 25 August, it was exciting to see the first movement touch down in support of the upcoming annual Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB26) with The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '734' spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying down from Darwin as 'SAF9676'. It had arrived there from Singapore the previous day.

It parked on the Northern military hardstand and looked to be loaded with various pieces of equipment.

Of interest, the Herc is one of six C-130H aircraft which are flown by the RSAF's 122 Squadron "Condors" based at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in Singapore.  The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 August, C-130H '734' departed to Darwin again as 'SAF9676'.

Local plane spotters are once again on the countdown to the annual Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB26), which is set to kick off at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) north of Rockhampton from Sunday 6 September until Monday 2 November 2026. 

This year's exercise will be the 36th edition of Exercise Wallaby, which has been held in Central Queensland since 1990, and is the SAF's largest overseas military training exercise. 

It will bring together personnel and equipment from the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), with training expected to take place over three phases – 6-26 September, 27 September-17 October and 18 October-2 November.

Of particular interest to aviation enthusiasts will be the expected participation of RSAF Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters flown by 120 Squadron 'Kestrel', Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters flown by 127 Squadron 'Stallion' based at Oakey and Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. 

These aircraft are expected to support a range of air-land integrated training activities, including troop transport, heavy lifting and close air support operations. 

As in previous years, Rockhampton Airport is expected to be a hive of activity as personnel and equipment arrive for the exercise, with the possibility of some interesting military transport and heavy cargo and passenger jet aircraft movements in the lead-up to proceedings. 

Hopefully there will be plenty of great aircraft movements for local plane spotters to capture over the coming weeks!

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 "Stallion 46" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport A41-212 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Stallion 46" and looked to arrive from RAAF Base Amberley.

As shown, personnel and equipment were loaded and soon after, the Globemaster departed to Townsville.

Also on Friday 21 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-440 as "Trojan 12" visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

As shown, it too transported personnel and equipment up to Townsville.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Finally, on Thursday 20 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 15" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-002 now as "Wedgetail 17" flew back up from Williamtown to complete a couple more missed approaches at Hervey Bay Airport before again returning back to Williamtown.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  © 

Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 August, Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Mackay Airport and late this afternoon departed there to Alice Springs. It was also noted visiting Mackay Airport last week too.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport to Augathella and Dalby.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-002 now as "Mitchel 07" completed another flight up from Williamtown to complete more airwork at Hervey Bay Airport and then back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, on Monday 17 August, Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT visited Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Sunday 16 August, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU, which had landed at Barcaldine Airport from Quilpie on Saturday, departed Barcaldine Airport for Cairns.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 August, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns before later flying down to Sydney.

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And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421/06" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 August. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 11" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 37" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to into The Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then down to RAAF Base Amberley.

And the two RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft deployed to Townsville, continue to fly down and complete missions and airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and also West of Townsville as "Reaper" and "Rake".

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Roulettes Aerobatic Display Team Call into Rockhampton Airport and Put on a Spectacular Display - Nice!

On Thursday 13 August, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) elite formation aerobatic display team - the Roulettes - made a welcome visit to Rockhampton Airport, where they were spotted arriving before later taking to the skies to perform an impressive aerobatic display.

The Roulettes arrived into Rockhampton Airport flying their distinctive red and white Pilatus PC-21 turboprop training aircraft, which are operated by the RAAF's Central Flying School based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.  The seven aircraft that have flown North for their performances have been identified as A54-020, A54-021, A54-023, A54-024, A54-034, A54-035 and A54-044.

The team was visiting Rockhampton as part of a busy week of flying displays across Queensland, having performed at the Brisbane Ekka the previous day and ahead of their scheduled appearance at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast over this coming weekend.

After arriving and parking at Rockhampton Airport, members of the team took the opportunity to meet with local aviation enthusiasts and members of the public at the plane spotters viewing area on Apron Drive.

Then, during the afternoon, six of the Roulettes' PC-21 aircraft took to the skies over Rockhampton Airport for an impressive formation aerobatic display.

The display featured the team's trademark close formation flying, precision manoeuvres and spectacular aerobatics as the aircraft twisted, turned and swept across the Rockhampton skies.

What an awesome sight - and sound!

Following the completion of their display, the Roulettes returned to Rockhampton Airport.  Their visit to Central Queensland was only a brief one, however, with the Roulettes later departing Rockhampton Airport and heading South to the Gold Coast, where they were scheduled to perform at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.

Of interest, the Roulettes' pilots are highly experienced RAAF flying instructors who perform their aerobatic display duties in addition to their normal instructional roles.

It was certainly a fantastic opportunity for local plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts to see these impressive aircraft up close, as well as witness the outstanding flying skills of some of the RAAF's finest pilots.

A great visit to Rocky by the Roulettes - and hopefully we will see them back in Central Queensland again soon!

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee and Ash Burggraaff  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-BMW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 August, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-BMW appears to have visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon). 

https://www.facebook.com/globaljetinternational

This could be the first visit of the hard-to-track corporate bizjet which was registered in April this year. The 'old' Beech Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW was removed from the Australian Aircraft Register in January this year and re-registered as T7-GEL.

And TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" was noted flying down from Moranbah Airport to Bankstown.  It looked to have arrived from there the previous day.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 "Envoy 03" Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 12 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 03" flew into Gladstone Airport from Canberra and Mildura. After some time on the ground, it then returned to the nation's capital.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 05" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete two low overshoots at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Williamtown via more airwork at Tamworth.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 August, Wedgetail A30-002 now as "Mitchel 07" again flew up into CQ from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport (pictured). It then returned to Williamtown.

And RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport A41-211 as "Stallion 41" flew out of RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Charleville Airport before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.

It then departed and completed a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport before landing at Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 August, A41-211 "Stallion 41" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then two more at Rockhampton Airport before landing. 

It later departed to the Sunshine Coast and then to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 August, Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL flew up from Armidale to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to the Gold Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and Rockhampton Airport before later flying down to Bundaberg Airport.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight" 421 flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by Jamie C and John Lee  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft Continue to Complete Airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 August, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft deployed to Townsville, continue to fly down and complete missions and airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

PC-21 A54-046 as "Mayhem 18" flew down from Townsville to operate in the Bay and then returned North.

But the other deployed PC-21, A54-047 actually flew down to RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base East Sale from Townsville as "Raven 31".

It appeared to be then be replaced by another PC-21 A54-048 which flew North to Townsville from East Sale and Williamtown as "Raven 30"

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 August, fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-450 as "Trojan 70" flew down from Townsville to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then land at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 August, the C-130J A97-450 as "Trojan 70" departed Rockhampton Airport to Williamson Airfield then to Bening Field and Townsville.

Finally, on a quiet Monday 10 August, Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" which flew down to Toowoomba last week, flew up from there to Longreach, Mount Isa and Darwin Airports.

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