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  ©

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  ©

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZT (ex 9V-MGN) First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Monday 10 August, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZT was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).

VH-XZT made its first visit to CQ operating into Mackay Airport on the QFA984/5 service from and back to Brisbane.

As mentioned, the B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9V-MGN and was registered to and delivered to Qantas Airways at Alice Springs in February 2026.

In mid-April this year, VH-XZT was ferried across from Alice Springs to Brisbane before it then entered service about a month later. It entered service wearing an all white livery (pictured) and was re-painted in Townsville into the standard 'silver roo' Qantas Airways livery in July. It was also given the name 'Bright'.

It was announced mid-last year that Qantas was to acquire four additional Boeing B737-800 aircraft from to expand capacity as delivery delays impact its new Airbus A321XLR order. The leased jets were previously operated by Singapore Airlines (SilkAir) and would be planned to enter service by the end of 2025.

They are reported to be 9V-MGK (to become VH-XZQ), 9V-MGL (VH-XZR), 9V-MGM (VH-XZS) and 9V-MGN (VH-XZT).  All four have now visited CQ - all at Mackay Airport!

Each will be painted into the Qantas Airways livery and have 'new' interiors fitted prior to them entering service.

File photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N512EX Calls into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 August, Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N512EX was noted departing Emerald Airport for Dubbo and Melbourne (Essendon).

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Information suggests that it may have been parked up or stored at Emerald Airport since early July(??).

And Helibiz (Heli Lift) Agusta AW119 MkII Koala helicopter VH-A26 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, on Friday 7 August, Lancair ES ZK-EDZ, which landed at Maryborough Airport yesterday from Norfolk Island and the Gold Coast, departed there on Friday to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-002 "Wedgetail 10" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 6 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 10" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

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The Wedgetail then flew back down to complete more airwork at Coffs Harbour before later departing back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 6 August, Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island then down to Sunshine Coast.

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS was noted departing Mackay Airport for Cessnock. It appears we missed its arrival into Mackay Airport from Cessnock on Monday 3 August.

And on Wednesday 5 August, Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield and then departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 & A54-046 Complete Airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) - Plus More!

On Tuesday 4 August, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft were noted completing airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  They were noted to be A54-046 and A54-047 and were heard to be flying as "Reaper".

Both PC-21s are presently deployed to Townsville (pictured) where they arrived a few days ago from RAAF Base Williamtown.

UPDATE!  Later in the week, PC-21s A54-047 as "Rake 11" and A54-046 as "Rake 12" again flew down from Townsville and operated in the Shoalwater Bay area before returning north.  They also returned as "Reaper" once again.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 4 August, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 34" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then at Emerald and Roma Airports before then returning back to Amberley.

Finally, on a quiet Monday 3 August, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Emerald Airport from Bankstown.  It then hopped down to Rolleston Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

'New' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-YUL First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 July, I find it hard to believe that 'new' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-YUL made its first visit to the region, visiting Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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Of interest the Citation Sovereign (cn 680-0290) was registered in February 2025 and replaced their Cessna 560 Citation Encore (cn 560-0553) which also wore the registration marking of VH-YUL and then VH-YUI from December 2024 before then being re-registered again in October 2025 as VH-AJ5 also to Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres.

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While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU visited Hamilton Island Airport from Essendon.

Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Airbus AS350B3e Squirrel helicopter VH-AH5 operated out of Rockhampton Airport as "Firebird 499" with a Bag. 

And Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk N61AA was noted passing through Birdsville Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 July, Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" departed Blackall Airport to a property just northwest of Meandarra and later departed there to Tamworth.

Of interest, on Thursday 30 July, VH-A8K, also as "Wagga Air 669" flew into Blackall Airport from 'Gregory Downs'.

And Crockett Aviation Group / Navair Flight Operations 'new' Beech B200 King Air VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" arrived into Winton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 3 August, VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" hopped from Winton Airport to Longreach Airport before later departing to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 31 July, a pair of Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200s completed a North to South and vice versa swap via Rockhampton Airport. VH-TQX as SKP541 arrived from Sydney and departed to Cairns but as SKP544, while VH-TQG as SKP543 arrived from Cairns and departed to Sydney but as SKP542.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Lloyd Fox  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QE First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 30 July, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QE made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from and back to Cairns via Townsville as JTE372/3.  It had earlier flown up to Far North Queensland from Brisbane.

VH-8QE is a fairly recent acquisition for National Jet Express having been registered and then delivered to Perth at the start of June from Zagreb where it previously operated with Croatia Airlines as 9A-CQA.

VH-8QE had ferried across from Perth at the start of July and remained parked at Brisbane until entering service this week.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 30 July, Aerotec (Toowoomba) PAC CT4/B VH-DAP visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba.

Kestrel Aviation (Moorabbin) Bell 212 helicopter VH-NEN as 'HTK450' was noted flying up from Charleville Airport to Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Friday 31 July, VH-NEN 'HTK450' departed Clermont Aerodrome and headed towards the North West.

And Australian Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter A64-603 as "GHOST17" was noted visiting Bowen Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to Townsville. 

Finally, on a quiet Wednesday 29 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

Photo taken by Dylan Hardie  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 57" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 57" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and completed three training approaches at Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to Amberley.

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Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 July, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 July, VH-JSO departed Bundaberg Airport for Toowoomba (City) and Canberra.  

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Mackay Airport from Dalby. VH-JSZ also appeared to visit my local Clermont Aerodrome over the previous weekend.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport arrived from Townsville and departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©