Amongst the frost at Clermont Aerodrome early Friday 28 May, Skytrans Dash-8s VH-QQE (old colours) and VH-QQJ (new colours) were noted having overnighted from Thursday evening. Both Dash-8s had flown to Brisbane by 9am. VH-QQE returned from Brisbane about lunch time and then departed back to Brisbane about 5pm.
Also transferring miners early this morning this time to Mackay was Central Airlines (Emerald) PA-31 Navajo VH-KFU - this machine was involved in a wheels-up landing at Oakey a couple of years back!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
CQ Rescue lands at Clermont Aerodrome
With the new helipad fully operational at Clermont Hospital it was strange to see CQ Rescue Bell 412 VH-BZH (pictured) making a patient transfer at Clermont Aerodrome!
The big bell is owned by CHC Helicopters but is operated by the RACQ Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service. CQ Rescue also operates another Bell 412 VH-NSV, as well as Aerospatiale SA365 Dauphin VH-PVK, although the latter hasn't been seen for a little while. These are also operated by CHC Helicopters who have the contact to provide CQ Rescue with helicopters.
CQ Rescue is a valuable service and they service a vast area of Central Queensland, making patient transfers to Townsville and Mackay from parts as far west as Clermont, and north to Hamilton Island. CQ Resuce holds an annual appeal during August and September, although donations are welcomed all year round. Visit the CQ Rescue website (https://cqrescue.org.au/) for details.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Qantas B747-400 VH-OJC Diverts into Rockhampton Airport
On Wednesday 5 May, Qantas B747-400 VH-OJC touched down at Rockhampton Airport while operating flight QFA16 from Los Angeles to Brisbane. The flight was diverted to Rockhampton because of fog in Brisbane.
The aircraft refuelled during the stopover, and soon after departed for Brisbane.
The Rockhampton Regional Council, who captured some great photos of the jumbo visitor, says the landing of a B747-400 jet in the central Queensland city yesterday shows the capabilities of the local airport. A Council spokesperson said it is a testament to the quality of Rockhampton's facilities and the airport passed the test with flying colours.
The next test will be in September when the Singapore Armed Forces come to Rockhampton for their annual Exercise Wallaby where, according to Council, some 20 chartered B747s will land at Rockhampton Airport during the Exercise.
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| Photo sourced from the Rockhampton Regional Council |
The aircraft refuelled during the stopover, and soon after departed for Brisbane.
The Rockhampton Regional Council, who captured some great photos of the jumbo visitor, says the landing of a B747-400 jet in the central Queensland city yesterday shows the capabilities of the local airport. A Council spokesperson said it is a testament to the quality of Rockhampton's facilities and the airport passed the test with flying colours.
The next test will be in September when the Singapore Armed Forces come to Rockhampton for their annual Exercise Wallaby where, according to Council, some 20 chartered B747s will land at Rockhampton Airport during the Exercise.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Busy afternoon at Clermont Aerodrome!!
A few planes spotted in usually sleepy Clermont on Wednesday 19 May.
Caboolture-based CAC CA-18 Mk21 Mustang VH-MFT returning South from a week in Mackay operating joy flights popped in for fuel… after a little display over the town!
Also Pilatus BN2A Islander VH-CWG (pictured) popped in… this aircraft has recently been re-registered in Mackay.
Local Flysynthesis Texan 24-4735 (pictured) came from a hangar and departed.
And finally, Skytrans Dash-8 VH-QQE operated this evenings FIFO charter from and back to Brisbane.
Caboolture-based CAC CA-18 Mk21 Mustang VH-MFT returning South from a week in Mackay operating joy flights popped in for fuel… after a little display over the town!
Also Pilatus BN2A Islander VH-CWG (pictured) popped in… this aircraft has recently been re-registered in Mackay.
Local Flysynthesis Texan 24-4735 (pictured) came from a hangar and departed.
And finally, Skytrans Dash-8 VH-QQE operated this evenings FIFO charter from and back to Brisbane.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Clermont Aerodrome FIFO Mining Charters and Spotting Advice
Pictured is Clermont Aerodrome about 8am on Tuesday 18 May. Central Airlines PA-31 Navajo VH-NWN is preparing to depart for Mackay, while Skytrans Dash-8's VH-QQE and VH-QQH (new colours) will fly to Brisbane.
Skytrans operates between 7-8 flights Brisbane-Clermont-Brisbane during the week, with this scene repeated Wednesday nights and Friday mornings.
Clermont Aerodrome is pretty open - spotters can drive up to fence line and easily take photos through or over the fence.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Mustang Joyflights at Mackay Airport
Mackay played host to Caboolture based CAC CA-18 Mk21 Mustang VH-MFT opreating joyflights for the past week or so. Pictured is the Mustang preparing for joyflight on the afternoon of Saturday 15 May. Also pictured is local Tiger Moth VH-IVN returning from a joyflight about the same time.
Joyflights on the Tiger Moth are available most weekends from the Mackay Aero Club.
Strategic Charters to Mackay Airport
Strategic have recently started flying charters into Mackay from Brisbane. Due to the unavailability of its aircraft, Skytraders A319 VH-VHD operated MEL-BNE-MKY-MEL on Monday 3 May. The plane arrived around 8pm and is pictured parked at Mackay - in a very poor spot for photos!!
Strategic's A320 VH-YQA operated BNE-MKY-BNE on Thursday 13 May in the late afternoon.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Welcome to CQ Plane Spotting!!
This is a new blog for aviation enthusiasts around Central Queensland to get together and report on what they've spotted at the various airports in the Central Queensland region!!