Amateur Built Van's RV-10 VH-LYY (registered in Victoria) is photographed below, along with Central Airlines PA-31 VH-NWN, and Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQH and VH-QQJ (both wearing new colours).
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Clermont Aerodrome visitors this morning
A quick trip to Clermont Aerodrome on Tuesday 31 August revealed a visitor from Victoria amongst the usual FIFO movements.
Amateur Built Van's RV-10 VH-LYY (registered in Victoria) is photographed below, along with Central Airlines PA-31 VH-NWN, and Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQH and VH-QQJ (both wearing new colours).
Amateur Built Van's RV-10 VH-LYY (registered in Victoria) is photographed below, along with Central Airlines PA-31 VH-NWN, and Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQH and VH-QQJ (both wearing new colours).
Saturday, August 28, 2010
QantasLink final RPT service to Blackwater Airport
Pictured below is Blackwater Airport showing the terminal and apron area. Plane spotting and photography over the apron is easy from the fenceline.
On Sunday 15 August, QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines) Dash-8-Q300 VH-SBI operated the final RPT flight to Blackwater. It operated inbound as QF2396 Brisbane-Thangool-Blackwater, and departed as QF2397 back through Thangool to Brisbane. The QantasLink terminal departure board is shown below commemorating this final service.
As previously reported, BHP is closing Blackwater Airport as an RPT airport. It will remain open to charter and medical aircraft however.
On Sunday 15 August, QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines) Dash-8-Q300 VH-SBI operated the final RPT flight to Blackwater. It operated inbound as QF2396 Brisbane-Thangool-Blackwater, and departed as QF2397 back through Thangool to Brisbane. The QantasLink terminal departure board is shown below commemorating this final service.
As previously reported, BHP is closing Blackwater Airport as an RPT airport. It will remain open to charter and medical aircraft however.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Alliance ops for QantasLink at Rockhampton Airport
It has been reported that Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKJ was operating for QantasLink on Thursday 26 August on the Brisbane-Rockhampton-Brisbane run. This is due to the grounding of most of the QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 fleet due to landing gear issues.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKD was noted operating for QantasLink on Friday 27 August on this same run.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKD was noted operating for QantasLink on Friday 27 August on this same run.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Rockhampton Airport future considered
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin reports that Rockhampton City Councillors have recently been asked to consider the corporatisation of Rockhampton Airport. However, they voted unanimously to let the issue lie on the table to allow further consideration of the pros and cons, with one Councillor, Stephen Schwarten, advocating “a conversation with the community” about how it can provide a better return to ratepayers.
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin newspaper has had reports both on Tuesday 24 August HERE and Wednesday 25 August HERE.
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin newspaper has had reports both on Tuesday 24 August HERE and Wednesday 25 August HERE.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mackay Airport on Monday
Pictured below at Mackay Airport on Monday 23 August were Fugro Spatial Solutions Cessna 404 VH-WGS, Mackay Aero Club Piper PA-28-161s VH-FCR and VH-PCN, and Queensland Aviation Services Piper PA-34-200T VH-JVM.
Runway resurfacing works have started recently, with all equipment being stored in a compound on the General Aviation side of the airport. All the works currently occur between 8pm and 6am most days.
Lastly, the access road to the General Aviation side of the airport, Casey Avenue, has been closed for road works. A new temporary access road has been opened. This road hugs the fence-line at the touch-down zone of runway 14 and could be a nice place to take photos.
Runway resurfacing works have started recently, with all equipment being stored in a compound on the General Aviation side of the airport. All the works currently occur between 8pm and 6am most days.
Lastly, the access road to the General Aviation side of the airport, Casey Avenue, has been closed for road works. A new temporary access road has been opened. This road hugs the fence-line at the touch-down zone of runway 14 and could be a nice place to take photos.
Rockhampton Airport last weekend
A few interesting sights at and around Rockhampton Airport last Saturday 21 August.
Around on the General Aviation side, Peace Aviation Cessna VH-OCN and Tartrus Aviation Cessna 206 VH-AMF are pictured below parked on the Peace Aviation apron.
Cessnas VH-RZN, VH-OZY, VH-RNE, VH-KVS, VH-XUI, VH-XBM, and VH-EKW are all pictured below parked outside the Rockhampton Aero Club. The Aero Club's own BN-2A Islander VH-SLM is also pictured.
Tiger Airways Airbus A320 VH-VNK is pictured below taxiing for departure off Runway 15 to Brisbane.
Later Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk, A25-109, is pictured departing to Mackay at "Blackhawk 109"
Lastly, Capricornia Helicopter Rescue Service Sikorsky S-76A VH-JRD flew a mission to Baralaba Hospital (West of Rockhampton) before returning and landing at Rockhampton Airport. It is pictured and videoed landing – and kicking up a lot of rubbish!!
Around on the General Aviation side, Peace Aviation Cessna VH-OCN and Tartrus Aviation Cessna 206 VH-AMF are pictured below parked on the Peace Aviation apron.
Cessnas VH-RZN, VH-OZY, VH-RNE, VH-KVS, VH-XUI, VH-XBM, and VH-EKW are all pictured below parked outside the Rockhampton Aero Club. The Aero Club's own BN-2A Islander VH-SLM is also pictured.
Tiger Airways Airbus A320 VH-VNK is pictured below taxiing for departure off Runway 15 to Brisbane.
Later Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk, A25-109, is pictured departing to Mackay at "Blackhawk 109"
Lastly, Capricornia Helicopter Rescue Service Sikorsky S-76A VH-JRD flew a mission to Baralaba Hospital (West of Rockhampton) before returning and landing at Rockhampton Airport. It is pictured and videoed landing – and kicking up a lot of rubbish!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Gladstone Airport Celebrates New Runway
Gladstone Airport's newly rebuilt and extended runway was officially opened on Tuesday 17 August with Gladstone Regional Council, airport workers, QantasLink, and Golding representatives gathering at the airport to witness the landing of the first commercial aircraft - a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 - on the new runway.
The event culminated with a huge, 'christening' jet of water which streamed over the top of the QantasLink aircraft, courtesy of two Gladstone firefighting vehicles.
The full story and pictures courtesy of the Gladstone Observer HERE.
The event culminated with a huge, 'christening' jet of water which streamed over the top of the QantasLink aircraft, courtesy of two Gladstone firefighting vehicles.
The full story and pictures courtesy of the Gladstone Observer HERE.
Rockhampton Airport Tower Redevelopment and Upcoming Charter News
Designs for Rockhampton Airport's new control tower have been released with it being suggested that the new 21 metre tall tower will be one of the most high-tech air traffic control centres in the world. The full story and pictures can be found on the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin website HERE.
Also Air New Zealand is operating a series of charters To Rockhampton Airport with equipment that is yet to be advised - most likely B747 or B777. There are four 'waves' of charters with arrivals at 2000 (8.00pm) and departures from 2130-2200 (9.30-10.00pm) each night from 26/9-29/9, 15/10-19/10, 4/11-8/11, and 22/11-26/11.
There should also be an Antonov 124 charter to Rockhampton Airport, but this is still to be confirmed. 21/9 has been mentioned as a possible date.
Also Air New Zealand is operating a series of charters To Rockhampton Airport with equipment that is yet to be advised - most likely B747 or B777. There are four 'waves' of charters with arrivals at 2000 (8.00pm) and departures from 2130-2200 (9.30-10.00pm) each night from 26/9-29/9, 15/10-19/10, 4/11-8/11, and 22/11-26/11.
There should also be an Antonov 124 charter to Rockhampton Airport, but this is still to be confirmed. 21/9 has been mentioned as a possible date.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
New Emerald Airport Terminal taking shape
Another milestone in the Emerald Airport Re-development occurred on Saturday 14 August, with the new departure lounge opening for passengers.
Initially, this newly opened area will handle both departures and arrivals, but plans indicate that the lounge, shown above with a great view over the aircraft parking area, will handle departures only, with an arrivals hall being constructed in the 'old' terminal. The departure lounge will also feature a security screening point, as well as a Qantas Club lounge.
Sections of the 'old' terminal have already been knocked down. This development will see extensions to the existing kiosk and rental car kiosk areas, as well as an expansion of the arrivals lounge and installation of a baggage carousel.
Currently, with 'old' terminal closing down, there is a new 'temporary' baggage collection area outside the terminal, along side a new airport employee carpark.
Incidentally, this new carpark area offers fantastic views over the Emerald Airport freight apron and further to the runway as shown below.
Initially, this newly opened area will handle both departures and arrivals, but plans indicate that the lounge, shown above with a great view over the aircraft parking area, will handle departures only, with an arrivals hall being constructed in the 'old' terminal. The departure lounge will also feature a security screening point, as well as a Qantas Club lounge.
Sections of the 'old' terminal have already been knocked down. This development will see extensions to the existing kiosk and rental car kiosk areas, as well as an expansion of the arrivals lounge and installation of a baggage carousel.
Currently, with 'old' terminal closing down, there is a new 'temporary' baggage collection area outside the terminal, along side a new airport employee carpark.
Incidentally, this new carpark area offers fantastic views over the Emerald Airport freight apron and further to the runway as shown below.
Election and other Visitors to CQ Airports this week
During this final week of the Federal Election campain, there have been various RAAF VIP transport aircraft and media support aircraft noted at various Central Queensland airports, including Rockhampton, Mackay, and Emerald.
On Tuesday 17 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF - 34 Squadron) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ), A36-002, and Air National (New Zealand) British Aerospace BAe 146-200 ZK-ECO, were both noted at Emerald Airport, and then Rockhampton Airport.
Meanwhile, Hawker 900XP N964XP was also noted at Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 17 August, later departing for Brisbane.
On Tuesday 17 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF - 34 Squadron) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ), A36-002, and Air National (New Zealand) British Aerospace BAe 146-200 ZK-ECO, were both noted at Emerald Airport, and then Rockhampton Airport.
Meanwhile, Hawker 900XP N964XP was also noted at Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 17 August, later departing for Brisbane.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Mackay Airport Visitors Last Wednesday & Thursday
Adam P reports on yet more interesting Biz-Jet and other charter aircraft movements into Mackay Airport last week.
On Wednesday 11 August, Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy VH-VLT arrived and overnighted, along with Professional Jet Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ VH-LDH.
Also noted parked on the apron was Jetstar A320-200 VH-VQN, which had diverted to Mackay while operating the JST830/833 service (Brisbane-Proserpine-Brisbane). It departed the next day as JST7895 to a Southern destination.
Also, on Thursday 12 August, Brindabella Airlines (Canberra based) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 41 VH-TAI arrived from and departed back to Sydney on a charter.
On Wednesday 11 August, Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy VH-VLT arrived and overnighted, along with Professional Jet Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ VH-LDH.
Also noted parked on the apron was Jetstar A320-200 VH-VQN, which had diverted to Mackay while operating the JST830/833 service (Brisbane-Proserpine-Brisbane). It departed the next day as JST7895 to a Southern destination.
Also, on Thursday 12 August, Brindabella Airlines (Canberra based) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 41 VH-TAI arrived from and departed back to Sydney on a charter.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Plane Crash near Gladstone today
Adrenaline Skydivers Cessna 206 VH-TZV crashed on Wiggins Island, east of Gladstone Airport Thursday 12 August, after suffering engine failure shortly after take-off.
The full story can be found HERE.
The full story can be found HERE.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Emerald Airport Monday afternoon
A busy afternoon at Emerald Airport on Monday 9 August, with the following visitors being noted.
Pictured below parked on the Central Airlines ramp were PA-31 VH-FWJ, wearing basic new colours, PA-28-151 VH-BDE, still in the company's old style colours, and Cessna 210 VH-TQC.
Elsewhere, Cessna 172 VH-RDM of the Central Coast Research Service (Mackay) and Rockhampton based Mooney M20F VH-CGJ were parked.
Partenavia P.68C VH-XLI of Capricorn Aircraft flew out back to its Rockhampton base.
And lastly, RAAF Beechcraft B350 Super King Air A32-671 (pictured below at Gate), took a load of dignitaries to Townsville as "Envoy 40".
Pictured below parked on the Central Airlines ramp were PA-31 VH-FWJ, wearing basic new colours, PA-28-151 VH-BDE, still in the company's old style colours, and Cessna 210 VH-TQC.
Elsewhere, Cessna 172 VH-RDM of the Central Coast Research Service (Mackay) and Rockhampton based Mooney M20F VH-CGJ were parked.
Partenavia P.68C VH-XLI of Capricorn Aircraft flew out back to its Rockhampton base.
And lastly, RAAF Beechcraft B350 Super King Air A32-671 (pictured below at Gate), took a load of dignitaries to Townsville as "Envoy 40".
Recent sightings at Rockhampton Airport
Big thanks to Ben O in Rockhampton who reports on the following movements through Rockhampton Airport.
On Thursday 5 August, RAAF (34 Squadron) Bombardier Challenger 604, A37-003, was noted, no doubt in connection with the forthcoming Federal Election.
On Friday 6 August, Agusta SPA AW-139 helicopter, VH-ESJ, which is registered to the State of Queensland but operated by Emergency Management Queensland (Queensland Government) was noted arriving at the airport and overnighted.
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A recent arrival which seems to have taken up residence at Rockhampton Airport is Aerospatiale AS.350BA Squirrel helicopter, VH-SWH. This helicopter is registered in Bowral (N.S.W.).
Lastly, Sikorsky S-76A VH-JRD, operated by the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service was photographed by Ben O leaving its base at the airport on a recent evening call-out.
On Thursday 5 August, RAAF (34 Squadron) Bombardier Challenger 604, A37-003, was noted, no doubt in connection with the forthcoming Federal Election.
On Friday 6 August, Agusta SPA AW-139 helicopter, VH-ESJ, which is registered to the State of Queensland but operated by Emergency Management Queensland (Queensland Government) was noted arriving at the airport and overnighted.
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A recent arrival which seems to have taken up residence at Rockhampton Airport is Aerospatiale AS.350BA Squirrel helicopter, VH-SWH. This helicopter is registered in Bowral (N.S.W.).
Lastly, Sikorsky S-76A VH-JRD, operated by the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service was photographed by Ben O leaving its base at the airport on a recent evening call-out.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Another Bizjet into Mackay Airport
Adam P in Mackay reports on yet another bizjet visiting Mackay Airport with Gulfstream G-V N36GV registered to Westfield Aviation in Sydney arriving Friday 6 August.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Miner to fund Clermont Aerodrome Revamp
It has been reported today in the media that Coal mining company Rio Tinto will spend more than $4.5 million to improve the runway and buildings at the council-owned Clermont Aerodrome (pictured above on a typically busy morning of FIFO operations). The full report HERE.
Mackay Airport Upgrades Begin
Mackay Airport's $10 million upgrade has commenced with work on the overlay of the main runway reportedly begining this week. The majority of the runway works will take place during the night to avoid disruptions to daytime operations.
Mackay Airport management states that "the project will ensure the ongoing integrity of the runway and its ability to meet the demands of the growing number of aircraft movements at Mackay Airport".
The Airport upgrade will also feature a $2 million remodelling of the terminal, creating space for various new shops, including added cafes and bars along with a souvenir shop and newsagency. The new terminal design (below) also means the central concourse will become part of a much larger departure lounge and the security screening point will be relocated to the front of the central concourse. Additionally, the airport’s observation area will remain a feature of the redeveloped terminal.
The upgrade is the first major upgrade to the airport since the terminal was refurbished in 2004, and is the first major project of the airport’s new owners since they purchased it on a 99-year lease from the State Government. The project is staged to ensure minimal disruption for airport users and it is expected it will be completed by the end of 2010.
Mackay Airport management states that "the project will ensure the ongoing integrity of the runway and its ability to meet the demands of the growing number of aircraft movements at Mackay Airport".
The Airport upgrade will also feature a $2 million remodelling of the terminal, creating space for various new shops, including added cafes and bars along with a souvenir shop and newsagency. The new terminal design (below) also means the central concourse will become part of a much larger departure lounge and the security screening point will be relocated to the front of the central concourse. Additionally, the airport’s observation area will remain a feature of the redeveloped terminal.
The upgrade is the first major upgrade to the airport since the terminal was refurbished in 2004, and is the first major project of the airport’s new owners since they purchased it on a 99-year lease from the State Government. The project is staged to ensure minimal disruption for airport users and it is expected it will be completed by the end of 2010.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bizjet at Mackay Airport
Adam P in Mackay reports that a Gulfstream G-V-SP (Gulfstream 550) registered N3050 belonging to GC Air LLC (USA) turned up at Mackay Airport late on Tuesday 3 August. It subsequently flew to Brisbane the next evening.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Australian MRH-90 Helicopter at Mackay Airport
Adam P in Mackay reports that an Army/Navy NH Industries MRH-90 Helicopter - possibly A40-010 - has been parked on the Mackay Airport apron all day Monday 3 August. It appears to have broken down.