Careflight Queensland (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjets VH-CXJ and VH-VVI at CQ Airports due RFDS Rocky Base Closure

With the sad news this week that the three people involved in the terrible shooting incident at The Caves near Rockhampton worked for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), it has been observed that none of the locally-based RFDS King Airs have departed Rockhampton Airport since Wednesday 1 April.

As a result, RFDS King Airs and crews from the Bundaberg and Brisbane bases have been noted flying in and out of Rocky and surrounding cities, as well as both Careflight Queensland (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjets VH-CXJ and VH-VVI.

VH-VVI - "Ambulance 451" - initially visited Gladstone late on Wednesday 1 April arriving from Brisbane.  It departed back there just after midnight on Thursday 2 April.

VH-VVI has then operated two flights into Rockhampton from Brisbane on Thursday 2 April and again on Friday 3 April where it was photographed below.

Meanwhile, VH-CXJ - "Ambulance 452" - flew into Mackay Airport also late on Wednesday 1 April from Brisbane and departed to Cairns.  It then flew into Gladstone from Townsville late on Thursday 2 April before touching down at Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane in the wee small hours of Friday 3 April.

File photo

The tragic events of this week have affected the entire Rockhampton base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.  Our thoughts and prayers are with these tireless workers, along with the other friends and families of the victims.

Photos taken by Jamie & Tash, Isaac Matthews and 'IAD'  ©