Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK Calls into Biloela / Thangool Airport Again - Maybe a New FIFO Route?

As it did the previous week, during the late afternoon on Friday 30 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK was noted arriving into Biloela / Thangool Airport, flying in from Brisbane using the Pel-Air flight number and callsign of PFY9208.

File photo

After staying for the night, VH-ZRK was noted departing Bilo and returning to Brisbane during the early evening on Saturday 31 August, but as PFY9209.

It seems this could be the start of a regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight with VH-ZRK operating the same rotation of flights, arriving into and departing Biloela / Thangool Airport over last Friday 23 August and Saturday 24 August.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" at CQ Airports Friday

During the afternoon and evening on Friday 30 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in Central Queensland and noted visiting several CQ Airports during a busy afternoon of flying.

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It initially departed Brisbane and was noted calling into Emerald Airport.  It then continued North to Cairns before calling into Mackay and Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Brisbane.

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport

After spending over a month tucked away in its hangar at Mackay Airport, late on Thursday 29 August, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted completing a local flight including what looks to be at least two missed approaches at Mackay Airport.

File photo

Then, on Friday 30 August, N142GZ completed a return flight from Mackay Airport to Brisbane and back.

UPDATE!  on Sunday 1 September, N142GZ had a busy day, departing Mackay Airport and completing a flight to the Gold Coast and back before then departing to Sydney.

Meanwhile, up at Hamilton Island Airport, also on Friday 30 August, Brenzil Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW was noted visiting from its Brisbane base.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

QGAir Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-EGF Ferries South via Mackay and Bundaberg Airports

On Thursday 29 August, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was noted ferrying South from Townsville via Mackay and Bundaberg Airports to Archerfield.

VH-EGF at Mackay Airport recently  (File photo)

VH-EGF seems to heading to Archerfield for planned maintenance after operating out of Townsville Airport in recent times as "Rescue 521".

UPDATE!  VH-EGF looks to have instead taken up operations out of Archerfield in the South-East corner of the state operating as "Rescue 500".  It was noted completing a medical evacuation flight into Bundaberg Airport on Friday 30 August.

Meanwhile, as reported below, fellow QGAir Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ flew North into Townsville over last weekend from Archerfield via Gladstone and Mackay Airports and has looked to take up operations out of Townsville also as "Rescue 521".  It is also currently operating alongside Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-EGK.

As we have mentioned previously, this is part of the 'rotational system' the service utilises to ensure the even distribution of flying hours on each of the QGAir Rescue helicopters.  This system avoids the need to have multiple helicopters offline for simultaneous scheduled maintenance.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

American Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) Bizjet N360LF Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport

During the afternoon on Thursday 29 August, American-registered but Australian-based Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet N360LF was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

N360LF departs Sydney Airport on a previous visit  (File photo)

At the time of writing, N360LF, which appears to be normally based at Sydney, appears to be still parked on Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 September, N360LF was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjets VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" & VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" Around CQ Airports This Week

Over the course of this week, both LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjets VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" and VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" have been noted visiting some Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

For VH-VVI, on Monday 26 August, it called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport during the afternoon.  It looked to be completing a training flight from and back to Townsville.

Then late on Wednesday 28 August, VH-VVI as "Ambulance 451" arrived into Mackay Airport from Townsville.  It later departed to Brisbane before then flying into Rockhampton Airport.  Now in the wee small hours of Thursday 29 August, VH-VVI departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.

Meanwhile, for VH-CXJ, last Saturday 24 August, it was noted arriving into Blackall Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Mackay Airport before heading to Townsville and then back to Mackay Airport.  VH-CXJ then flew to Brisbane.

Then late on Monday 26 August, VH-CXJ was noted arriving into Longreach Airport again from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport where it landed just before midnight.  Now in the wee small hours of Tuesday 27 August, VH-CXJ flew from Rocky to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.  It then returned to Mackay Airport before heading back to Brisbane.

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-MMC Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 28 August, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was noted making a mid-morning arrival into Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived directly from its Sunshine Coast base.

File photo

After staying for most of the day, VH-MMC made a late afternoon departure and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 28 August, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU was noted visiting both Bundaberg and Roma Airports.  It flew down from Townsville after arriving there from Brisbane and Cairns the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 29 August, VH-PSU departed Roma Airport for Goondiwindi before later returning to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Wednesday 28 August, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM was noted back at Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Vanrook Station and later departed to Bankstown.  It had passed through Longreach Airport heading North on Sunday 25 August - see Blog post below!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Brisbane-based Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 27 August, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from its Archerfield base.

File photo

After spending the morning on the ground, VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Revesco Aviation (WA) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJC Back in CQ Arriving into Hamilton Island Airport

On Monday 26 August, Revesco Aviation (Western Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJC was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Dubbo in New South Wales.  It had flown across to there from its Perth base via Busselton in Western Australia on Friday 23 August.

Mike Didsbury / https://www.flickr.com/

As mentioned below, VH-NJC has only just visited CQ during the week, visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome and departing on late Thursday 22 August - see Blog post below.

At the time of writing, VH-NJC appears to be spending at least the night parked on Hamo.

UPDATE!  VH-NJC departed Hamilton Island Airport for Alice Springs and Perth on Monday 2 September.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-KXM Calls into Longreach Airport

Early on Sunday 25 August, the familiar sight of Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM was noted back in Central Queensland once again, touching down at Longreach Airport from Bankstown.

VH-KXM at Longreach Airport during a previous visit  (File photo)

VH-KXM then departed Longreach Airport for Vanrook Station near Normanton before it then flew across to RAAF Base Tindal (Katherine) in the Northern Territory, before it then returned to Vanrook Station.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 August, VH-KXM returned to Longreach Airport from Vanrook Station before it later returned to Bankstown.  It also appears to have operated another flight to Tindal and back from Vanrook Station on Tuesday 27 August.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Yet More Corporate Bizjets and Turboprops Come and Go Again and Again at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

Over the weekend, yet more corporate bizjets - plus at least one corporate turboprop aircraft - continue to arrive and depart at Hamilton Island Airport.

© Richard Gladwell / https://www.sail-world.com/

After arriving the previous day from Bankstown, on Saturday 24 August, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney before later continuing back to Bankstown.

Also on Saturday 24 August, Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM was noted arriving into Hamo direct from its Wagga Wagga base.  After spending the night, VH-PVM returned to Wagga Wagga but via Tumut on Sunday 25 August.

While also on Saturday 24 August, US-registered but now Canberra-based Cirrus SR22 (SR22 G5 Australis Premium) N108PM was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.  It had arrived into Hamo on Saturday 17 August.

Then on Sunday 25 August, N108PM continued from Hervey Bay Airport to Orchid Beach (Fraser Island) and Bankstown.

While also on Sunday 25 August, VH-WIO departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown before returning to Hamilton Island Airport and then departing back to Bankstown.  It had originally arrived into Hamo from Bankstown on Friday 23 August.

Finally, also on Sunday 25 August, it appears that Brisbane-based Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-MOR also completed a pair of flights into Hamilton Island Airport, on both occasions, it flew from and back to its Archerfield base.

Fraser Coast Wings and Wheels Takes Off at Maryborough Airport on Saturday

On Saturday 24 August, the Fraser Coast region turned on clear but cloudy skies as a good crowd turned out to enjoy the sights and sounds at the second annual Fraser Coast Wings and Wheels at the Maryborough Airport.

The event was hosted by the Maryborough Aero Club, and in conjunction with local car and motorcycle clubs, saw the day comprise a combined a car and motor bike show with an aircraft fly-in featuring, warbirds and other aircraft.

Several nice warbirds were on display and completed many joyflights and aerial displays, including Aerotec Queensland North American T-28B Trojan VH-ZUK and Pacific Aerospace (PAC) CT-4E VH-CTZ.

Other entertainment for the crowd included market stalls, food and drinks, along with music and plenty of entertainment for the kids!

Photos taken by Simon Coates and 'Whats on Fraser Coast' ©

QGAir Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-EZJ Ferries North via Gladstone and Mackay Airports

On Saturday 24 August, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ was noted ferrying North through Central Queensland Airports.  The Agusta initially flew into Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and after taking on fuel it departed to Mackay Airport.  VH-EZJ then departed Mackay Airport and continued to Townsville.

File photo

VH-EZJ was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Rescue 510" suggesting it could ultimately destined for Cairns.

VH-EZJ had ferried South to Archerfield for planned maintenance at the start of August.  As we have mentioned previously, this is part of the 'rotational system' the service utilises to ensure the even distribution of flying hours on each of the QGAir Rescue helicopters.  This system avoids the need to have multiple helicopters offline for simultaneous scheduled maintenance.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 29 August, fellow Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was noted ferrying South from Townsville to Archerfield via Mackay and Bundaberg Airports - see Blog post above!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Corporate Aircraft Charter (SA) Cessna 550 Citation II Bizjet VH-ZLE Pops into CQ Airports - Possibly Operating for LifeFlight (??)

During the afternoon and into the evening on Friday 23 August, Corporate Aircraft Charter (South Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II bizjet VH-ZLE was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

The sleek little Citation departed Brisbane for Townsville before arriving into Mackay Airport.  VH-ZLE then flew across to Emerald Airport where it spent a couple of hours on the ground before returning to Brisbane.  It arrived back into Brisbane in the wee small hours of Saturday 24 August.

VH-ZLE has previously looked to possibly (??) follow a planned flight path by one of the LifeFlight (Aeromed) air ambulance corporate bizjets and thus could be currently being operated by LifeFlight (??).

UPDATE!  VH-ZLE also called into Emerald Airport on very late on Tuesday 27 August.  It arrived from Brisbane and then returned there (now) in the wee small hours of Wednesday 28 August.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK Calls into Biloela / Thangool Airport

During the late afternoon on Friday 23 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK was noted arriving into Biloela / Thangool Airport, flying in from Brisbane using the Pel-Air flight number and callsign of PFY9208.

File photo

After staying for the night, VH-ZRK was noted departing Bilo and returning to Brisbane during the early evening on Saturday 24 August, but as PFY9209.

UPDATE!  It seems this could be the start of a regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight with VH-ZRK operating the same rotation of flights but arriving into Biloela / Thangool Airport on Friday 30 August and departing on Saturday 31 August.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

More Bizjets Come and Go Again and Again at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 August, another familiar pair of corporate bizjets were back at Hamilton Island Airport once again, possibly in conjunction with Hamilton Island Race Week which is on once again in the beautiful Whitsundays.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO looked to arrive into Hamo once again touching down from its Bankstown base.

While AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport also from Bankstown.

At the time of writing, both bizjets appear to be staying at Hamilton Island airport for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 August, VH-NEQ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney before later returning to Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 August, VH-WIO completed a flight back to Bankstown before returning to Hamilton Island Airport and then departing back to Bankstown.

While slightly smaller, Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Monto base also on Friday 23 August.

UPDATE!  VH-EZD departed back to Monto on Monday 26 August.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 August, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF was noted departing Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived at Prosie from Longreach Airport (and other places) on Thursday 22 August – see Blog post below.

While also visiting Proserpine Airport, also on Friday 23 August, was the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU which looked to arrive from Brisbane via Mackay Airport.  It later returned to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter A15-307 Pops into Rockhampton Airport as "Brahman 381"

On Friday 23 August, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-307 was spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from the North (possibly direct from Townsville) and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Brahman 381".

After taking on fuel, A15-307 departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 August, A15-307 "Brahman 381" passed through Rockhampton Airport once again, arriving from Amberley and later departing onwards to Townsville.  It is believed the Chinook participated in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 12 Squadron reunion and remembrance event which was held on the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©

Revesco Aviation (WA) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJC Visits Charters Towers Aerodrome - Again!

Late on Wednesday 21 August, Revesco Aviation (Western Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJC was noted arriving into Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It flew across from its Perth base via Mount Isa.

VH-NJC at Ayers Rock Airport in early 2018  (File photo)

The sleek little bizjet been at Charters Towers Aerodrome in the past, but it is always a nice surprise to see it back in town!

After spending the night, at the time of writing, VH-NJC has departed Charters Towers Aerodrome for Alice Springs and ultimately Perth on late Thursday 22 August.

Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II Bizjet VH-VDF at CQ Airports This Week

Over the course of this week, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF has been noted calling into some Central Queensland Airports, seemingly on an around-Queensland tour.

File photo

It looked to depart its Sunshine Coast base on Monday 19 August and call into Charleville Airport before continuing to Birdsville.

On Thursday 22 August, VH-VDF then touched down at Longreach Airport from Ayers Rock before it then continued to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it looks to be spending the night.

Photo taken by Far North Queensland Skies Blog  ©

Greensill Capital (IOM) Ltd Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet M-GGBL Arrives into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

Very late on Wednesday 21 August, Greensill Capital (Isle Of Man) Ltd Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet M-GGBL was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Sydney and Brisbane.  It had arrived into Sydney from overseas the previous day.

After staying for the night, the sleek Falcon 7X was photographed by local plane spotter Dan B early on Thursday 22 August.  It then departed back to Brisbane during the middle part of the afternoon.

At the time of writing, M-GGBL was due to return to Bundaberg Airport very late on Thursday 22 August.

M-GGBL is a familiar visitor to the rum city, with this being its third visit this year!

UPDATE!  After sitting on the ground at Bundaberg Airport for the day, late on Friday 23 August, M-GGBL departed Bundy for Brisbane before it then departed overseas to Don Muang International Airport (Thailand), Muscat (Oman) and Hawarden (Wales) - spending almost 24 hours in transit!

Meanwhile, also spotted this week at Bundaberg Airport were a pair of McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia helicopters which have returned to the region in preparation for the forthcoming bushfire season.

Bell Textron Helicopter 214B-1 Big Lifter helicopter VH-SEK and Aerospatiale AS.355F1 Squirrel helicopter VH-YUR were both photographed (above) parked on the Bundaberg Airport apron during this week.

Sincere thanks to Dan from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Dan B  ©

Cirrus Design Corp Gen 6 SR22T Turbo N53DL Spotted at Rockhampton Airport on Australia-wide Demo Tour

On Thursday 22 August, Cirrus Aircraft Australia & New Zealand brought brand new Cirrus Design Corp Gen 6 SR22T Turbo N53DL to Rockhampton Airport on the penultimate leg of an Australia-wide demonstration tour.

The American-registered turbocharged SR22T, N53DL, has previously been noted on display in all corners and the centre of Australia and seems to be currently based at the Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport in northern New South Wales.  It flew into there after concluding its display at the Rockhampton Aero Club.

The Cirrus website suggests that N53DL will be on display at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on Friday 23 August - watch this space!

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-MMC Pops into Biloela / Thangool Airport

On Wednesday 21 August, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was back in CQ once again, this time landing at Biloela / Thangool Airport after flying up from its Sunshine Coast base.

VH-MMC taxiing at the Sunshine Coast recently  (File photo)

After spending much of the day on the ground, VH-MMC departed Biloela / Thangool Airport and returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 August, it appeared that New Zealand-based JAK Air (of Rotorua) Learjet 60 bizjet ZK-JAK returned to Rockhampton Airport from Longreach Airport.  It flown West on Monday 19 August.

At the time of writing, it appears that ZK-JAK remains parked at Rocky.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 August, ZK-JAK departed Rockhampton Airport for the Gold Coast before it continued 'home' to New Zealand.

Finally, as it has done for the last few weeks, during the afternoon also on Wednesday 21 August, Brisbane-based Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-MOR was noted flying into Theodore Airport direct from its Archerfield base.  It will most likely return to Archerfield early on Thursday 22 August.

Sincere thanks to the Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting Facebook page for allowing us to share their great photo of VH-MMC!

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXI Pops into Longreach Airport on Closed Charter

A little-known but welcome charter flight into Longreach Airport on Wednesday 21 August with Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXI touching down from Sydney as QFA1369.

After just over an hour on the ground, VH-VXI positioned empty direct to Melbourne (Tullamarine) as QFA6113.

Any readers know more?

Brenzil Dassault Falcon 7X VH-CRW Finally Departs Mackay Airport – Calls into Hamilton Island Airport – Then Home to Brisbane

After spending almost two weeks parked up at Mackay Airport, on Tuesday 20 August, the visiting Brenzil Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW was noted finally departing Mackay Airport.

File photo

It looked to fly up to Hamilton Island Airport where it collected some passengers before it then flew home to Brisbane.

VH-CRW had arrived into Mackay Airport from Sydney via Hamo back on Wednesday 7 August.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-ILJ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

On Monday 19 August, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was back in CQ this time noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from and later depart back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

JAK Air (New Zealand) Learjet 60 Bizjet ZK-JAK Departs Rockhampton Airport for Longreach Airport

After arriving into the beef capital over the weekend, on Monday 19 August, the visiting New Zealand-based JAK Air (of Rotorua) Learjet 60 bizjet ZK-JAK was noted departing Rockhampton Airport heading West.

ZK-JAK parked at Rockhampton Airport on Sunday 18 August

It is believed that it landed at Longreach Airport where it is believed that is staying for the night.

ZK-JAK had arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 17 August from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Former MAC Rescue (South Australia) / Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta (Bell) AB412 Helicopter VH-LSA Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

An interesting helicopter to arrive into Rockhampton Airport on Sunday 18 August was Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta (Bell) AB412 Helicopter VH-LSA.

It arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport and looked to fly across from Adelaide in South Australia, departing there on Saturday 17 August.

The distinctive bright red-and-white rescue chopper has until recently been operating for the South Australia-based MAC (Motor Accident Commission) Rescue service.  It looked to complete possibly its final flight in late July as "Rescue 55".

File photo  (Peter Browne / https://www.flickr.com/)

MAC (Motor Accident Commission) Rescue is South Australia's rescue helicopter service used by the health and emergency service organisations to undertake medical retrieval, policing, bushfire management and search and rescue tasks.  It was established in 2009 under contract with Australian Helicopters (now Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) for use by MedSTAR Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, SA Police and the SA Country Fire Service.

It appears that Babcock currently operates fellow Bell 412 rescue helicopters VH-VAS "Rescue 51" and VH-VAO "Rescue 52" for MAC Rescue out of Adelaide Airport and reportedly conducts more than 1000 missions across South Australia each year.

At the time of writing, VH-LSA appears to be still parked at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-LSA has come to Rockhampton Airport to replace fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU which departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Coffs Harbour on Monday 19 August.  It is believed that VH-VAU will undergo planned maintenance while at Coffs Harbour, while VH-LSA will commence operating for the Rockhampton Airport-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS).

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Trevor H and Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Kayanne Hardsman  ©