Airmed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SQY Pops into Mackay Airport as "AirMed 952"

On Saturday 30 November, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY was back in Central Queensland this time noted arriving into Mackay Airport from its Bankstown base vai Lismore in Northern New South Wales.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Airmed 952".

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Looking to be completing a medical evacuation flight, VH-SQY departed Mackay Airport and returned direct to Bankstown again as "Airmed 952".

The sleek little bizjet has recently has its operator details updated to AirMed Australia - a New South Wales (NSW) based organisation that has been providing patient transport services by air and by ground for over a decade.  They promote themselves as one of the few providers that have extensive air and ground assets positioned around NSW, thus enabling them to provide our customers with a true "bed-to-bed" service.

To find out more about AirMed, visit their website at:  http://airmed.com.au/

Photo taken by Greg Weir  ©

Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NMV Arrives into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Parachute Operations

Certainly an interesting arrival into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour this week with Wollongong-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NMV arriving direct from Tyagarah on Sunday 24 November to take up operations for the locally-based Skydive Airlie Beach.

It appears to have replaced its sistership - fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DNK - which flew North to Cairns also on Sunday 24 November and looks to be operating between there and Tully.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 3 December, another Cessna 208 Caravan of the same company, VH-BCR, flew North to Tully from Tyagarah via Mackay Airport.  Consequently, VH-DNK returned to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  And on Wednesday 4 December, VH-NMV returned South direct to Tyagarah.

Meanwhile, noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the South via Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 30 November was Skyline Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-NGL.

https://www.facebook.com/MattHallRacing/

It is believed that this aircraft is utilised by Red Bull Air Race World Champion, Aussie Matt Hall.

UPDATE!  After enjoying a weekend in the beautiful Whitsundays, Matt Hall piloted VH-NGL out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on Monday 2 December, calling back into Rockhampton Airport before it then continued South.

Finally, Brisbane-based Bishopp Aviation SOCATA TBM-700 VH-VSV was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Archerfield base on Friday 29 November.  It returned to Archerfield early on Saturday 30 November.

And over at Hamilton Island Airport, also early on Saturday 30 November, the visiting American-registered ACI Jet (TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet N624BR was noted departing to Cairns and overseas.  It had arrived the previous weekend on Sunday 24 November - see Blog post below.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-ESZ Flys North via Gladstone and Mackay Airports

On Friday 29 November, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ was noted ferrying North from Archerfield via Gladstone and Mackay Airports to Townsville.

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VH-ESZ has recently been operating in the South-East corner out of Archerfield as "Rescue 500".

We shall wait and see if one of the other QGAir Rescue AW139 helicopters currently operating in Far North Queensland ferry South via CQ to Archerfield.

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

Meanwhile, fellow Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK was noted completing a medical evacuation flight into Bundaberg Airport from the South-East corner as "Rescue 500" on Saturday 23 November.

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Brisbane-based Cessna 560 Citation V Encore Bizjet VH-ACC Pops into CQ Airports

Early on Friday 29 November, Australian Country Choice Properties (Brisbane) Cessna 560 Citation V Encore bizjet VH-ACC was noted visiting Roma Airport during a busy day of flying.

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It also visited a number of other smaller strips including Mooga / Brindley Park (YABP), Wellclose (YWEC) and Upper Warrego / Babbiloora (YABB).

At the end of its flying day, VH-ACC was noted arriving into Roma Airport before it then departed back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" Pops into Rockhampton and Longreach Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville.

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VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" then departed Townsville and called into Longreach Airport before it later returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the sister-ship to VH-CXJ, fellow LifeFlight LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI looked to also call into Rockhampton Airport but on Wednesday 27 November.  Rather than using its 'usual' medical evacuation callsign of "Ambulance 451", it was heard to be using its registration marking as its radio callsign so is presumed it was on a training flight.  VH-VVI arrived from Brisbane and departed Rocky for Townsville.

Finally, Mackay-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was noted completing a flight from Mackay Airport to Brisbane and back over the course of Wednesday 27 November and Thursday 28 November.

RAAF Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus the 2 RAAF King Airs Back at CQ Airports Again!

A surprise arrival into Mackay Airport on Thursday 28 November with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 spotted touching down from Canberra and the Gold Coast as "Envoy 22".

After a short while on the ground, A36-002 looked to depart Mackay Airport and return to Canberra.

Meanwhile, the two RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air turboprop aircraft that have flown over and into various Central Queensland Airports this week were back in the region again on Thursday 28 November.  A32-008 "Torch 29" flew up from Sunshine Coast and completed low level airwork off the coast near Bowen before landing at Hamilton Island Airport.

While A32-988 "Torch 24" also flew up from the Sunshine Coast and completed low level airwork off Hay Point and then around the Brampton Island area before also landing at Hamilton Island Airport.

Later, the two Super King Airs flew back South separately, with A32-988 completing training diversions left and right of its flight track before it then completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport.  Both Super King Airs returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Hevilift Australia ATR 72-500 VH-FVM Arrives into Rockhampton Airport on Charter - Plus More!

During the afternoon on Wednesday 27 November, Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) ATR 72-500 VH-FVM was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport direct from Brisbane as HT705.

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At the time of writing, the ATR is expected to stay for the night at Rocky with a departure to Horn Island planned for early on Thursday 28 November.

VH-FVM completed similar flights from Rocky to Horn Island in the middle of September (pictured) and then back in early October on what was thought to have been a closed charter flight transporting boarding school students between home and school in Rocky.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©️

InflightER Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1124A Westwind II Bizjet VH-IER Pops into Bundaberg Airport from its Maryborough Airport Base

On Wednesday 27 November, locally-based Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1124A Westwind II bizjet VH-IER was noted departing its Maryborough Airport Base for a test flight up the Central Queensland Coast following a period of planned maintenance.

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It travelled as far as Bundaberg Airport where it landed for a period of time. VH-IER eventually returned to Maryborough Airport.

As we've mentioned previously, VH-IER - which as suggested by its 'InflightER' titles - is fully kitted out as a specialist medical retrieval and evacuation (med-evac) aircraft.  In fact the name worn by the aircraft - 'InflightER' - is literally short for 'InFlight Emergency Room'.

VH-IER is also part of Australia Air Medical, whose mission is to be known as the safest, most ethical and best value jet aeromedical retrieval services in the Australasian and Asia Pacific marketplace.

More information about 'InflightER' - as well as some great images of their Westwind at work - can be found at their website:  http://www.inflighter.com.au/

To learn more about Australia Air Medical, visit their website:  http://www.aamed.com.au/

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Calls into Roma and Miles Airports

On Wednesday 27 November, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted visiting Miles and Roma Airports during a busy day of flying out of and back to its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.

VH-WMY at Roma Airport during a previous visit  (File photo)

It initially departed Moorabbin for Melbourne (Essendon) before it then flew to Horsham (Victoria) and then back to Essendon.  VH-WMY then flew all the way to Miles Airport before continuing to Roma Airport.  It then returned South to Moorabbin but via West Wyalong in New South Wales.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 28 November, VH-WMY was back in CQ, again calling into Miles and Roma Airports again, during another busy day of flying out of and back to Moorabbin.  It was also noted visiting Camden and Bankstown in New South Wales on its trip North, and returned to South to West Wyalong and then Bankstown where it seems to be spending the night.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters A40-013 & A40-035 Back at Rockhampton Airport

After heading South via Rocky a week ago - see Blog post below - on Tuesday 26 November, the same pair of Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters were noted returning North again via Rockhampton Airport.

It was interesting to note however, that for this flight, they had swapped over their radio callsigns with A40-035 flying as "Destrier 115" while A40-013 was flying as "Warhorse 246".

Both MRH-90s arrived from Oakey and later departed to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 November, and for the second day in-a-row, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops A32-998 "Torch 24" and A32-008 "Torch 29" were again back in the air out of the Sunshine Coast and again at CQ Airports.  At various times during the day, they were noted completing airwork at Emerald, Mackay, Hamilton Island, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Taroom and Gladstone Airports, with them also landing at Mackay and Rockhampton Airports respectively.

File photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX Bizjet VH-WIO Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 November, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO was noted making yet another visit to Hamilton Island Airport.  As per usual, it touched down from Bankstown.

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At the time of writing, it appears that VH-WIO is spending at least the night on the ground at Hamo.

UPDATE!  After spending the night, on Wednesday 27 November, VH-WIO departed Hamo and returned to Bankstown.

Meanwhile, after flying over to Norfolk Island just the previous week, also on Tuesday 26 November, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ returned to its Mackay Airport Base from there via the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Monday 25 November, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU was noted calling into Rockhampton and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports during a busy day of flying out of and back to Cairns.

VH-PSU had flown up to Cairns from Brisbane, flying via Mackay Airport on Sunday 24 November.

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-JQX in 'Hertz' Rental Car Colour Scheme Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

Noted making its first visit into Central Queensland on Monday 25 November was Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-JQX which emerged from the hangar a fortnight earlier adorned in stickers promoting the well-known rental car company 'Hertz'.

VH-JQX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney as JST846.  It then was heading back to Sydney as JST849 but diverted to the Gold Coast where it was on the ground for around 90 minutes before continuing to Sydney.

VH-JQX is pictured at Adelaide Airport late last week as it passed through the South Australian capital on a scheduled service.

Nice!

All photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©️

RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-988 & A32-008 Both Complete Airwork & Land at CQ Airports

On Monday 25 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork and landing at some Central Queensland Airports.

A32-988 on display at Avalon earlier this year  (File photo)

A32-988, flying as "Torch 24", flew up from the Sunshine Coast and completed a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before flying at low-level and completing airwork between Gladstone and Yeppoon followed by positions near St Bees Island, Scawfell Island and Brampton Island all North-East of Mackay.  A32-988 then laded at Mackay Airport for a refuel.

Meanwhile, A32-008, flying as "Torch 29", followed the other Super King Air out of the Sunshine Coast and flew direct to Mackay Airport with diversion training left and right of its track.  It then completed a missed approach at Mackay Airport and again at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before completing airwork also to the North-East of Mackay.  A32-008 eventually also landed at Mackay Airport for a refuel.

As the afternoon wore on, A32-008 "Torch 29" departed Mackay Airport and flew back to the Sunshine Coast via a missed approach at Gladstone Airport.

While A32-988 "Torch 24" also departed Mackay Airport but completed a missed approach at Proserpine Airport before also returning to the Sunshine Coast but also with diversion training off its 'normal' track.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that during the afternoon on Sunday 24 November, fellow RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air, A32-670 as "Ausy 828", made an emergency landing at Roma Airport while flying North due to a cracked windscreen.

On Monday 25 November, A32-670 was noted returning South to RAAF Base East Sale again as "Ausy 828".

Possibly to provide support to the Super King Air, early on Monday 25 November, an unidentified RAAF Super King Air also arrived into Roma Airport as "Hudson 04" from East Sale.  This Super King Air later departed Roma Airport to Port Lincoln in South Australia as "Hudson 23".

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-005 "Kaos 77" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport Late Sunday

Late on Sunday 24 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 was noted completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

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The C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter, which is flown by 35 Squadron out of RAAF Base Amberley, looked to arrive from the North and complete several touch-and-go approach and landings.  A34-005 then looked to fly South to Amberley.

A34-005 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Kaos 77".

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNF Also Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

On Sunday 24 November, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF was also noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to fly all the way up from Melbourne (Essendon) where it is currently based and looked to be completing a sortie for AMSA with it flying as “Rescue 550”.

The Challenger appeared to fly to a position to the North-East of Hamo and complete several circuits before landing at Hamilton Island Airport where it took on fuel.

After a couple of hours on the ground, VH-XNF departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned directly to Essendon.

As we've previously reported, Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd (Cobham) was contracted in 2014 to provide a new search and rescue agreement for AMSA using four Bombardier Challenger CL-604 bizjets from late 2016 for a period of 12 years.

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©

ACI Jet (USA) Bombardier Global Express XRS Bizjet N624BR Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport

A lovely arrival into Hamilton Island Airport early on Sunday 24 November was American-registered ACI Jet (TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet N624BR.

It touched down from Cairns where it is pictured above arriving earlier in the morning from overseas.

Of interest, N624BR is one of several luxury corporate business jets that the California-based ACI Jet operates.  More information can be found by visiting us online at:  http://www.acijet.com

At the time of writing, the sleek Global Express remains parked at Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 30 November, N624BR departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Cairns before continuing overseas.

Sincere thanks to Cairns-based plane spotter Jonathan W for allowing us to share his great photos!

All photos taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Pacific Air Express Australia Boeing B757-200F Freighter VH-PQA Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 24 November, Pacific Air Express Australia Boeing B757-225(PCF) Freighter VH-PQA was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport on what appeared to be a training flight.

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VH-PQA arrived into Rocky from Brisbane as 'PCF601' / "Pacific 601" and parked on Gate 6 on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron.  It then returned to Brisbane as 'PCF602' / "Pacific 602".

Of interest, the B757 freighter has spent recent months operating for Qantas Freight and operated predominantly on cross-Australia flights between Melbourne and Perth.  It appears to have returned to its Brisbane base in mid-October and has since only been operating occasional charter flights.

Great to see VH-PQA back in CQ!

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Also Noted Visiting Longreach Airport over the Weekend - Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-KXM Back and More!

As well as the visiting US-registered Diamond DA 42 (see Blog post below), a number of other interesting General Aviation (GA) aircraft were also noted popping in and out of Longreach Airport over the weekend.

Early on Saturday 23 November, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM was back at Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Bankstown and later departed to Dorunda Station and Cairns.

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

While visiting Longreach Airport early on Saturday 23 November but from Mount Isa was Burketown-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-MDM.

Fellow PA-31 Navajo VH-DEQ was also noted visiting Longreach Airport but on Sunday 24 November.  It looked to arrive from the Sunshine Coast and Clermont Aerodrome before it later returned South to Charleville Airport and the Sunny Coast.

Finally, at the time of writing, on Monday 25 November, Redjet Aviation Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU is planned to also visit Longreach Airport, arriving from and departing back to its Toowoomba base.  Of interest, VH-PJU was also in the area visiting Longreach and Barcaldine Airports last Tuesday 19 November.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

American-Registered Diamond DA-42 NG Twin Star N566CB Calls into Longreach Airport

On Saturday 23 November, American-registered Diamond DA-42 NG Twin Star N566CB was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield.

The little American-registered Diamond has been flying around Australia since arriving into Broome in Western Australia Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (Lombok International Airport) in Indonesia during the early part of October.  N566CB then flew across to Bankstown where it has spent some time parked.

Meanwhile, After spending the night, N566CB departed Longreach Airport early on Sunday 24 November for Mount Isa and Darwin - where it is photographed above.

UPDATE!  On Monday 25 November, N566CB departed Darwin and headed overseas to Kupang also in Indonesia.

Of interest, the Diamond DA-42 Twin Star is a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane developed and manufactured by Austrian company Diamond Aircraft Industries.

Sincere thanks to Darwin-based plane spotter Sid M for allowing us to share this great photo from the top end!

Photo taken by Sid Mitchell  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 Completes Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport

During the late afternoon on Friday 22 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 was noted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

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It appears that the Wedgetail flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle via a missed approach also at RAAF Base Amberley.

A30-003 then returned direct to Williamtown from Bundy.

A30-003 was noted to be using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 26".

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

American Registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet N60XC Back at Emerald Airport

Spotted arriving into Emerald Airport on Friday 22 November was the familiar sight of American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet N60XC.  The semi-regular visitor to Emerald Airport (and the CQ region) looked to arrive from Brisbane.

It appears that N60XC arrived into the Queensland capital from overseas very late on Wednesday 20 November.

At the time of writing, N60XC remains parked at Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  N60XC didn't stay long!  It was was noted departing Emerald Airport early on Saturday 23 November for Townsville and then overseas.

Meanwhile, also in the region, also on Friday 22 November, was Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ which looked to visit my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It looked to arrive from and then later return back to Brisbane.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-PSU Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 22 November, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU was noted calling into Rockhampton Airport during a busy day of flying.

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It arrived into Rocky from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville and then Cairns.   VH-PSU later returned to Townsville before flying back to the Queensland capital.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

On Thursday 21 November, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing its Mackay Airport base for the Sunshine Coast.

N142GZ at the Sunshine Coast recently  (File photo)

After seemingly taking on fuel and clearing Australian Customs and Borderforce requirements, N142GZ then departed the Sunshine Coast for Norfolk Island.

At the time of writing, N142GZ appears to be staying at Norfolk Island for at least the night.

Sincere thanks to the Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting Facebook page for allowing us to share their great photo of N142GZ!

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) B737 / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 Missed Approach at Emerald Airport

On Thursday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 was noted completing a missed approach at Emerald Airport.

A30-004 completes a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport  (File photo)

It appears that the Wedgetail flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and after completing the airwork, continued up to Townsville.  A30-004 was heard using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 17".

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 November, A30-004 "Wedgetail 17" was noted returning South to Williamtown via a missed approach out at Mount Isa.

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©

Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Hawker 850XP Bizjet VH-SGY Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 20 November, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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It then back-taxied all the way down the Runway at Rockhampton Airport before departing straight back to Brisbane.

Clearly on a training flight, VH-SGY hasn't been in the air for a couple of weeks and hasn't been seen in Central Queensland since early October!

UPDATE!  VH-SGY was back at Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 21 November on what appeared to be 'official duties'.  It arrived from Brisbane and later departed to Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

Photo taken by Jaxson White  ©

Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters A40-035 & A40-013 Pop into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 19 November, a pair of Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters were spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

The first MRH-90 to land was identified as A40-035 and it arrived from Townsville as "Warhorse 246".

The second MRH-90 was identified as A40-013 and also arrived from Townsville, but as "Destrier 115".

After taking in fuel and having some lunch, the crews rejoined the choppers and both MRH-90s departed almost together for the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and using their individual callsigns.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Private Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Calls into Gladstone Airport

Also on Sunday 17 November, Mackay-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport on the fairly short hop down to Gladstone Airport.

After spending much of the day on the ground, N142GZ was photographed above returning to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also visiting Gladstone Airport, but in the wee small hours also on Sunday 17 November, was LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" which was noted completing a medical evacuation flight from and back to Brisbane.

Of interest, fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was also in CQ but in the wee small hours of Friday 15 November with it noted visiting Mackay Airport.  It flew in from Townsville and later departed to Brisbane before returning to Townsville.

Sincere thanks again to local plane spotter Michael F for again taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Michael Fleetwood  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-QQW at Gladstone Airport in Special 100th Anniversary Commemorative Livery of First Flight from England in 1919

Really great to see another special livery in Central Queensland, and on Sunday 17 November, local plane spotter Michael F was on hand at Gladstone Airport to capture some great photos of Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-QQW paying a visit wearing a special livery commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first flight to Australia from England.

VH-QQW made its first visit to CQ on Friday 15 November, also operating into Gladstone Airport. 

On Sunday, it made two visits, completing the VOZ2909/2908/2911/2910 flights from and back to Brisbane on behalf of Virgin Australia Airlines.

VH-QQW was ferried back to Australia in late September into Perth following a period of maintenance in Europe including re-painting into this livery designed by the world acclaimed Netherlands design house Lila Design.  After operating in the Western Australian capital until early November, VH-QQW was then one of the star attractions at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Air Show.  VH-QQW was then ferried to Brisbane where it appears to have now commenced operations.

As mentioned, VH-QQW has been painted into a livery to commemorate a significant Australian aviation event in the form of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first aerial flight from England on 10th December 1919.

At 3:40pm on December 10 1919, Ross Smith landed the "Vimy" at Port Darwin’s Fannie Bay airfield - exactly 27 days and 20 hours after departing Hounslow airfield in London. The Great Air Race had been won, as had the 10,000-pound Australian Government prize. The crowd at Fannie Bay was overcome with excitement!

https://www.greatairrace.com.au/

Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness, representing the Australian defence department, were the first to officially welcome the four airmen.  On 16 November 1920 Fysh and McGinness with grazier Fergus McMaster founded Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (QANTAS). No doubt inspired by the heroic achievements of the Vimy crew, the previous year.

The crew of the aircraft - Captain Ross MacPherson-Smith, Lieutenant Keith Macpherson, Sergeant Walter Henry Shiers and Sergeant James Mallett - are commemorated on the Ross Smith Memorial at Fannie Bay in Darwin.

Finally, it's worth noting that Alliance Airlines continues to operate fellow Fokker F-70 jet VH-NUU in its distinctive Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) 'Pink Lady' colour scheme, as well as Fokker F-100 VH-FGB in its attractive livery celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first trans-Pacific crossing completed in 1928 by four aviators including Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith in his Fokker F.VIIb/3m Trimotor named "Southern Cross".

Alliance is Australasia’s leading provider of contract, charter and allied aviation services currently employing in excess of 590 full time staff. The business currently operates a fleet of 23 Fokker F-100, 10 Fokker F-70LR jet aircraft and five Fokker F-50 turboprops with additional fleet units scheduled to enter service during the remainder of 2019. Alliance has world leading operational performance, a key attribute sought by its customers. The Company has operational bases in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Rockhampton.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Michael F for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great looking visitor to CQ!

Photos taken by Michael Fleetwood  ©