New Air Kiribati Embraer E-190-E2 VH-IKJ Overfly of Rockhampton Airport While on Training Flight

Merely a dot in the sky when it was spotted flying overhead Rockhampton Airport during the afternoon on Tuesday 31 March was the new Air Kiribati Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ which looked to complete a training flight from the Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport to Brisbane - where it is pictured landing below.

The brand new Embraer was delivered to Air Kiribati at Wellcamp in January wearing its Brazilian delivery registration marking of PR-EHT.

It was added to the Australian Aircraft Register in February as VH-IKJ is owned by and registered to the Government of Kiribati, with Sydney-based passenger and cargo airline Pionair Australia as the registered operator.  It remained parked at Wellcamp until departing on the test flight described above.

Air Kiribati is the flag carrier of the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) and operates scheduled passenger services to 20 atolls spread over an area of 3.5m sq km.

It is headquartered at Bonriki International Airport on the island of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.  The airline operates an international service from Tarawa to Tuvalu.  Regional charter flights, medical evacuation and search and rescue services are also undertaken by the airline.

Their fleet currently includes a single Harbin Y-12F, Dash-8-100 (T3-AKA ex-VH-QQA) and DHC-6-300 Twin Otter (P2-KSM).

http://www.airkiribati.com.ki/

Kiribati is a small nation that covers an immense geographical area - which is mostly water.  The E190-E2 was chosen for its ability to economically connect two important islands, Tarawa in the west and Kiritimati or Christmas Island in the east. Even with the E2 this is more than a 4 hour flight.

Services will commence by mid-2020 eventually connecting Brisbane with Honiara, Nauru, Tarawa, Fiji, Kiritimati, Honolulu and Majuro.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Matt Cotter Photography  ©

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 Does Airwork at Charleville and Rockhampton Airports

On Tuesday 31 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 was noted completing airwork, including missed approaches, at both Charleville and Rockhampton Airports.

It was noted flying North from RAAF Base Amberley and initially completed airwork and a  low overshoot at Charleville Airport before venturing North and completing a missed approach at Rocky.  After completing its airwork, A41-206 departed Rockhampton on returned to Amberley.

A41-206 was heard to be flying as "Stallion 77".

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Kayanne H who popped outside her house for these couple of quick photos as the Globemaster climbed out of Rockhampton Airport.

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY Pops into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Tuesday 31 March, Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY was noted calling into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport during a busy day of flying.

File photo

The bright yellow King Air initially flew into Brisbane from its Sunshine Coast base before it then headed North to Cairns.

After spending the day in the tropical North, VH-ZSY flew down at called into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then departed back to Brisbane before returning 'home' to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Service Takes Delivery of Three ex-RAAF Challenger 604 Bizjets for Medical Retrieval Operations

It has been interesting to note that over the last month or so, the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Service has received three additional Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 air ambulance bizjets that previously were flown by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

VH-OFC, VH-OFA & VH-OFB all at Burbank in the USA

As we have reported last year, all three of the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron Challenger 604 bizjets - A37-001, A37-002 and A37-003 - all departed Australian shores during 2019, with them all ultimately arriving into Burbank Airport in California in the United States of America - as shown above and below.

A37-002 at Burbank

While over in the United States, all three Challenger 604s were placed on the Australian (civil) Aircraft Register as VH-OFA, VH-OFB and VH-OFC respectively, with the registration holder being a Sydney-based leasing company.  This has since changed to Aeromed Queensland, with the registered operator also now listed at LifeFlight Australia.

VH-OFA prepares to depart Burbank

The first to arrive back in Australia was VH-OFC (ex A37-003) which touched down at Brisbane on Saturday 15 February.  It took to the air for the first time on Saturday 7 March (pictured below) but looked to return to Brisbane where it has remained ever since.

VH-OFC departs Brisbane Airport on a test flight

Next to arrive back in Australia was VH-OFA (ex A37-001) which touched down at Townsville on Thursday 20 February.  It first took to the air on Monday 23 March and seems to be about to enter service with LifeFlight as one of three Air Ambulance jets that are now on standby to airlift suspected or confirmed Coronavirus and other patients, from Queensland regional centres, under an upgraded deal signed off by the Queensland State Government.  VH-OFA is pictured below at Darwin in the early hours on Tuesday 24 March.

VH-OFA at Darwin Airport

The third and final to arrive back in Australia was VH-OFB (ex A37-002) which touched down at Brisbane on Saturday 21 March.  It appears to be still hangared as it doesn't appear as though it has taken to the air as yet.

Finally, the valuable community service that is LifeFlight has launched an emergency COVID-19 (Coronavirus) appeal.

Unfortunately for the organisation, approximately $200,000 in funds will be lost as a result of the cancellation of fundraising events due to this COVID-19 pandemic so far.

To make up for these financial losses, and to fund the equipment needed for this COVID-19 response, LifeFlight needs to raise $600,000 as soon as possible. You can help them save as many lives as possible over these times of crisis and give what you can today by donating HERE.

Thank you for your support.

Photos taken by Ray, Lloyd Fox and Sid Mitchell  ©

Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II Bizjet VH-VDF Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 March, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

VH-VDF at Adelaide Airport recently  (File photo)

After a short time on the ground, VH-VDF then returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 March,  American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield and Redcliffe. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 April, N257AK departed Shute Harbour for Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 April N257AK completed a return flight from Archerfield to Tamworth in New South Wales and back.

Finally, a couple of other King Air aircraft to call into CQ Airports, also on Monday 30 March, included Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW which visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB popped into the Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) also from its Toowoomba base.

VH-FKB also called into Williamson from Toowoomba and Mackay Airport on Friday 27 March before it then returned to Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS Calls into Central Queensland Airports Back on the Qld Police Run!

On Monday 30 March, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS was noted calling into some Central Queensland Airports while on a busy day of flying out of and back to its Cairns base.

VH-HJS departs Brisbane Airport on Monday

VH-HJS was noted flying as 'HND420' and looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then continued to Brisbane before returning North to Mackay Airport and then Townsville and Cairns.

As we've reported previously, VH-HJS was again chartered by the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) to complete prisoner transfer flights.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-CXJ Completes Airwork at CQ Airports

Late on Sunday 29 March, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-CXJ was noted completing airwork at both Mackay and Bundaberg Airports while on a flight from Townsville to Brisbane.

File photo

VH-CXJ was using its registration marking as its radio callsign and looked to be completing a post-maintenance flight after seemingly being on the ground at Townsville since the start of February.

Toll Freight Aviation ATR 42-300F VH-TOQ Makes More Visits to Mackay Airport

Over the course of this week, Toll Freight Aviation ATR 42-300F VH-TOQ has been noted and spotted calling into Mackay Airport while heading up and down the Queensland coast from and back to Brisbane.

It appears that VH-TOQ initially touched down at Mackay Airport from Brisbane early on both Thursday 26 March and again on Friday 27 March (as shown) while operating as TFX6.  After an hour on the ground, it departed Mackay Airport and continued to Townsville both days again as TFX6.

It looks like however that VH-TOQ arrived back into Mackay Airport from Townsville during the early evening on only Friday 27 March but as TFX5.  After some time on the ground, it departed Mackay Airport and continued to Brisbane again as TFX5.

It also appears that VH-TOQ also called into Mackay Airport as TFX5 from Townsville also last Friday 20 March while enroute to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 March, VH-TOQ called into Mackay Airport one more time while flying from Brisbane to Townsville as TFX6.

These flights usually bypass Mackay Airport and operate direct between Brisbane and Townsville.  The exact reason for these visits is unclear but it appears that it could be due extra freight coming to the region as it appears that the 'usual' Toll Freight Metro aircraft also arrived into Mackay Airport on most of these days.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter 'JM' who was at the right place at the right time to capture these great photos!

All photos taken by 'JM'  ©

Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-PSU and Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK Both Call into CQ Airport

On Friday 27 March, both the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU and Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK were noted calling into Central Queensland Airports.

VH-PSU at Rockhampton Airport on a previous occasion  (File photo)

It appeared that VH-PSU called into Rockhampton Airport twice during a busy of flying between Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

While VH-PSK called into both Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports during a buys day of flying out of and back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 26 March, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD also popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Toowoomba and departing to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ at Mackay Airport

On Tuesday 24 March, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville after completing a five-hour long flight.

File photo

On Wednesday 25 March, VH-TFQ was then noted operating a nearly five-hour flight out of Mackay Airport out to sea and back.  It is possible that VH-TFQ was involved with an aerial survey of the Great Barrier Reef as has happened on previous occasions - such as in 2017 when the photo above was taken.

On Thursday 26 March, VH-TFQ flew into Gladstone Airport and then back to Mackay Airport.

At the time of writing, VH-TFQ is due to return North to Townsville and then Cairns from Mackay Airport on Friday 27 March.

During its visit to the Sugar City, VH-TFQ was using the flight number and callsign of 'HND411' / "Hinterland 411".

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 26 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it climbed out after completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and after completing the airwork, it continued up to Townsville where it completed another missed approach.  A39-004 then returned South all the way back to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 52".

Of interest, this was the first time we've sighted A39-004 in Central Queensland since its recent re-paint.

On their entry to RAAF service, the KC-30A fleet initially carried a ‘low-visibility’ grey colour scheme brought over from the predecessor Boeing B707 Tanker Transports. This included the aircraft’s identification numbers, emergency markings, RAAF roundels and squadron insignia being applied in blue grey paint.

Difficulty with identifying individual KC-30As on the tarmac and in the air will see the existing blue-grey markings swapped with dark grey markings that have higher contrast with the light grey applied to the rest of the aircraft.

The first KC-30A to receive these new markings was A39-004 which returned to Australia from its repaint in mid-January, with the dark grey markings to be applied on each KC-30A as it comes due for scheduled repainting.

Defence Image...

It certainly makes it a lot easier for us plane spotters to identify the KC-30A with a repaint program applying dark grey markings to the aircraft.

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

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Falconair Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Wednesday 25 March, recently registered Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It looked to arrive direct from its Bankstown base.

VH-CAD departs Sydney Airport in February  (File photo)

After an hour or so on the ground, VH-CAD returned to Bankstown.

Of interest, VH-CAD was registered to the New South Wales-based Falconair in December 2019 having been delivered to Sydney as N922JW in late November last year.

It appears that VH-CAD has replaced Falconair's two Dassault Falcon 20F bizjets VH-FAI and VH-PNY with the regular visitors to Central Queensland re-registered and possibly departing Australia in the middle of November 2019.

VH-FAI at Mackay Airport in 2018  (File photo)

Both aircraft entered the American Aircraft Register with VH-FAI becoming N957CJ and VH-PNY becoming N380CJ.

Meanwhile, it's worth mentioning that over at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, often visiting  American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted arriving back from Tamworth in New South Wales on Tuesday 24 March.  It had flown south just over a week ago.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 March, N257AK departed the Whitsunday Airport and flew to Archerfield.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share his great photo of VH-CAD.

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photos taken by Grahame Hutchison and 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 Pops into CQ Airports

On Wednesday 25 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

The still fairly new Falcon 7X bizjet, which is flown by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron, was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and Brisbane as "Envoy 56".

A56-002 then departed Bundy and made the shortish hop up to Rockhampton Airport.

A56-002 then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane and then Canberra.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 24 March, local plane spotter Scott H was at the right place at the right time to capture a couple of quick photos as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 completed airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

The Globemaster flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and descended to 3000 feet on a final approach for Runway 33 at Rocky before it turned off to a low circuit and missed approach on Runway 15.

A41-209 then returned to Amberley.  It was heard using the radio callsign of "Stallion 17" during its flight.

Thanks Scott!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Pops into Miles Airport - Plus a Couple of King Airs Around CQ Airports

On Tuesday 24 March, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was again noted in Central Queensland, this time popping into Miles Airport.

File photo

The sleek Citation arrived from its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base via Bacchus Marsh.  It later returned direct to Moorabbin.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 24 March, a pair of Brescon P/L (of Toowoomba) Beech King Air turboprops were noted visiting Roma Airport twice.  King Air VH-WXB arrived from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and departed to Moomba.  It later returned from there and departed back to Wellcamp.  While their recently acquired King Air VH-XDW also arrived from Wellcamp and departed to Ballera.  It too returned from there and then went back to Wellcamp.

While one of the four new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Raytheon B200 King Air turboprop aircraft VH-VJX "FlyDoc 426" looks to be currently based at Roma Airport.  On Tuesday 24 March, it looked to complete the weekly 'clinic run' to Longreach Airport.

Finally, as mentioned below, on Monday 23 March, three Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jets were noted calling into Roma Airport on what looked to again be Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights from and back to Brisbane.  VH-QQY flew as UTY3350/1, VH-JFE flew as UTY3352/3 and VH-QQW flew as UTY3354/5.

These charters in and out of Roma Airport have been occurring on a semi-regular basis this year with 2-3 Fokker F-70 jets completing the flights.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-NKQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport on Closed Charter Flight - Plus More!

Early on Tuesday 24 March, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-NKQ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as UTY570 direct from Brisbane.

File photo

After a around an hour on the ground, it then departed to Horn Island in Far North Queensland but as UTY572.  VH-NKQ then returned to Brisbane as UTY573.

It appears that this closed charter was to ferry school students from Rockhampton home to Far North Queensland for the forthcoming holidays.

Meanwhile, on Monday 23 March, three Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jets were noted calling into Roma Airport on what looked to again be Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights from and back to Brisbane.  VH-QQY flew as UTY3350/1, VH-JFE flew as UTY3352/3 and VH-QQW flew as UTY3354/5.

These charters in and out of Roma Airport have been occurring on a semi-regular basis this year with 2-3 Fokker F-70 jets completing the flights.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Pops into Longreach Airport Twice - Plus More!

Before dawn on Monday 23 March, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Cessnock in New South Wales.  It had flown South from its Archerfield base during the afternoon on Sunday 22 March.  After appearing to take on fuel, VH-TEY then continued to RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine in the Northern Territory.

Then during the afternoon and evening, VH-TEY returned to Longreach Airport from Tindal and then continued back to Cessnock.  At the time of writing, VH-TEY is winging its way back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also late on Monday 23 March, the visiting AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY was noted departing Emerald Airport destined for Orange in New South Wales and then its Bankstown base.  However, at the time of writing, it was noted to have diverted to Coffs Harbour. 

VH-SQY had arrived into Emerald Airport from Bankstown via Taree during the afternoon on Saturday 21 March and then appeared to have broken down.  The diversion on Monday evening suggests perhaps it is still suffering from maintenance issues.

Of interest VH-SQY was noted using the radio callsign of "Airmed 998" for both its flights.

Finally, also on Monday 23 March, a pair of Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation aircraft were noted coming and going at couple of Central Queensland Airports.

SAAB 340B VH-VEF was noted arriving into Theodore Airport presumably on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.  It later returned there.  While Cessna 441 VH-VEJ was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from the South before it then later departed to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Greg Weir  ©

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

On Monday 23 March, 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 and low overshoot at Gladstone Airport.

File photo

It appears that the Wedgetail flew up directly from RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle.  After completing the airwork, A30-003 departed Gladstone Airport and completed more airwork at RAAF Base Amberley before then returning to Williamtown.

Of interest, A30-003 was noted to be using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 03".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Couple of Interesting Cessna 206s - VH-PXT and VH-MZL - Pass Through CQ Airports

Over the weekend, a couple of interesting Cessna 206 aircraft were noted passing through Central Queensland Airports.

On Saturday 21 March, Sydney Seaplanes T206H Float Plane VH-PXT was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Bankstown and Moree in New South Wales.  After staying for the night, on Sunday 22 March, VH-PXT continued from Emerald Airport to Townsville.

https://www.facebook.com/sydneyseaplanes/

It is unclear if the Stationair is still on floats or not.

While on Sunday 22 March, recently re-registered Strickland Bosavi Foundation Cessna U206G VH-MZL passed through Mackay Airport while heading from Mareeba to Redcliffe.

dhaero / https://flightaware.com/

The Stationair had previous been registered to and operated by the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) which has a base at Mareeba in Far North Queensland.

Finally, smart little Australian Wings (Flying) Academy (Gold Coast) Diamond Aircraft Industries DA40-D aircraft VH-YHP passed through Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 21 March while heading from its Gold Coast base to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  VH-YHP then returned South, again via the beef capital, to the Gold Coast on Sunday 22 March.

Airmed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SQY "Airmed 998" Arrives into Emerald Airport

In the early evening on Saturday 21 March, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Bankstown via Taree in New South Wales. It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Airmed 998".

File photo

Unusually, at the time of writing, it appears to have remained parked at Emerald Airport with no departure flight plan noted.  Perhaps its has sustained a maintenance issue?

Photo taken by Greg Weir  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft A30-003 & A30-006 Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Friday 20 March, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft were both noted completing airwork and missed approaches at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

Wedegtail A30-003 flying as "Wedgetail 12" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via airwork at the Gold Coast to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport. It then looked to return to Williamtown via more airwork at RAAF Base Amberley.

While Wedgetail A30-006 flying as "Wedgetail 16" also flew up from Williamtown and was noted completing a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It then also returned to Williamtown but via more airwork at Tamworth.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 20 March, RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 "Dragon 72" was heard flying over parts of Central Queensland providing aerial refuelling support to a pair of RAAF McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets which were flying from Townsville home to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Nice!

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

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

On Friday 20 March, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted visiting Moura and Miles Airports during a busy day of flying.

File photo

After arriving into the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne (Essendon) late on Thursday 19 March, VH-WMY departed the Sunny Coast and arrived into Moura Airport.  In the early afternoon, it then flew into Miles Airport before later departed to Essendon and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ Ferries North via Emerald Airport

On Thursday 19 March, Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ was noted flying North from Watts Bridge Airfield to Mareeba via Emerald Airport.

It looks to have recently completed planned maintenance at Watts Bridge having flown down there at the end of October last year.

Meanwhile, noted heading South via Emerald Airport, also on Thursday 19 March, was Coral Sea Holdings (formerly Redcliffe-based) Partenavia P.68B VH-IYC which arrived from Mareeba and departed to Bundaberg Airport and then Caloundra.

Finally, on Wednesday 18 March, making its weekly visit to the area was Redjet Aviation Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU.  It arrived into Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba before then departing to Emerald Airport and eventually returning to Toowoomba. 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-002 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 19 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 was spotted climbing out after completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

A30-002 was flying as "Wedgetail 07" and appeared to fly up to Rocky from RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle in New South Wales via a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast. After completing the missed approach at Rockhampton Airport, it returned South and was heard completing more airwork at Coffs Harbour before returning to Williamtown.

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

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Bombardier Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-UPH Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

Early on Wednesday 18 March, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's recently registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH was noted arriving into Mackay Airport.  It looked to arrive from the Gold Coast and then Brisbane.

VH-UPH at Brisbane Airport last weekend

VH-UPH was due to head to Townsville but then actually headed back to Brisbane.

VH-UPH was registered to Mineralogy in January this year and was previous operated by Victoria-based UP Aviation.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 March, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing its Mackay Airport base for Sydney.

UPDATE!  After staying the night, on Thursday 19 March, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from the Harbour City.

And also on Wednesday 18 March, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was also noted visiting Mackay Airport from its Toowoomba base.

Finally, the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ was noted at Mackay Base Hospital and then Mackay Airport to refuel before heading back to its Townsville Airport base as "Rescue 521" also on Wednesday 18 March.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©