RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-RQY "Choppa 41" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 31 May, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport direct from RAAF Base Amberley.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Choppa 41".

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The Agusta operates for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role by CHC Helicopters / Lloyd Helicopters.

The reason behind its visit is unclear, but it joins fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPH on the ground at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 1 June, VH-RQY was noted operating out of Rockhampton Airport as "Rescue 42".  Perhaps the Bell 412 VH-EPH has broken down?

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO Arrives into Longreach Airport - Again!

On Monday 31 May, Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO was noted arriving into Longreach Airport on what looked to be a closed charter flight from Bankstown via Sydney and Brisbane.  It arrived as 'SFZ605' / "Skyforce 605".

At the time of writing, appears that VH-SYO is staying at Longreach Airport at least the night with reports suggesting that it is on a closed tourist charter flight.

UPDATE!  VH-SYO departed Longreach Airport for Winton and then Mount Isa on Wednesday 2 June.

UPDATE!  VH-SYO was back in the region at the conclusion of this charter flight, arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Weipa and Horn Island on Sunday 6 June and then departing Hamo back to Brisbane and Sydney on Monday 7 June.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 31 May, there was seemingly another closed tourist charter flight at Longreach Airport, this time being flown by Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW.  It departed to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliot Island.

It looks like VH-TQW arrived into Longreach Airport from Birdsville over the weekend, having departed the Gold Coast and Charleville Airports last Friday 28 May.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Back at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 31 May, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was yet again back in the region, noted visiting some Central Queensland Airports during a busy day of flying.

It looked to fly down from Townsville to Charters Towers, Mackay, Roma and Cunnamulla Airports. 

VH-JSZ had flown into Townsville from Charters Towers Aerodrome last Thursday 27 May.

UPDATE! On Tuesday 1 June, VH-JSZ departed Cunnamulla Aerodrome for Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 31 May, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ looked to fly into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and Sydney.  It then returned to Brisbane.

While Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH departed Hamilton Island Airport for Saint George and Toowoomba.  It had arrived from there last Friday 28 May.

Finally, also on Monday 31 May, Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE made yet another visit to Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from and depart back to the Gold Coast.

While Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ looked to call into a position near the Newlands Coal Mine, flying up from and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

A Pair of Alliance Airlines Fokker Jets at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - F-100 VH-UQN and F-70 VH-QQX

Spotted on the ground at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Monday 31 May were a pair of Alliance Airlines Fokker jets which arrived into town late last week on closed charter flights.

https://www.facebook.com/whitsundaycoastairport

They were identified as Fokker F-100 VH-UQN which arrived into Prosie last Friday 28 May from Brisbane as UTY628 and departed on Monday back to Brisbane as UTY629.

And Fokker F-70 VH-QQX which also arrived into Prosie on Friday from Brisbane but as UTY624 and departed back to Brisbane on Monday as UTY625.

Nice!

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Finally Departs Hamilton Island Airport

On Saturday 29 May, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was noted finally departing Hamilton Island Airport. 

File photo

It flew back to the Gold Coast after arriving from there on Monday 24 May.

Photo taken by Grahame Bann  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ Passes Back Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

During the afternoon on Friday 28 May, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ landed at Longreach Airport from Adelaide.  It later departed to Cairns.

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P2-NAZ has been in Adelaide for planned maintenance with Cobham Aviation (as pictured above) and passed through Longreach Airport from Cairns in March - see Blog post below!

Of interest, Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea.  It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation.  Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAZ wears the colours and titles.  

Also noted at Longreach Airport was Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM.  On Friday 28 May, it departed Longreach Airport to Mount Isa as "Wagga Air 669" after arriving a couple of days earlier from Birdsville.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 28 May, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was noted departing Emerald Airport for Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived on Thursday 27 May direct from its Sunny Coast base.

Silver Linings Aviation Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It had arrived from there on Monday 24 May.

And Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Toowoomba and Saint George.

Finally, also on Friday 28 May, nice Amateur-Built Stoddard-Hamilton Glasair SH-2RG VH-CCG looked to fly up from Kilcoy to Wanella Station (near Coppabella) before heading across to Moranbah Airport.  It then retuned South to Kilcoy via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

And after arriving late the previous evening, Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ was noted departing Mackay Airport for Melbourne (Moorabbin) and then Armidale.  It had arrived from Armidale very late on Thursday 27 May.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-004 "Kaos 70" Completes Airwork at CQ Airports - Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 28 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 was spotted as it completed a touch-and-go approach at Rockhampton Airport.  The Spartan had flown down from Cairns.

After the touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport, A34-004 departed to RAAF Base Amberley.

Of interest, A34-004 was flying as "Kaos 70" and appeared to complete airwork at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport while on a flight out of and back to Cairns late on Thursday 27 May.

It also appears that A34-004 also as "Kaos 70" flew into Charleville Airport from Amberley late on Tuesday 25 May where it then spent the night.

As shown, A34-004 still wears additional decals to commemorate the RAAF's 100th anniversary.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

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

On Thursday 27 May, Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC was back in Central Queensland yet again, this time noted arriving into Emerald Airport direct from its Sunshine Coast base.

VH-MMC at Clermont Aerodrome last week  (File photo)

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  After spending the night, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport for Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast on Friday 28 May.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 May, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.  The company usually flys one of their King Air turboprops to either Emerald or Clermont Airports for the night.

UPDATE!  On Friday 28 May, VH-WXB departed Labona and returned to Wellcamp.

While Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD looked to arrive into Longreach Airport from Cooktown, Cairns and Laura.

Finally, also on Thursday 27 May, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It arrived from Archerfield and Dalby and later departed to Townsville.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 28 May, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from the capital.

Four Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft Call into Rockhampton Airport Returning from Exercise Black Dagger 21-1

Certainly a great sight and sound at Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 27 May, with all four Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft from No. 4 Squadron calling while returning home to RAAF Base Williamtown following a deployment to the Northern Territory where they participated in the RAAF' Exercise Black Dagger 21-1.

The four PC-21s flew into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa as two pairs with A54-046 & A54-047 flying as "Mayhem" and A54-048 & A54-049 flying as "Reaper".

All four aircraft taxied in and were refuelled.  They later departed to Williamtown, again flying in their pairs.

This is the first time that any of the RAAF's PC-21 turboprop aircraft has called into Rockhampton Airport.  The RAAF acquired 49 new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and 7 flight simulators as part of the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System project, with the PC-21 aircraft replacing the RAAF's current Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft.  They are mostly based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria and RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

Meanwhile, Exercise Black Dagger 21-1 is a field training Exercise lead by Number 4 Squadron, held at the Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory and based out of RAAF Base Tindal over the early part of May 2021.  

The Exercise is the final component of the No. 67 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course.  The course is a crucial activity in preparing graduates to execute the planning, briefing, controlling and reporting required to conduct close air support on the battlefield. 

Supporting the Exercise are F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft from the RAAF's No.75 Squadron, PC-21 Forward Air Control aircraft from the RAAF's No.4 Squadron, Tiger ARH from the Australian Army's 1st Aviation Regiment and 81mm Mortars from the Australian Army's 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

Finally, it's worth noting that also in the Northern Territory, the RAAF has deployed approximately 50 aircraft and more than 500 personnel to the 'Top End' for Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21.

Defence Image...

It is one of the RAAF’s largest domestic training exercises for 2021 and provides important force generation training, focusing on high-end collective training and involving multiple Force Element Groups (FEGs).

Arnhem Thunder 21 will be conducted from RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal during May and June 2021 and will use the Mount Bundey Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range.

Aircraft deployed to the exercise include the F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18A/B Hornet, Hawk 127, C-130J Hercules, C-17A Globemaster, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, and E-7A Wedgetail.

Arnhem Thunder 21 sees the F-35A Lightning II operate out of RAAF Base Darwin for the very first time as shown above.

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  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-VGN Touches Down at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport Marking Resumed Services from Sydney

For the first time since 2009, a Jetstar Airways flight has touched down at the Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport bringing passengers and much needed tourist dollars to the beautiful Fraser Coast region!

https://www.facebook.com/FraserCoastCouncil

On Wednesday 26 May, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-VGN touched down at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport direct from Sydney as JST890.

Later it departed back to Sydney but as JST891.

Jetstar flights between Sydney and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport will be operating three times a week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with tourists able to visit attractions across the region such as Fraser Island and heritage destinations in Maryborough.

Jetstar first flew its jets between the two cities in the early 2000s but the route wasn’t as profitable as hoped and was cancelled in 2009.

Virgin Australia had been the only airline flying between Sydney and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for many years but it pulled out in 2020 amid financial distress and the COVID-19 fallout.

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

On Wednesday 26 May, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopters VH-EGK was noted ferrying South from Cairns to Archerfield via Mackay and Gladstone Airports.

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VH-EGK has been operating out of Cairns Airport in recent weeks as "Rescue 510" and has seemingly ferried South to Archerfield to complete planned maintenance.

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.

It will be interesting to see if another QGAir Rescue helicopter ferries North to replace VH-EGK.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Back at CQ Airports Once Again - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 May, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during a busy day of flying.

File photo

It looked to arrive into Middlemount Aerodrome from Bankstown and Cessnock before then flying across to Emerald Airport.  VH-LXZ then returned to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Bankstown via Archerfield and Cessnock.

Also on Wednesday 26 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive from and depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

As mentioned below, it appeared that VH-ZIY visited Hamilton Island and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports on Monday 24 May.

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ looked to call into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It later departed to Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport on the way back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, slightly smaller light General Aviation (GA) visitors around the region, also on Wednesday 26 May, included the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ.  It departed Emerald Airport for Brisbane.

VH-SGQ had flown into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane on Tuesday 25 May, before it then flew across to Emerald Airport.

While Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba to Theodore Airport before continuing to Biloela / Thangool and Capella Airports.  It then reversed the flights during the afternoon.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Birdsville as "Wagga Air 669".

UPDATE!  VH-PVM "Wagga Air 669" continued to Mount Isa from Longreach Airport on Friday 28 May.

Brisbane-based Bishopp Aviation SOCATA TBM-700 VH-VSV flew into Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  VH-VSV returned to Archerfield from Mackay Airport on Thursday 27 May.

And noted visiting Emerald Airport was BK Hire (Toowoomba) Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-TTX which completed its weekly flight from Toowoomba up to Collinsville Aerodrome via Emerald Airport and back.

Finally, only a couple of movements yesterday on Tuesday 25 May, including Corporate Aviation Bell 429 VH-EQP which landed at Mackay Airport from Southport via Caboolture and Biloela / Thangool Airports.

While Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-WXO was noted flying out of Stokes / Warrenvale Station to Blackall Airport before continuing to Archerfield and then Toowoomba.

It had flown up to Stokes / Warrenvale Station over the same route on Monday 24 May.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" Overnight Visit to Rockhampton Airport

In the wee small hours of Wednesday 26 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 20" Does a Touch-and-Go at Gladstone Airport

On Monday 24 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 was noted completing a touch-and-go at Gladstone Airport.

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Sadly. at the of writing, the exactly tracking of the Spartan is not known but it is assumed it flew out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

A30-010 was heard to be using the radio callsign of “Wallaby 20”.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Re-Registered SG Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-SJE (ex VH-SGA) Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 24 May, recently re-registered SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-SJE was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports on what is its first visit since its recent registration marking change.

It looked fly up from Sydney and Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before then heading down to Mackay Airport.  VH-SJE then flew up to Townsville and Cairns (pictured) before it then flew back down to Brisbane.

VH-SJE was only re-registered from VH-SGA late last week.  The marking VH-SGA has now been taken up by a Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) registered and operated by to the same organisations.

Also calling into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Monday 24 May, was Silver Linings Aviation Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK.  It arrived from Bankstown and appears to have stayed.

UPDATE! On Friday 28 May, VH-ZEK departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and also appeared to stay.

UPDATE! On Saturday 29 May, VH-CDG departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to the Gold Coast.

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and flew to Melbourne (Essendon) before continuing to Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It had flown into Hamo from there last Friday 21 May and completed a return flight to Gove (Northern Territory) and back on Saturday 22 May.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 24 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the South before then flying down to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then flew back to the Sunshine Coast.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to the North before later returning to Brisbane.

And Australian Country Choice Properties (Brisbane) Cessna 560 Citation V Encore bizjet VH-ACC departed Wellclose for Babbiloora before it then departed to Brisbane.  It appears that VH-ACC had originally departed Brisbane last Friday 21 May.

Finally, also on Monday 24 May, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYT looked to fly from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome before later returning to Hervey Bay Airport but via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

Finally , also on Monday 24 May, Skydive Australia Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-SKR departed Emerald Airport for Gunnedah, Bankstown and the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong where it appears to be based on parachuting operations.  It had arrived into Emerald Airport in the wee small hours of Monday 24 May, flying up from Wollongong and Bankstown.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©️

Isle of Man-Registered Bombardier Global 5000 Bizjet M-CVGL Departs Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Sunday 23 May, Isle of Man registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet M-CVGL was noted to finally departing the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after spending over a week parked up.

M-CVGL at Prosie last Sunday  (File photo)

It departed from Prosie direct to the Sunshine Coast.

M-CVGL had arrived into the Whitsundays from the Sunshine Coast last Saturday 15 May, touching down first at Hamilton Island Airport before then flying across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©️

RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day at Harrup Park Mackay with Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU "Rescue 412" and Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook A15-302

It was a big day on Sunday 23 May at the annual RACQ Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) Emergency Services Day with more than 5000 people estimated to have passed through the gates at Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay.

Some of the aviation action included the CQ Rescue (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU making the short hop across from Mackay Airport and landing at Harrup Park.

It was joined by Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 which flew down from Townsville and also landed at Harrup Park.

During the day, both helicopters were open for public inspection and proved quite popular with the queue for the Chinook stretching some metres!

The Australian Army also had vehicles and trucks on display - and there was also displays from all the emergency services, the State Emergency Service (SES) and more!

The CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day attracted more than 5000 people through the gates at Harrup Park and it was an awesome day and a fantastic opportunity to catch a moment with, and say "thanks" to the men and women who keep us safe!

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FNI at Hamilton Island Airport

Also on Saturday 22 May, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It's exact movements are not fully known, but it looked to depart Hamo for Cairns and then its Mareeba base.

It is unclear when it arrived into Hamilton Island Airport.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Charters Towers Aerodrome

On Saturday 22 May, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome. 

File photo

It arrived from and later departed back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 Jet VH-KBX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport on Closed Charter

Making a rare visit to Central Queensland on Saturday 22 May was Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-KBX.  It was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport on a closed charter flight as UTY572 from Melbourne and Sydney.

File photo

It appears that the Fokker F-70 is staying for at least the night on Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 25 May, VH-KBX departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and Melbourne as UTY571.

As we've mentioned previously, the Fokker F-70 jet VH-KBX previously flew with the Royal Netherlands Air Force / Government of the Netherlands as a VIP transport aircraft and carried the Dutch registration marking of PH-KBX. It arrived into Brisbane in August 2017 and entered the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-KBX soon after. VH-KBX looked to finally enter service in May 2019.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

A Couple of Nice Bizjets Around CQ Airports

Friday 21 May proved to be a busy day with a nice selection of locally-based corporate bizjets coming and going at Central Queensland Airports.

Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then continuing down to Rockhampton Airport.  A bit later it departed Rocky back to the Gold Coast.

Robert Myers / https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Some of the bizjets were noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) via Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 May, VH-XCU flew from Hamilton Island Airport to Gove in the Northern Territory and back to Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 May, VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon and Moorabbin.  

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ also visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Brisbane base.

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD also called into Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Sydney and later departing to Adelaide.

Finally, also on Friday 21 May, Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12 VH-NWI called into Longreach Airport from the North before it then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-001 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

It initially looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville where it completed another missed approach before then flying South to Rocky.

A39-001 then returned to Amberley.

A39-001 was heard to be flying as "Dragon 66".

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  ©

Mackellar Mining Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-MMC & Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC Both Call into Clermont Aerodrome - Plus Much More!

On Thursday 20 May, my local Clermont Aerodrome played host to a couple of nice and familiar visitors.

Mackellar Mining Equipment / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-MMC landed at Clermont Aerodrome from the Sunshine Coast.  At the time of writing, it appeared to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 May, VH-MMC departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 VH-NDC was noted also visiting Clermont Aerodrome.  It arrived from Rockhampton Airport and then later flew up to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site, both as HND310.  VH-NDC then returned to Rockhampton Airport as HND311.

Of interest, VH-NDC then departed Rockhampton for Cairns as HND615.  

While a little earlier, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns also as HND615.  VH-LZK then departed Rocky to Labona and back as HND370/1.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 May, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYT looked to fly from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before later returning to and Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

Sabstall Beech B200 King Air VH-NME flew up from Toowoomba to Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then down to Archerfield.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

Gold Coast-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-OXF looked to visit the Lotus Creek area, arriving from and later departing back to the South.

Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM arrived from its Orange base in New South Wales for second time this week - although it flew via Bankstown on this occasion.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 May, VH-YGM returned direct to Bankstown.

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 May, VH-WXB departed Labona and returned to Wellcamp.

Finally, it's worth noting that during this week, Aero Logistics Cessna 441 VH-YFD has continued to complete almost-daily aerial survey flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

It was spotted resting on the Rockhampton Airport General Aviation (GA) Apron on Wednesday 19 May.

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©️

Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter A40-004 "Pegasus 87" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 20 May, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-004 was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to fly into Rocky direct from Brisbane.

After a long break, the MRH-90 finally departed Rockhampton Airport on dusk bound for Townsville.

A40-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pegasus 87".

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A Bizjet VH-LPX “Ajax 31” Departs Rockhampton Airport

After arriving the previous day, on Thursday 20 May, Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjet VH-LPX "Ajax 31" was spotted as it departed Rockhampton Airport.  It direct direct to HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales.

VH-LPX "Ajax 31" arrived from there on Wednesday 19 May and was thought that it was perhaps going to stay in town for some time possibly in support of the Australian Army's Exercise Diamond Walk which kicked off this week at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA). 

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share this great photo!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-005 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 19 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It was heard to be flying as "Dragon 62" and came up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville where it also completed a missed approach.  A39-005 then returned South to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Amberley.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A Bizjet VH-LPX "Ajax 31" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 19 May, Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjet VH-LPX "Ajax 31" was spotted as it arrived into Rockhampton Airport direct from HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales.

It parked in front of the Rockhampton Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and looked to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 May, VH-LPX "Ajax 31" returned to Nowra.

Of interest, the Australian Army's Exercise Diamond Walk has kicked off this week at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It is believed the arrival into Rockhampton Airport of VH-LPX "Ajax 31", along with the RAAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPH "Rescue 66" earlier in the week (shown below) are associated with the exercise.

It's the first major training exercise in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area for around 18 months.

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Trevor Hardsman  ©️