New American Registered Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 30 June, recently arrived American Registered Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW was spotted at Emerald Airport.  It had arrived late on Tuesday 29 June from the Sunshine Coast having visited earlier in the day also from there.

A little later on Wednesday, N81DW departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast once again before then flying all the way down to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Of interest, N81DW was only registered around a fortnight ago and arrived into Australia from overseas at Adelaide last week.  I suspect it could have taken up residence here in Australia.

Also noted visiting Emerald Airport, also on Wednesday 30 June 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.

Meanwhile, over at Mackay Airport, also on Wednesday 30 June, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited from its Brisbane base.

Up at Hamilton Island Airport, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Cairns and later departing to Mareeba.

And the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also visited from its Brisbane base.

Finally, a couple of other lighties around some Central Queenslnad Airports, also on Wednesday 30 June, included Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM which departed Rockhampton Airport for Armidale.  It then returned to Rocky later in the day.

Former Air Charter CQ / Australia by Seaplane Found Aircraft Canada Bush Hawk XP VH-OOB flew up from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton Airport before later returning there.  It is also for sale at the moment too!

McNab Aviation Cessna 414A VH-FKH visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base.

And New South Wales based Birss Aviation Services Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-OMN landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Moruya and Narrabri before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  VH-OMN returned to Moruya over the same route on Monday 5 July.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Both Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna Citation Bizjets VH-SIY & VH-ZIY at Whitsundays Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 29 June, both Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna Citation bizjets were noted visiting a couple of Whitsundays Airports.

Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast before then departing back to the Sunny Coast.

File photo

While Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

It also appears that Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI also called into Proserpine Airport while flying from Brisbane up to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport, also on Tuesday 29 June was Sunshine Air Services (of Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VLZ which arrived from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.  It seems to have stayed for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 July, VH-VLZ departed Hamo and returned to Essendon.

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 30 June, VH-UPH departed Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.

And Linfox Express Charter / Air National Australia Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 VH-LEF departed Hamilton Island Airport back to Melbourne (Essendon) after arriving from there the previous day.

Finally, also on Tuesday 29 June, recently American registered Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned to Emerald Airport and looked to be staying for at least the night.

And the familiar sight of Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to land at Biloela / Thangool Airport before it then departed back to Toowoomba.

And Awesome Aviation (of Perth in Western Australia) Beech 1900D VH-JYA visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns - where it now appears to be based.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) B737 / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 Spotted Completing Airwork at Emerald Airport

On Monday 28 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 was spotted completing airwork including at least two missed approaches at Emerald Airport.

It appears that the Wedgetail flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to the Sunshine Coast where it also completed at least one missed approach.  A30-004 then flew across to Emerald Airport where it was spotted and videoed above and below completing airwork including at least two missed approaches.

The Wedgetail then returned to Williamtown.

A30-004 was heard using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 01".

Photo and video taken by 'AC'  ©️

Mitchell Air / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier Global 6000 Bizjet VH-OFX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 28 June, Mitchell Air / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-OFX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

The Global Express looked to arrive from and later depart back to its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

Also calling into Hamilton Island Airport, also from Essendon was Linfox Express Charter / Air National Australia Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 VH-LEF.  It appears to be staying on Hamo for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 29 June, VH-LEF departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 June, Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  At the time of writing it appears to be staying at Prosie for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Monday 5 July, VH-JLU finally departed Proserpine Airport and returned to Essendon.

And slightly out of the region, but Avia Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-MSU popped into Winton Airport while flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Cairns via Lethbridge, Quilpie and Winton Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 28 June, Awesome Aviation (of Perth in Western Australia) Beech 1900D VH-JYA called into both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during a busy day of flying.  It arrived into Rocky from Cairns and Townsville before departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back up to Cairns from Brisbane, via Mackay and Townsville Airports.

This definitely looks like VH-JYA is being utilised on the Queensland Police Service prisoner transfer runs up and down the Queensland coast.

Moreover, it is believed that VH-JYA may have re-located to a Cairns-based operator.

And Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM touched down at Rockhampton Airport from its Gayndah base before it then it continued to Middlemount Aerodrome.  During the afternoon, VH-MYM returned to Rocky and Gayndah Aerodrome.

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

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 28 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It had a busy day of flying, originally departing Townsville for Cairns before it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport.  After then departing Rocky, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" went to Brisbane, followed by Cairns and Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" Pops into Emerald and Rockhampton Airports

In the wee small hours of Monday 28 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

After a couple of hours on the ground, it departed and flew across to Rockhampton Airport.

After a further couple of hours at Rocky, it departed and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VJU "FlyDoc 445" (ex VH-FDR) Calls into CQ Airports

Certainly an interesting aircraft to be noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports in recent days with recently re-registered Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VJU noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Roma and Charleville Airports as "FlyDoc 445".

VH-VJU "FlyDoc 445" started flying out of the RFDS Brisbane base on Saturday 26 June having ferried across from Redcliffe Aerodrome - where it is photographed above - the previous day.

Research reveals that VH-VJU is in fact former VH-FDR "FlyDoc 414" with the aircraft re-registered to 'free-up' the marking for one of the new RFDS Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) Super King Air 360CHW turboprop aircraft which are due for delivery later in the year.

The RFDS plan take delivery of the first two KA360 aircraft late 2021 with the aim of commissioning the aircraft in early 2022.  They will receive a further two aircraft late 2022 and have an option to purchase an additional two more KA360 aircraft.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Sunday 27 July, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

File photo

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

Photo taken by the Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting Facebook Page

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

During the afternoon on Saturday 26 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

After a bit over an hour on the ground, it returned to the capital.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

New Gulfstream Bizjets - American Registered G-VII (G600) N920BM & G-VI (G650ER) VH-SGA Both Arrive into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 26 June, there were a couple of nice new Gulfstream bizjets to visit Central Queensland for the first time, both touching down in the Whitsundays at Hamilton Island Airport.

American registered Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N920BM arrived from Cairns - where it is pictured departing below.

The sleek new Gulfstream is reportedly operated by mining magnate Gina Rinehart.  It was registered and delivered via Brisbane in November last year.

At the time of writing, it appears that N920BM is spending at least the night at Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Friday 2 July, N920BM departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned up to Cairns.

Also noted arriving into Hamilton Island was new SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA.  It looked touch down from Melbourne (Tullamarine) and after a short time on the ground return to there.

The new sleek Gulfstream was only registered in May this year and delivered in mid-June to Melbourne (Tullamarine) as shown above.

Rounding off a nice day on Hamo, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF also visited Hamilton Island Airport.  It arrived from Archerfield via Albury and later departed straight back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 26 June, Milbrae Quarries / Pegasus Air Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-BEV called into Longreach Airport while flying from Ballarat to Dinah Island. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 June, VH-BEV returned South, calling into Blackall Airport while flying back from Dinah Island to Narrandera.

And fellow Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU of MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia popped back into Mackay Airport, arriving from Devoncourt and Brunette Downs Stations and later departing to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

As posted below, VH-JMU is a new PC-12 registered in April this year and spent a night at Mackay Airport during this last week.

Finally, at Rockhampton Airport, also on Saturday 26 June, locally-based R-Mach Aviation's newly acquired Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME was noted completing several training flights using the radio callsign of "Firespotter 404".

UPDATE!  It's worth noting that on Sunday 27 June, VH-YME flew from Rockhampton Airport up to Ingham and back again as "Spotter 404".

And Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Stefan Perkas  ©

Air Sanga (PNG) Pacific Aerospace PAC-750XL P2-ASZ Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 25 June, a very nice looking aircraft in the form of Papua New Guinea based Air Sanga Pacific Aerospace PAC-750XL P2-ASZ was noted passing through Mackay Airport.

It arrived from Caloundra and later departed to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 June, P2-ASZ continued from Cairns and returned to PNG.

Of interest, P2-ASZ was involved in a landing accident in PNG in October 2019. During the landing at Efogi Airstrip, the aircraft was affected by a tailwind gust, and the aircraft’s nosewheel impacted the up slope of the airstrip. The nose landing gear, cargo pod, engine and propeller were substantially damaged. The seven occupants were uninjured.

The aircraft was subsequently removed from the airfield and freighted to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast where the aircraft was re-built.  It is pictured above at Caloundra carrying out post-maintenance checks and a test flight prior to its departure North.

Meanwhile, a couple of bizjets to be noted at Central Queensland Airports, also on Friday 25 June, included Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM which popped into Roma Airport while flying from Bankstown and Goulburn up to Cairns.

While Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra VH-WFE visited Bundaberg Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

Sincere thanks to the Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting Facebook page for allowing us to share these great photos of P2-ASZ at Caloundra Airport!

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 "Stallion 02" Spotted Completing Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

And also on Friday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley direct to Rocky.  After completing the missed approach, A41-212 then flew down to the Sunshine Coast where it completed more airwork before then returning to Amberley.

A41-212 was heard to be flying as "Stallion 02".

Meanwhile. also on Friday 25 June, fellow RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 was noted completing more airwork also at Rockhampton Airport.  On this occasion, it the flew from Amberley to Cairns before then flying down to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

A39-002 - which was flying as "Dragon 70" - then returned to Amberley.

Finally, also on Friday 25 June, RAAF Search and Rescue (SAR) (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 42" was noted landing at Longreach Airport after a busy day of flying.  It appeared to be returning from a deployment to the Northern Territory and flew from Darwin to Longreach Airport via Borroloola and Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 26 June, VH-SYJ "Choppa 42" departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport before then returning to RAAF Base Amberley.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-005 Completes Airwork at Emerald and Hamilton Island Airports

Also on Friday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted and spotted as it completed airwork including missed approaches at both Emerald and Hamilton Island Airports.

File photo

The Wedgetail looked to depart RAAF Base Williamtown and fly up to Emerald Airport where it was videoed below completing a missed approach.

A30-005 then flew towards the Whitsundays and looked to complete airwork including a couple of missed approaches at Hamilton Island Airport.

It then returned to Williamtown.

Of interest, A30-005 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Wedgetail 12".

Photo and video taken by Scott Harris and 'AC'  ©️

A Trio of Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters - A38-002, A38-008, A38-012 - Pop into Rockhampton Airport

A week after a similar visit to Mackay Airport, on Friday 25 June, it was another nice surprise to see three Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters call into Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as A38-002, A38-008 and A38-012 and looked to fly in from the North Singularly as "Vandal 26", Vandal 24" and "Vandal 23".

After taking on fuel, all three Tigers departed separately to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre, although A38-002 "Vandal 26" returned to Rockhampton Airport with a technical problem and at the time if writing, it doesn't appear to have departed again.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 26 June, A38-002 "Vandal 26" departed Rockhampton Airport also for Oakey - as shown below.

Of interest, A38-008 and A38-021 passed through Mackay Airport last Friday 18 June along with another Tiger ARH A38-012 - see Blog post below!

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

A Pair of RAAF C-17A Globemaster III Transport Aircraft - A41-208 & A41-209 - Spotted Completing Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Thursday 24 June, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft were noted and spotted completing airwork including touch-and-gos at Bundaberg Airport.

C-17A A41-209 as "Stallion 01" departed from RAAF Base Amberley and headed off the South-East Queensland coast before then flying up to Bundaberg Airport for at least one touch-and-go approach.  It then returned to Amberley at low level.

While A41-207 as "Stallion 02" did the same, flying out to sea off Brisbane and then up to Bundaberg Airport where it was spotted above and below completing a couple of touch-and-gos.

It appears that both Globemasters completed air-to-air refueling exercises off the coast of South-East Queensland with two RAAF Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft noted in the area - A39-002 as "Dragon 67" and A39-004 as "Dragon 65".

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

Photos and videos taken by Peter Sajko and Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 24 June, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was spotted arriving into Mackay Airport.  It flew up from Bankstown via Cessnock.

After parking for most of the day, VH-LXZ departed Mackay Airport and returned directly to Bankstown.

Also spotted at Mackay Airport, also on Thursday 24 June, was Jampair P/L Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ.

It arrived from Ayres Rock and Brisbane and later departed back to Brisbane before then also heading to Bankstown.

And now New South Wales based former Australian Army Commonwealth CA-32 (Bell 206B/OH-58A) Kiowa helicopter VH-JQN (ex A17-038) was also noted passing through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while flying up from Agnes Water to Far North Queensland.

It had flown up from the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast (as shown above) the previous day having started in New South Wales last week.

Another nice helicopter noted heading North, also on Thursday 24 June, was Heliflite registered Robinson R44 VH-ZAL.  It flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Mackay Airport via Gold Coast, Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports.

As shown, VH-ZAL wears an attractive livery of Zoom Helicopters which has popped up as a new tourist and general charter helicopter flight company based in Far North Queensland.  

At the time of writing, VH-ZAL is due to depart Mackay Airport for Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns Airports on Friday 25 June.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 24 June, Awesome Aviation (of Perth in Western Australia) Beech 1900D VH-JYA once again flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  This time it flew down via Townsville and Mackay Airports and then later departed to Brisbane.  During the afternoon, VH-JYA flew back to Cairns from Brisbane but via Townsville.

This is usually an operating pattern that the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) aircraft usually operate during weekdays - perhaps VH-JYA is operating these flights for the time being? 

And Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC called into Longreach Airport from Archerfield before later departing to Brunette Downs.

Finally, also on Thursday 24 June, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport. 

It is due to return to Wellcamp from Labona early on Friday 25 June.

And on Wednesday 23 June, fellow Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB also visited Labona, although it arrived from and departed back to Wellcamp via Archerfield.

Photos taken by 'JM', Steve Vit and Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting  ©️

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXQ 'Retro Roo II' Spotted Visiting Mackay Airport

With Qantas Airways (mainline) now operating into Mackay Airport from Brisbane, the opportunity to photograph their specially painted Boeing B737-800 aircraft is not being passed up by local plane spotter 'JM'. And on Thursday 24 June, they were on the scene as Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VXQ - named 'Retro Roo II' called into Mackay Airport operating the QFA986/7 service from and back to Brisbane.

Research reveals that VH-VXQ made its first visit to Mackay Airport back in December 2020 with it not visiting the Sugar City since February.

As mentioned previously on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog, VH-VXQ is painted into the original colour scheme that was introduced by the first jet aircraft that Qantas flew, the Boeing B707, when it first entered service in 1959. In fact, it is a livery similar to that worn by former Qantas Boeing B707 VH-XBA (ex VH-EBA) which is on display at the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach Airport.

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

All photos taken by 'JM'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 Completes Missed Approaches at CQ Airports Last Night

Very late on Wednesday 23 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 was noted completing airwork including several missed approaches at some Central Queensland Airports.

Defence Image...

It departed from RAAF Base Amberley and flew up to the Sunshine Coast Airport where it first completed airwork before then flying up to Mackay Airport where it completed a missed approach.  A41-207 was then videoed below completing a missed approach at Emerald Airport.

A41-207 then looked to return to RAAF Base Amberley.

A41-207 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Stallion 05".

Video taken by 'AC'  ©

New MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU Calls into Mackay Airport

During the afternoon on Wednesday 23 June, new MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU of was noted arriving into Mackay Airport.  It flew all the way across from Adelaide via Archerfield.

VH-JMU at Cairns recently  (File photo)

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-JMU is spending at least the night parked at Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 24 June, VH-JMU departed Mackay Airport for Brunette Downs, Tennant Creek and Stokes.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 26 June, VH-JMU returned to Mackay Airport, arriving from Devoncourt and Brunette Downs Stations and later departing to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

Of interest, this is the sixth aircraft to wear this registration marking with the current VH-JMU a PC-12/47E registered in April this year.  It replaced a Pilatus PC-24 jet which was re-registered as N702HT in November 2020 after spending less than a year operating in Australia.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Awesome Aviation (WA) Beech 1900D at Rockhampton Airport

After arriving the previous evening, early on Wednesday 23 June, Awesome Aviation (of Perth in Western Australia) Beech 1900D VH-JYA departed Rockhampton Airport, flying up to Far North Queensland.

Caleb Hotz / https://flightaware.com/

It firstly flew up to Cairns before then continuing further up to Weipa, Bamaga and Horn Island.  VH-JYA then returned to Cairns.

As mentioned below, VH-JYA had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Horn Island late on Tuesday 22 June, having flown across the country from Perth via Alice Springs on Monday 21 June.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Moranbah Airports

In the wee small hours of Wednesday 23 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

After a couple of hours on the ground, it then flew across to Moranbah Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

It had earlier departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew up to and landed at Cairns.  A39-002 then departed Cairns and completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Amberley.

A39-002 was noted  to be flying as "Dragon 61". 

And as shown, A39-002 still wears additional decals to commemorate the RAAF's 100th anniversary.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 June, fellow RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A MRTT A39-004 spent more than four hours flying off the South-East Queensland coast completing air-to-air refuelling exercises, including with RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-212 and A41-207 which were both also noted completing a touch-and-gos at Bundaberg Airport.

A41-212 was flying as "Stallion 74" and flew up from Amberley to complete the touch-and-go at Bundaberg Airport before heading off the coast to join the KC-30A.  Both later returned to Amberley.

While after dark, A41-207 as "Stallion 73" departed Amberley to join the KC-30A before it then flew up to Bundaberg Airport where it looked to land, taxi back to the end of the Runway, and then depart back to Amberley.

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  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZIY Spotted at Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 June, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was spotted by me as it departed Clermont Aerodrome.

VH-ZIY had earlier flown up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Emerald Airport before it made the short hop up to Clermont Aerodrome.  It returned directly to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 June, another nice bizjet to call into the region again was Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF which flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Adelaide.  It then departed to the Gold Coast and then Archerfield.

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY was noted visiting Mackay Airport.  It looked to fly up from Bankstown and after dark has returned there flown back South to Tamworth and Newcastle (Williamtown).

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Natal Downs. It had arrived into Rocky the previous day from Archerfield via Dalby.

Finally, also on Tuesday 22 June, Perth (Western Australia) based Awesome Aviation Beech 1900D VH-JYA touched down at Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Horn Island.  It had flown across to Cairns from Perth via Alice Springs the previous day.

UDATE!  On Wednesday 23 June, VH-JYA departed Rockhampton Airport and flew back up to Cairns before it then continued to Weipa, Bamaga and Horn Island.  It finished the day back at Cairns.

Bakersair (Merimbula) Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-IGB departed Rockhampton Airport for the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.  It had arrived over the weekend from Townsville having originally flown North the previous weekend to that.

And Armidale-based Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche VH-TDL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  It had flown North via Charleville and Charters Towers Airports during the middle part of last week.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 June, VH-TDL departed Rockhampton Airport for Armidale.