Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZIY Calls into Hamilton Island Airport – Plus More!

On Tuesday 30 November, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted calling into Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to once again arrive from and then later depart back to it Sunshine Coast base.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 30 November, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.  It arrived from Toowoomba and Archerfield before then later departing back to those locations.

While fellow King Air in the form of Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS as "Hinterland 815" flew down from Cairns to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then departed to Townsville before returning to Labona and then back to Townsville.  VH-HJS then flew back to Cairns.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT visited Mackay Airport from its Townsville base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 November, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP completed its weekly flight between Brisbane and Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft Arrive into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 30 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft from No. 4 Squadron were noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying up from their 'home' at RAAF Base Williamtown.

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The two PC-21s were identified as A54-046 & A54-048 and flew as "Mayhem 11" and "Mayhem 12" respectively.

Both aircraft parked on the Northern Military Hardstand before later taxing over to the Rockhampton Airport General Aviation (GA) Apron where they were reportedly placed in one of the hangars.  It seems that they have deployed to Rockhampton Airport possibly in support of Exercise Rogue Ambush 2021-2 which will reportedly see RAAF fast jets fly up to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Williamtown and RAAF Base Amberley.

Another PC-21 of No. 4 Squadron - A54-047 "Raven 20" - was noted visiting Amberley from Williamtown also on Tuesday 30 November.

Of interest, the RAAF has acquired 49 new Pilatus PC-21 turboprop 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.

Newly Registered Cirrus SR22 G6 GTS VH-VOM Pops into Mackay Airport – Plus More!

Certainly an interesting visitor to the region on Monday 29 November was recently registered Cirrus SR22 G6 GTS VH-VOM. The smart little machine looked to fly up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before it then hopped across to the nearby Palmyra Airstrip.

https://www.planesales.com.au/

A brand new aircraft, VH-VOM has only just been delivered and registered and seemingly spent some time around the Gold Coast and Archerfield before heading North. It appears to be registered on the Sunshine Coast.

My interest though was in the registration marking with VH-VOM worn by a Virgin Blue / Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 for some time. This aircraft was leased to Regional Express (REX) Airlines during 2021 and was re-registered VH-RYU.

Up the road (and off the coast!) also on Monday 29 November, Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and back once again.  At the time of writing, VH-PLE was due to complete a similar flight on Tuesday 30 November.

VH-PLE had also done the same on Saturday 27 November.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 November, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport before it then continued to Brisbane.  VH-PSK then called into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane before it then headed North to Townsville and then Cairns. 

And Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 29 November, Skytrans Airways Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP783.  It then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine as SKP771 but returned to Rocky soon after departing.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 November, VH-QQC again departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona but as SKP773.  It again returned to Rocky though very soon after departure.  Later, VH-QQC flew from Rockhampton Airport to Brisbane as SKP507.  While fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports as SKP81 before then completing the now delayed flight to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771.

And the two Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans – VH-NDC and VH-TFQ – that are currently based at Rockhampton Airport, looked to fly once again into the Labona Station after completing flights to Doongmabulla - also within the Carmichael Coal Mine Site - during the last week.

Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE Departs Bundaberg Airport at the Conclusion of Qld Bushfire Season - Heads to Victoria for Theirs!

On Monday 29 November, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its second deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

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It looked to fly down as "Bomber 141" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport in late August after flying all the way from its Abbotsford base in Canada via stops in Honolulu, Guam and Cairns where it cleared customs. The Dash-8 was originally built in 2011 and was acquired by Conair early in 2020 and converted to a fire bomber. Its maximum tank capacity is around 10,000 litres (2,642 US gallons).

As "Bomber 141", C-FFQE completed a couple of water bombing flights from Bundaberg Airport to fight fires in the Shoalwater Bay area and the Carnarvon National Park.

UPDATE!  During December, C-FFQE was unveiled at Avalon Airport with new Victorian Government decals and a change of radio callsign to now "Bomber 390".

https://www.facebook.com/RJ85andQ400Australia/

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Mandalay Two Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 26 November, an aircraft not seen in Central Queensland for some time with Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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VH-SCQ looked to arrived from and then later depart back to Toowoomba.

Of interest, eagle-eyed readers will see a Queensland State flag on the tail of the Super King Air - an aircraft which previously flew with the Queensland Government Airwing as VH-SGQ until late 2005.

Meanwhile, also calling into Hamo, also on Friday 26 November, was DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which visited from its Bundaberg Airport base.

While Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and back to the Goldie but via Bundaberg Airport.  VH-PLE had also visited Bundaberg Airport from the Gold Coast on Thursday 25 November.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 27 November, VH-PLE completed another flight to Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from and then departing back to the Gold Coast once again.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC flew up from Tamworth to Mackay Airport before it then flew down to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 26 November, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Brisbane before it then later flew back North. 

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-001 "Wallaby 30" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports

On Friday 26 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 was noted completing airwork at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

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It was noted to be flying as "Wallaby 30" and looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley and complete airwork at the Sunshine Coast before then flying up to Bundaberg Airport where it completed more airwork including a touch-and-go. The Spartan then continued further up to Rockhampton Airport where it completed yet more airwork and another touch-and-go.

A34-001 "Wallaby 30" then returned to Amberley.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©️

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 November, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

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VH-VTF looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Archerfield base. 

Meanwhile, after arriving there the previous day, also on Thursday 25 November, the visiting Robindale Group (Bathurst) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  After parking for the day, VH-CMK later departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Arrives into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 November, Robindale Group (Bathurst) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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At the time of writing, the sleek little bizjet looks to be staying for at least the night at Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  Early on Thursday 25 November, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and touched down up at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  After spending the day parked, it later departed Prosie and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Another nice little bizjet to be noted back in the region on Wednesday 24 November, and for the second day in-a-row, was Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR.  It looked to visit Maryborough Airport (again), arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 November, and after arriving the previous day, Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC VH-SAZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns and Horn Island as 'SFZ644' / "Skyforce 644".  We assume it is completing one of the regular school-kids charter flights to Far North Queensland.  VH-SAZ then flew all the way down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp as 'SFZ9027'.

Finally, also on Wednesday 24 November, the 'new' Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR "Rescue 300" looked to make a rare (and its first) visit to my local Clermont Hospital, flying all the way out from Rockhampton Airport and then back to Rockhampton Base Hospital.

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Photos taken by 'JM' and Steve Vit  ©

And Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SAZ Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

Late on Tuesday 23 November, Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC VH-SAZ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

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The passenger-configured aircraft touched down from Bankstown as 'SFZ9026' / "Skyforce 9026".

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-SAZ is remaining at Rockhampton Airport for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 24 November, VH-SAZ departed Rockhampton Airport and headed all the way up to Cairns and then Horn Island on what looks like one of the 'regular' school kids charter flight. It then flew to Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport - see Blog post above.

VH-SAZ was acquired by Pionair Australia in late 2017 after it previously was operated by Titan Airways in the United Kingdom as G-ZAPK. The BAe 146 arrived in Australia in early 2018 and has completed several other closed tourist charter flights and Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, before spending some time in Western Australia operating for Cobham Aviation.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Air Kiribati Embraer E-190-E2 VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton Airport on a Training Flight

As posted on our Facebook page, on Tuesday 23 November, Air Kiribati Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was spotted at Rockhampton Airport, operating what appears to be a training flight.

It looked to fly up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and the Gold Coast.

After around an hour on the ground, VH-IKJ then returned directly to Wellcamp.

As mentioned previously, the brand new Embraer was delivered to Air Kiribati at Toowoomba-Wellcamp in January 2020 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.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZIY Calls into Hamilton Island Airport Again – Plus More!

On Tuesday 23 November, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted calling into Hamilton Island Airport again! It looked to once again arrive from and then later depart back to it Sunshine Coast base.

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As mentioned below, VH-ZIY completed a similar flight on Monday 22 November.

Also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport, also on Tuesday 23 November, was Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR. It looked to fly up from Brisbane via Maryborough Airport before then returning direct to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR was noted completing what looked to be a training flight from Brisbane to Roma and then Bundaberg Airports before it then headed to the Sunshine Coast and back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Tuesday 23 November, the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service operated Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" departed Rockhampton Airport for the South.

Re-registered locally-based DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ departed Bundaberg Airport for Hamilton Island Airport. It then flew back down to Curtis Island before returning to Bundy. Later, VH-NPZ looked to complete what is possibly a weekly flight to Nebo Aerodrome (via Rockhampton Airport on this occasion) before then returning home to Bundaberg Airport again.

While Agair Logistics P/L Rockwell Turbo Commander 690B VH-LVG "Birddog 273" departed Bundaberg Airport for Dubbo.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP completed its weekly flight between Brisbane and Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Pair of RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Transport Aircraft - A41-213 & A41-209 - Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Tuesday 23 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft were both spotted and noted at and around some Central Queensland Airports as they completed airwork and missed approaches while on flights out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

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C-17 A41-213 as "Stallion 15" flew up from Amberley to complete two missed approaches at Emerald Airport (as shown below) before then heading to the Sunshine Coast and back to Amberley.

While C-17 A41-209 as "Stallion 35" also flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before it then flew up to Townsville for yet more airwork. It then flew down to Proserpine (Whitsunday) Coast and Mackay Airports where it also completed missed approaches before then heading back down to Amberley.

Video taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 71" Touch and Go at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Monday 22 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-213 was videoed as it completed a touch-and-go at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

The massive transport aircraft looked to fly down from Townsville before then heading to RAAF Base Amberley. It has earlier flown North to Townsville direct from Amberley.

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A41-213 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Stallion 71".

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" Back at Some CQ Airports

On Monday 22 November, the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service operated Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" was noted back in the region.

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After heading North and flying through the Whitsundays late last week and into the weekend, on Monday, VH-TFV "Park Air 26" flew back down from Mount Isa and called into Longreach Airport before then heading across to Moranbah Airport and then finishing the day at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Early on Tuesday 23 November, VH-TFV "Park Air 26" departed Rockhampton Airport for the South.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 November, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before later flying back to Hervey Bay Airport.

While the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was noted visiting Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Finally, also on Monday 22 November, Marine Helicopter Charters Robinson R66 helicopters VH-VRN (Heli Solutions) and VH-VRK (Ansett Aviation), both flew from Gladstone Airport to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Hinterland Aviation and Skytrans Airlines Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights to Carmichael Coal Mine Site now Landing at Doongmabulla Airstrip While Labona Airstrip Receives an Upgrade!

Interesting to note on Monday 22 November that all Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to the Adani Australia (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site are landing at the Doongmabulla Airstrip for at least the next two weeks as the 'usual' landing site – the Labona Station Airstrip – receives an upgrade, including having the runway lengthened with larger aircraft including jets planned to touch down in the new year.

https://www.facebook.com/HinterlandAviation

Both Hinterland Cessna 208 Caravans VH-NDC and VH-TFQ, which are currently based at Rockhampton Airport, completed flights to Doongmabulla Airstrip and back to Rocky. 

While Skyttrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC completed a flight to Doongmabulla and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2 after it had earlier flown up from Brisbane as SKP783.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-002 "Envoy 93" Spotted at Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports

On Sunday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-002 was spotted at both Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports as it came to the region to pick-up and transport local Federal Government politicians back to Canberra for a week of parliamentary sittings.

The BBJ, which is flown by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron, looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Canberra but via Brisbane.

For all of its flights, A36-002 was heard to be flying as "Envoy 93".

Sincere thanks to Rockhampton photographer Steve V and Bundaberg-based Dan B from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Dan B  ©

Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Hamilton Island and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 20 November, Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Brisbane base.

https://www.facebook.com/avminaircharter

After some time at Hamo, VH-NJR then flew down to Mackay Airport before then later returning to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 20 November, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) before then later returning direct to Moorabbin.

While ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT also visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, arriving from Townsville and departing to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 21 November, VH-AYT departed Archerfield for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Townsville.

And the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service operated Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the North.  It appeared to fly from Townsville to Innisfail and Cairns before then heading to Prosie.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 21 November, VH-TFV "Park Air 26" looked to depart Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and head North-West for Mount Isa.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Early Morning Visit to Rockhampton Airport

In the wee small hours of Saturday 20 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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After around five hours on the ground, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" finally departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Emerald Airport wins Large Regional Airport of the Year for 2021

Emerald Airport has this week been named Large Regional Airport of the Year in the Australian Airport Association’s (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards for 2021.  The awards attracted 86 nominations from airports and organisations across the country.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said the Emerald Airport was recognised for its major upgrade of existing assets including Australia’s first bespoke designed stone mastic asphalt (SMA) runway.

Upgrades have included:
-  Australia’s first bespoke designed SMA runway
-  General Aviation Pavement Reconstruction and Expansion Project
-  Satisfying enhanced security screening equipment requirements

Terminal Redevelopment Project which included relocating and upgrading the passenger drop-off zone and carpark, installing paid car parking equipment with number plate recognition, upgrading the firefighting equipment and systems, communications and IT backbone infrastructure, CCTV systems, access and wayfinding systems and numerous other safety and user-experience related upgrades.

AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said there was almost no part of Emerald Airport that had not been improved.

"Despite navigating the most difficult period the sector has faced in living memory, as resilient as ever Emerald Airport has taken the challenges in its stride and continued to adapt and innovate, finding new ways of doing things, forging ahead with major infrastructure projects, diversifying its business and developing new partnerships," Mr Goodwin said.

"Emerald Airport strives to make a difference and continues to develop infrastructure that enhances the passenger’s experience whilst making a valued contribution to our wider community. ‘I congratulate the airport on its high level of professionalism, community spirit and commitment to the passenger that was clearly demonstrated in its winning nomination."

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

In the wee small hours of Saturday 20 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville.

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After almost an hour on the ground, it departed Mackay Airport and returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-002 "Envoy 93" Pops into CQ Airports

On Friday 19 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-002 was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

A36-002 was flying as "Envoy 93" and looked to fly up from Canberra to Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast before then touching down at Hamilton Island Airport. From Hamo, it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport where it remained for a couple of hours.

As shown above, A36-002 "Envoy 93" then departed Rockhampton Airport and flew back directly to Canberra.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI Pops into Bundaberg Airport Twice – Plus More!

On Friday 19 November, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport twice during a busy day of flying.

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It firstly flew up from the Sunshine Coast before then departing to Archerfield. VH-SHI then returned to Bundaberg Airport again, this time arriving from and later departing back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 November, Machjet (Corporate Aircraft Charter) Cessna S550 Citation S/2 bizjet VH-SQM was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base. This is the second time it has completed one of these flights this week.

Finally, also on Friday 19 November, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA continued its adventures for the week, departing Roma Airport up to Pegunny Station, then Emerald and Julia Creek, before it then flew down to Longreach Airport. VH-PGA then departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and then Archerfield.

Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM landed at Blackall Airport from Archerfield before then returning back to there.

And the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service operated Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" flew up from Gladstone Airport to low level survey work at below 200 feet around Rockhampton before it then worked North towards and landed at Mackay Airport. VH-TFV "Park Air 26" then continued from Mackay Airport to Ayr and Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Early Morning Visit to Gladstone Airport

Around dawn on Thursday 18 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

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After over an hour on the ground, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Gladstone Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 November, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport during a busy day of flying.  It initially departed Adelaide for Lockhart River before then calling into Rockhampton Airport.  VH-VTF then departed to the Sunshine Coast before returning back to Adelaide.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 November,  Machjet (Corporate Aircraft Charter) Cessna S550 Citation S/2 bizjet VH-SQM was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Ambilindum before it then departed to Alpha Aerodrome.  VH-PGA had flown North on Monday 15 November.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 November, VH-PGA departed Alpha Aerodrome for Roma Airport.

While also noted visiting Longreach Airport was SFC Farming Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT.  It arrived from and later departed to Goondiwindi.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU flew up from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton and then Mackay Airports.  It had arrived at Gladstone Airport from Scone and Tamworth late on Tuesday 16 November.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 November, VH-EQU departed Mackay Airport for Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 17 November, Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEZ departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley as "Astra 203".

It had arrived the previous day from Amberley via Redcliffe.

Of interest, fellow Air Force Cadets Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEL as "Astra 201" departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Caloundra and Redcliffe.  It too had arrived the previous day.

Basair Aviation Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees VH-BIE and VH-VOU popped into Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport.  VH-BIE then departed to Longreach Airport, while VH-VOU went to Bundaberg Airport.

Both aircraft appears to have been flying around the Northern Territory and Western and Northern Queensland over much of this month.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW was noted flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before flying back down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

And Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey VH-UHH "Helitak 468" looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the South.

Photos taken by Simon Coates and Paul Tyler  ©

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Twice! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 November, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport twice during a busy day of flying.

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VH-VEP looked to be continuing the run of closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights which visit Rockhampton Airport, with it arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane on both occasions.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 16 November, and re-registered locally-based DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ, completed what appears to be a weekly (possibly FIFO) run from its Bundaberg Airport 'home' to Nebo Aerodrome and back.  Although this time it returned to Bundy via Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Bombardier Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-UPH Calls into Hamilton Island Airport

On Tuesday 16 November, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH was noted flying up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport.

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VH-UPH then appears to have completed a flight to Townsville and back to Hamilton Island Airport before then returning once again to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-466 Completes Airwork and Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-466 was noted completing airwork at, as well as calling into, some Central Queensland Airports.

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The Herc was flying as "Trojan 42" and originally departed RAAF Base Richmond.  It then completed airwork at Canberra and Albury before landing at Tamworth.  It then departed there to RAAF Base Amberley via more airwork at Newcastle (Williamtown) and Port Macquarie.

From Amberley, A97-466 "Trojan 42" then flew West to complete airwork at Charleville, a touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport and then more airwork at Mackay Airport before it landed there for a short time.  It then departed Mackay Airport and headed right out to Longreach Airport for more airwork before then heading to Hamilton Island Airport for more airwork before then eventually landing at Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 November, Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from its RAAF Base Amberley 'home' and Redcliffe as "Astra 203".

Finally, also on Tuesday 16 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport while flying up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville.  It was heard to be flying as "Stallion 62".

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Spotted at Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 15 November, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was spotted on the ground at Maryborough Airport.  It looked to fly up from the Gold Coast.

After a short time on the ground, VH-CDG departed Maryborough Airport and returned to the Gold Coast, via some airwork at Kingaroy.

Also spotted at Maryborough Airport, also on Monday 15 November, was Great Western Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV.

It looked to fly in from Archerfield via Toowoomba and Gympie before then departing to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 November, VH-XGV departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Bundaberg and Gladstone Airports.  It later returned to Bundaberg Airport before then heading back to Gladstone Airport.  VH-XGV then flew to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 November, Redjet Aviation (Toowoomba) Dassault Mystere Falcon 50 VH-FJQ was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport for the second day in-a-row.  It completed two visits to the Rum City, each time arriving from and then departing back to Toowoomba.

Also noted visiting Bundaberg Airport was Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI.  It arrived from and later departed back to its Archerfield base.

And the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK also called into Bundaberg Airport.  It flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane before then flying into Bundy.  VH-PSK then flew back up to Townsville and Cairns.

Finally, also on Monday 15 November, Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 November, VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

While Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA which landed at Moura Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed there to Longreach Airport and then Ambilindum. 

And Flylink Aviation College Diamond DA 40 VH-EUU landed at Gladstone Airport from Archerfield before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Sincere thanks David G of Maryborough Aviation Services for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by David Geck  ©

Skytrans Airlines Flying Dash-8-100 Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights Between Rockhampton Airport and Labona Station Airstrip at Carmichael Coal Mine Site

On Monday 15 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP783. It then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine before then returning again to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 November, VH-QQC completed two further flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP770/1/2/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 November, VH-QQC returned to Brisbane from Rockhampton Airport as SKP504.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 November, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB completed another Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to Labona but from Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 15 November, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew the coast run from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Rockhampton Airports as SKP81/82.

Interesting to see if this 'pattern' continues.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-005 "Kaos 33" Completes Airwork and Calls into CQ Airports

On Monday 15 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 was noted completing airwork and landing at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley and firstly completed airwork before then landing at Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Rockhampton Airport where it again completed airwork before landing again for a short time.

A34-005 then departed Rockhampton Airport and flew West to overhead Emerald and then up to Mackay Airport where it completed yet more airwork.  A34-005 "Kaos 33" then finished the day by landing at Townsville.

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.  The RAAF operates 10 of the C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter after they were ordered back in May 2012 to replace the now-retired De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou fleet.  The current 10 Spartan aircraft are based at RAAF Base Amberley and operated by 35 Squadron.

Recently, 35 Squadron launched seven C-27J Spartans simultaneously at RAAF Base Amberley, demonstrating its preparedness to support contingency operations as well as recent improvements to fleet availability. 

The C-27J Spartan was introduced to RAAF service in 2015, and provides a light tactical airlift between Army rotary-wing and larger Air Force transports. The aircraft has already proven its ability to support Defence, Government, and regional operations, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, engagements with foreign Defence and Government, and maritime surveillance to protect sovereign areas of South Pacific nations.

Photos taken by 'JM' and Defence Images  ©