Link Airways (Fly Corporate) and Skytrans Airlines Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charters Galore Yet Again!

On Monday 31 January, the recent run of closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights around the region continued with a trio of Link Airways (Vee H Aviation) and Skytrans Airlines aircraft noted visiting several Central Queensland Airports.

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Link Airways SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEP was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Brisbane then flying into my local Clermont Aerodrome. VH-VEP then returned to Brisbane.

About the same time, VH-VEM flew up to Mackay Airport and back to Brisbane.  And VH-VEO flew to Theodore Aerodrome before later flying back to Brisbane.

And Link Airways (Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU completed the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 31 January, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI was noted flying down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport as SKP521/783.  It then completed a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP771/2.

As with previous weeks, it should then operate more flights between Rockhampton Airport and Labona on Tuesday 1 February and then Mackay Airport and Labona on Wednesday 2 February.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC visited Labona from Townsville as SKP781/2.

And Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQG completed the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight between Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Rockhampton Airports as SKP81/2.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-SIY Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports

On Monday 31 January, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during a busy day of flying.

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It looked to initially depart its Sunshine Coast base and fly into Mackay Airport before then departing down to Archerfield.  Later, VH-SIY flew up from Archerfield and into Bundaberg Airport.

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-SIY is staying at Bundaberg Airport for at least the night.

UPDATE!  Early on Tuesday 1 February, VH-SIY departed Bundaberg Airport for Cairns.  It then later returned to Bundy from Cairns before ultimately returning to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into Barcaldine Airport

In the wee small hours of Monday 31 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in the region for the third day in-a-row, this time noted arriving into Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane.

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-LEP Finally Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 30 January, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted finally departing Hamilton Island Airport after arriving over a week ago.  It looked to depart to Melbourne (Avalon) and then Melbourne (Essendon).

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VH-LEP had arrived into Hamo back on Friday 21 January direct from Essendon.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 30 January, Silver Linings Aviation Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK made yet another visit to Hamilton Island Airport, again arriving from and then departing back to Bankstown.

And finally, also on Sunday 30 January, and as predicted below, Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 VH-CQJ departed Mackay Airport for Coffs Harbour and planned maintenance.

VH-CQJ called into Gladstone, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Gold Coast and Lismore Airports on the way.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into Rockhampton Airport Again!

For the second morning in-a-row, before dawn on Sunday 30 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 29 January, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV was spotted arriving into Mackay Airport after ferrying back into Central Queensland from Adelaide.  It appears that it may have come back to Mackay Airport to replace the Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) and fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-CQJ which (at the time of writing) is due to depart to Coffs Harbour on Sunday 30 January for planned maintenance.

It had departed the South Australian capital the previous day and made stops at Mildura, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Tamworth, Lismore, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Rockhampton Airports.

VH-LSV had departed Rockhampton Airport on Sunday 18 July 2021 and has operated out of Adelaide Airport as "Rescue 55" with the local State Rescue Helicopter Service.

Of interest, VH-LSV had operated alongside fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412 helicopter VH-LSY which spent a long period time operating out of Mackay Airport with CQ Rescue and Rockhampton Airport with the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS).  VH-LSY is now operated at Adelaide Airport by the local State Rescue Helicopter service as "Rescue 56" and wears a striking livery of the South Australian Police Service.

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Meanwhile, also on Saturday 29 January, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY called into Mackay Airport from Parafield Airport in Adelaide.  It then departed to Yarrawonga, Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Nice!

Photos taken by 'AC' and Tony Haynes  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) VIP 34 Squadron Transport Bizjets Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Saturday 29 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-002 was noted completing a missed approach at Longreach Airport.

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It looked to fly up from Canberra as "Envoy 05" and after completing the airwork at Longreach Airport, completed another missed approach at Townsville before then landing at the Sunshine Coast. A36-002 "Envoy 05" later departed the Sunny Coast for Sydney and then back to Canberra.

While RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 as "Envoy 99" flew down from Cairns to also land at the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed and flew up to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before it then flew down to Canberra.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aircraft Fly Through CQ Enroute to Guam for Exercise Cope North 2022

On Saturday 29 January, the skies above Central Queensland came alive with the sound of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter and transport jets overflying heading to Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands to participate in Exercise Cope North 2022 with the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) from 2 to 18 February 2022.

During the morning, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 "ASY408" departed RAAF Base Amberley and met up with an unknown number of RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft as "ASY1052" which departed RAAF Base Williamtown.  While I spotted (above) KC-30A A39-001 "ASY409" also from Amberley which met up with two F-35s as "ASY1048" which were also out of Williamtown. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 January, KC-30A A39-001 "ASY409" returned to Amberley from Guam.

UPDATE!  On Monday 31 January, KC-30A A39-002 "ASY411" flew up from Sydney and met up with yet more F-35 fighter jets from Williamtown and all flew North towards Guam

Finally, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "ASY252" also out of Williamtown was refueled by KC-30A A39-006 as "Dragon 45" which flew out of and back to Amberley.

Defence Image...

Exercise Cope North 2022 aims to increase the interoperability of the RAAF, USAF and the Koku-Jieitai by sharing tactics, techniques and procedures for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.

During the exercise, the RAAF will deploy its E-7A Wedgetail, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A multi-role tanker transport and F-35A Lightning II fighters.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

Before dawn on Saturday 29 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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After a couple of hours on the ground, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-REX Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 28 January, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH was spotted at Emerald Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane as RXA9564 on what seemed to be a closed charter flight.  

After some time on the ground, it then departed Emerald Airport and returned to Brisbane but as RXA9565.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 28 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEO visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  While fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEB flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU operated the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

Finally, a couple of other movements into the region, also on Friday 28 January, included the often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK which departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.

Kibble (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport for Toowoomba.  It had arrived from its Toowoomba base into Rocky the previous day.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Execujet Australia Bombardier Global 6000 Bizjet VH-YAI Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

Early on Thursday 27 January, Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-YAI was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to touch down from Cairns.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-YAI then departed to Sydney.

Also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport, also on Thursday 27 January, was Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU which arrived from and later departed back to Sydney.

And after arriving the previous day, Spectrum Air Hire (of Sydney) Beech 76 Duchess VH-IPH was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport.  At the time of writing, it was due to then continue to Bundaberg Airport on Friday 28 January.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Sydney.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was noted arriving into Roma Airport from the Gold Coast via Lismore. It the returned directly to its Gold Coast base.

And also noted visiting Roma Airport were Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-WXB and VH-XDW.  The familiar visitors to Roma Airport on this occasion both arrived from and later departed back to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Finally, some other King Air turboprops noted around the region, also on Thursday 27 January, Avcair (Easternwell Group) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EWG looked to visit Chinchilla, Injune, Roma and Miles Airports while on a flight out of and back to Toowoomba.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY looked to depart Charters Towers Aerodrome for the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived there via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport the previous afternoon.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

New Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) Aircraft VH-YXW & VH-YXS Both Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

A couple of nice days plane spotting at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport with a couple of new Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) aircraft spotted visiting.

On Wednesday 26 January, VH-YXS (ex JA17JJ) was photographed as it operated the JST840/1 service from and back to Sydney.

And on Tuesday 25 January, VH-YXW (ex JA18JJ) was photographed as it also operated the JST840/1 service from and back to Sydney.  This is our first photo of this airframe in Central Queensland!

As mentioned previously, the A320s are part of a group of four recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with Jetstar Japan.  VH-YXT (ex JA23JJ / EC-LZF) and VH-YXV (ex JA11JJ) are the others and visit Proserpine, Hamilton Island and Mackay Airports quite often.

Meanwhile, another two airframes - VH-YXU (ex JA06JJ) and VH-YXQ (ex JA12JJ) - were up until recently stored at Alice Springs but have flown to Darwin and Singapore (Seletar) in recent days with speculation that they have gone there to be prepared to enter service in Australia.

Finally, late on Saturday 22 January, Jetstar Asia Airways (Singapore) Airbus A320-232 9V-JSN flew into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Singapore (Changi) as JSA903.  It is believed that it too is being prepared to be placed on the Australian Aircraft register and enter service with Jetstar in Australia.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

A Nice Pair of Familiar Bizjets Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Embraer Phenom 300E VH-NSQ & Cessna Citation CJ1 VH-SIY - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 January, a couple of nice corporate bizjets were spotted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ arrived from Bankstown and the Gold Coast before later departing back direct to Bankstown.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY arrived from the Sunshine Coast and Hamilton Island Airports.  It then flew down to Sydney before returning to the Sunny Coast.

While over at the Whitsunday Coast Airport at Shute Harbour, the often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted arriving from Archerfield.

And down at Roma Airport, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY arrived from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ballarat.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 January, VH-WMY departed Roma Airport for Ballarat, Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 26 January,  Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Beech B200 King Air VH-WZN visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from its Monto Aerodrome base.

While Spectrum Air Hire (of Sydney) Beech 76 Duchess VH-IPH flew across from Hamilton Island Airport to Proserpine Airport before returning to Hamo.  It seems to have arrived there from Bankstown, Warwick and Bundaberg Airports just over a week ago.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Tamworth.  It later departed for Archerfield and then back to Tamworth.

Finally, also on Wednesday 26 January, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as SKP785 before it then completed three return flights from Mackay Airport to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP793/4/1/2/5/6. 

At the time of writing, it is due fly from Mackay Airport to Brisbane as SKP786 early on Thursday 27 January.

And it appears that fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC flew down from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport as SKP775 before then flying to Labona as SKP777 and then back to Cairns as SKP778.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Silver Linings Aviation Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-ZEK Calls Into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 January, Silver Linings Aviation Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to fly into from and the depart back to its Bankstown Base.

While after arriving from there at the end of last week, Melbourne Air Holdings (Executive Airlines) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG departed Hamilton Island Airport Sydney and Melbourne (Essendon), also on Tuesday 25 January.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY looked to visit Charters Towers Aerodrome from its Sunshine Coast base.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC "Rescue 440" looked to fly up from Melbourne (Essendon) to complete airwork off the Central Queensland Coast.  It then landed at Mackay Airport for a refuel before then heading up to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 January, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW was noted flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Maryborough and Biloela / Thangool Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome on a closed FIFO charter flight before flying back down to Thangool and Hervey Bay Airports.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ departed its Bundaberg Airport base for Nebo and Rockhampton Airports before then returning to Bundy.

Finally, also on Tuesday 25 January, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF completed a pair of Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP773/4/1/2..

While fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQI completed the SKP85/6 Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Rockhampton Airports and back.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE Back at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 24 January, 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 then depart back to the Gold Coast via the Sunshine Coast.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 24 January, AirCorrigan (Brisbane) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-TBM flew from Longreach Airport to Townsville.  It had arrived into Longreach Airport from Adelaide on Saturday 22 January.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT visited Mackay Airport from its Townsville base.  It then looked to complete airwork at Bowen Aerodrome while on a flight from and back to Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 24 January, a pair of Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprops were noted up from Brisbane and into various Central Queensland Airports.

VH-VEP was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Brisbane then flying into my local Clermont Aerodrome.  VH-VEP then returned to Brisbane.  About the same time, VH-VEB flew up to Mackay Airport and back to Brisbane.  

Also, Link Airways (Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEK completed the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP783 before it then completed a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP771/2.

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

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

On Sunday 23 January, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport again.

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It looked to fly up from Archerfield and then later return there.  VH-SHI had visited Bundaberg Airport - and other CQ Airports - during last week - see Blog posts below!

And during the late afternoon, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

VH-ILJ also popped into Mackay Airport from Brisbane but late on Saturday 22 January.  It then departed to the Gold Coast and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 January, locally-owned Aero Optics (General Aviation Maintenance operated) Aero Commander 500-S VH-JAJ looked to complete a local aerial survey flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and then Archerfield over the previous couple of days.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY visited the Great Keppel Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA looked to fly up from Archerfield to Mount Isa before it returned there but via Moura Airport.

Finally, also on Sunday 23 January, four Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft were noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.  VH-YTL, VH-YTW, VH-YTJ and VH-EQF all flew up from their Toowoomba-Wellcamp base to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Gladstone Airport.  They all the returned to Wellcamp.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 82" Calls into Mackay Airport

On Sunday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 was spotted visiting Mackay Airport.

The Falcon 7X bizjet, which is flown by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron, looked to arrive from Canberra via Warwick Airport as "Envoy 82".

At the time of writing, it appears that A56-003 is staying for the night at Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  During the afternoon on Monday 24 January. A56-003 "Envoy 82" departed Mackay Airport for Darwin.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©️

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-MRZ Pops into Rockhampton Airport Heading Home Cairns After a Re-paint - Plus More!

On Friday 21 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-MRZ passed through Rockhampton Airport while heading home from Redcliffe to Cairns (pictured) after it had an overhaul and was re-painted.  VH-MRZ was heard to be flying as "Hinterland 663".

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav/

VH-MRZ had also passed through Rockhampton Airport on Friday 3 December as it flew down to Redcliffe from Cairns but as HND637.

Of interest, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-CVN and VH-LZK are currently based at Rockhampton Airport operating the airlines' several week-daily Fly-in Fly-out closed charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.

Other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft spotted and noted around the region, also on Friday 21 January, included RDO Equipment Co. (ex Vanderfield) Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH which was spotted at Bundaberg Airport before it later departed to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.  It had arrived the previous day - see Blog post below.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY popped into Mackay Airport from Armidale and the Gold Coast before later departing back to its Armidale base.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 21 January, a couple of bizjet visitors into Central Queensland included Melbourne Air Holdings (Executive Airlines) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG which was noted flying into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) via Sydney.

While Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP also arrived into Hamilton Island Airport but directly from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

VH-LEP was scheduled to depart Hamilton Island Airport, but at the time of writing, it appears to be still parked on Hamo.

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 21 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEO visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  While fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEB flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ departed Emerald Airport for Newcastle (Williamtown) and Brisbane.  It looks to have arrived from Brisbane the previous day.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU operated the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-006 "Wallaby 21" Spotted Completing Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Friday 21 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 was photographed as it complete airwork including at least two missed approaches at Bundaberg Airport.

The Spartan was heard to be flying as "Wallaby 21" and looked to fly up from and then return to RAAF Base Amberley.

Of interest, A34-006 later completed another flight out of and back to Amberley but via airwork at Kingaroy Airport as "Wallaby 20".  

And fellow C-27J Spartan A34-010 as "Wallaby 22" also completed a flight out of and back to Amberley but via airwork at Miles Airport.

Sincere thanks to Dan B from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Dan B  ©

Hevilift Australia ATR 72-500 VH-FVL Makes Emergency Landing at Bundaberg Airport While Enroute from Moranbah Airport to Brisbane

Late on Thursday 20 January, Hevilift Australia ATR 72-500 VH-FVL diverted into Bundaberg Airport while flying a closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight as HT728 from Moranbah Airport to Brisbane Airport.

It was reported that the diversion was caused by "smoke in the cabin" however, a Hevilift spokesperson said no smoke or fire was observed in the cockpit or cabin.  It was reported on Friday 21 January, that the pilots were alerted to an electrical faulty and detected an electrical odour in the cockpit.

VH-FVL landed at Bundaberg Airport and was greeted by multiple emergency crews.  The four crew members and 19 passengers on board were provided with accommodation after landing.

After engineers inspected the aircraft, it was cleared to fly back to Brisbane and during the afternoon on Friday 21 January, VH-FVL positioned to Brisbane as HT707.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 21 January, it appears that the passengers were transported to Brisbane on board Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-NKU which looked to complete a closed charter flight to Bundaberg Airport from and back to Brisbane as UTY8460/1.

Sincere thanks to Hayden M-A and Dan B from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander and Dan B  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FNI Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 January, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to arrive from Mareeba and Lizard Island before it then later returned back to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 January, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI flew down from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton Airport.  It was spotted parked earlier on Thursday before it flew South.

As mentioned below, it had arrived into Mackay Airport from Archerfield the previous day.

RDO Equipment Co. (ex Vanderfield) Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew across from Biloela / Thangool Airport to Theodore Aerodrome and down to Toowoomba. It then returned to Theodore and Biloela / Thangool Airports before finishing the day at Bundaberg Airport.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA looked to fly up from Archerfield to Moura(?) and Longreach Airports before it then continued to Alice Springs.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 January, returned to Archerfield via Moura Airport.

While New South Wales-based Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome and then the Sunshine Coast.  It has been at Rocky since last year and could have possibly re-located (?).

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 January, VH-KNV returned to Rolleston Aerodrome from the Sunshine Coast before continuing back to Rockhampton Airport.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN looked to fly down from Charters Towers Aerodrome to the Sunshine Coast.  It looked to have flown up there from the Sunny Coast via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport the previous day.

Finally, also on Thursday 20 January. Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEO visited Theodore Aerodrome from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquests VH-VEY and VH-VEJ were both again noted in the region.  VH-VEY looked to visit Newlands Mine from Brisbane.  While VH-VEJ visited the Oaky Creek Mine.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEK operated the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and 'JM'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 76" Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 20 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 was noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

File photo

The Falcon 7X bizjet, which is flown by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron, looked to arrive from Albury as "Envoy 76". It looked to fly there from Canberra the previous day.

After spending the day on the ground, A56-002 then departed Hervey bay Airport and flew back to Albury.  It is presently flying on to Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 January, fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 14" was noted flying through the region from Canberra, Newcastle (Williamtown) and Brisbane to Townsville.

And fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 "Wallaby 60" also was noted flying through the region from RAAF Base Amberley to Cairns.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Three Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Pass Through Rockhampton Airport Heading to HMAS Adelaide to Support Tonga Relief Efforts

On Wednesday 19 January, three Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.  It is believed that they were heading from Townsville to Brisbane to rendezvous with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Canberra-class landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide (L01), which is docked at Brisbane and heading to Tonga to assist after the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano.

Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Adelaide departed Fleet Base East at Garden Island in Sydney on Monday 17 January for Brisbane.

The three Chinooks are believed to have worn the serial numbers A15-307, A15-308 and A15-309 and looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport for a refuel together as "Chainsaw".  It seems they later departed separately and ultimately all arrived in Brisbane - and possibly on the HMAS Adelaide (although this is not confirmed).

Of interest, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and Lockheed C-130J Hercules transport aircraft have also recently departed Australia for Tonga to also assist with the recovery.

Defence Images...

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 "Stallion 37" Completes Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 was spotted and noted completing airwork, including missed approaches at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

A41-206 was flying as "Stallion 37" and looked to depart RAAF Base Amberley and fly up to Rockhampton at a fairly low level.

It was then spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

A41-206 "Stallion 37" then flew back South and completed another missed approach but at Kingaroy Airport.

After completing the airwork, the C-17 returned to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 "Wallaby 72" was noted completing airwork also at Kingaroy Airport also on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

And on Monday 17 January, fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 "Wallaby 65" was noted completing airwork at both Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports while also on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Back at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 January, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

VH-MMC at Emerald Airport last week  (File photo)

After spending the day on the ground, VH-MMC then departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 January, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from its Archerfield base.  It appears to be staying for at least the night.

While RDO Equipment Co. (ex Vanderfield) Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew down from Mackay Airport to Biloela / Thangool Airport.  As mentioned below, it had arrived from Emerald Airport the previous day.

And after sitting at Rockhampton Airport for some time, former locally-based Cessna 310R VH-FFA departed there for the South.  It is now registered in Lord Howe Island.

VH-FFA at Rockhampton Airport at the start of the month  (File photo)

Finally, also on Wednesday 19 January, some Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights around the region including  Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH which flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later flying back there via Maryborough Airport.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEP visited Theodore Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Fellow Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ was photographed by me at my local Clermont Aerodrome after it arrived late the previous day. 

VH-VEJ departed to Brisbane later in the day.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as SKP785 before it then completed two return flights from Mackay Airport to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP793/4/1/2.  It then flew from Mackay Airport to Brisbane as SKP786.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Trevor Hardsman  ©