Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-FZQ Pops into Bundaberg Airport as "FlyDoc 519" - Plus More!

On Monday 28 February, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-FZQ was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.

The sleek little aeromedical bizjet operated what appeared to be a Patient Transfer flight from or back to Adelaide. It was noted using the flight number and radio callsign of "FlyDoc 519".

Of interest, the RFDS Central Operations have two PC-24 jets in their fleet, while on Monday 28 February, the RFDS Western Operations took delivery of their third.

Around the same time, a couple of other RFDS (Queensland Section) King Air turboprop aircraft were also spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport, also on Monday 28 February.

RFDS Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VJU (ex VH-FDR) as "FlyDoc 445" arrived from Rockhampton Airport (where it is based) and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Brisbane Airports.

And RFDS Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-FDS "FlyDoc 425" presently seems to be based at Bundaberg Airport and completed several flights from and back to the Rum City.

Meanwhile, a couple of other nice corporate bizjet and other movements, also on Monday 28 February, included Novajet (PAL Aerospace) (Canada) Dassault Falcon 900LX bizjet C-GGBC, which flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) and landed at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it looked to stay.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting the the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  Again, it looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to Baralaba where, due to no parking area there, it parked on the Runway and closed it for four hours.  VH-CDG then flew back to Archerfield.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Bankstown base.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-MWZ was noted visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome from its Sunshine Coast base.

Finally, also on Monday 28 February, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEM visited Emerald Airport and my local Clermont Aerodrome before flying back to Brisbane.  Fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEF visited Mackay Airport also from Brisbane.  And SAAB 340B VH-VEP visited Theodore Aerodrome from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

While 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-QQC flew down from Cairns and Proserpine Airports to Rockhampton Airport as SKP81 before it then flew out to Labona and back to Rocky as SKP771/2.  

Fellow Skytrans Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF was noted flying to Labona from and back to Townsville as SKP761/2.

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

All photos taken by Dan B  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF Ferries South to Flood Zone via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 28 February, Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF was spotted as it passed through Rockhampton Airport while heading South to assist with the current flood emergency in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

It was flying as "Warhorse 239" and arrived from Townsville and departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

UPDATE!  Over the week, VH-YBF has completed various flights out of and back to Oakey to the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.

As mentioned previously, VH-YBF is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and is the first of three AW139 helicopters that has been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-002 as "Blackcat 53" was noted completing what looked to be flood survey work around the South East corner.

It flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and flew low level survey work around Lowood, North-West of Ipswich, a fair bit around Gympie and then around Maryborough and the Sunshine Coast.  The Poseidon then returned to Edinburgh.

Finally, also on Monday 28 February, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-426 as "Beaufort 32" visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Bankstown.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Fox Corporation (USA) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) Bizjet N900NC Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

Certainly a surprise to note that visiting Hamilton Island Airport on Sunday 27 February was Fox Corporation (20th Century Fox) (USA) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet N900NC. 

The sleek Gulfstream looked to arrive from and then later depart back to Sydney.

As shown above, N900NC arrived into Sydney from overseas on Tuesday 22 February.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

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

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

Fortescue Metals Group's Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet VH-FMG Calls into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 26 February, FMG Air P/L (Fortescue Metals Group) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet VH-FMG touched down at Gladstone Airport.  It looked to fly up from Brisbane.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-FMG returned to Brisbane.

But then, VH-FMG flew to the Sunshine Coast and then back to Gladstone Airport where it stayed for the night.

On Sunday 27 February, VH-FMG departed Gladstone Airport and headed up to the North-West.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 26 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY called into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It then looked to pop into Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Brisbane and the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Sunday 27 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY was also noted visiting Gladstone Airport, arriving from the Sunshine Coast via Brisbane and later departing back directly to the Sunny Coast.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

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

On Sunday 27 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted back in Central Queenslan again, this time visiting Mackay Airport. It looked to arrive from Townsville.

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After around three hours on the ground, it departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane before it later returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into CQ Airports

During the afternoon and into the evening on Saturday 26 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted calling into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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After just over an hour on the ground, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane but 'diverted' into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to Brisbane.

But, into the evening also on Saturday, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" then returned to Hervey Bay Airport from Brisbane before then returning to the capital a short time later.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" Pre-Dawn Visit to Gladstone Airport

In the wee small hours of Saturday 26 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted visiting Gladstone Airport. It looked to arrive from Townsville.

File photo

After a couple of hours on the ground, it departed Gladstone Airport and returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-NJR Spotted Visiting Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 25 February, Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR was spotted visiting Gladstone Airport - this is its second visit to the Port City this week!

Like its visit earlier in the week, it arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane.

While it was a busy day up the road at Rockhampton Airport with three corporate bizjets all noted coming and going also on Friday 25 February.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited from Archerfield.

Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ visited from Brisbane.

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF also visited from Brisbane, returning there after dark.

And up at Hamilton Island Airport, Mitchell Air / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-OFX visited again.  Like last week, it arrived from and later departed back to its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 25 February,  the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK was back in the air, arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It later returned North directly to Townsville and then Cairns.

While the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR "Rescue 300" departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport before it then headed off-shore to Henderson's Reef where it completed a rescue.

It appeared that Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC "Rescue 440" was flying down from Cairns to provide aerial support, but turned back to Cairns soon after arriving in the area.

Fellow AMSA Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XND "Rescue 660" looked to then fly all the way up from Melbourne (Essendon) to provide aerial support to the helicopter before it then headed back all the way down to Essendon.

Finally, also on Friday 25 February, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEP flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.  While Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VEU flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane and then back.  And Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VET completed their Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight into Biloela / Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

All photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into Labona at the Carmichael Mine Again - Plus More!

For the second time this week, on Thursday 24 February. MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  Again, it looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 24 February, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB looked to depart Mackay Airport for Rockhampton Airport.  It had arrived into Mackay Airport Townsville the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 25 February, VH-FKB departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield and Toowoomba.

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-FGB Pops into Mackay Airport on Charter Flight to Groote Eylandt

Certainly interesting to note on Wednesday 23 February that Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-FGB called into Mackay Airport while operating a closed charter flight.

VH-FGB at Emerald Airport recently  (File photo)

It was flying as UTY947 at arrived from Orange in New South and later departed to Groote Eylandt.

Groote Eylandt is part of the Northern Territory and is the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the fourth largest island in Australia. The Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Ltd (GEMCO) has been in operation since the 1960's and produces high-grade manganese ore.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 23 February, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

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It arrived from Archerfield and then departed to Coffs Harbour before then flying up to Natal Downs. During the afternoon, VH-JSZ flew back down to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 23 February, Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ departed Emerald Airport for my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Newlands Mine.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 24 February, VH-VEJ returned to Emerald Airport from Newlands Mine before it then departed to Brisbane.

While Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-UZC departed Clermont Aerodrome for Cairns.  A little later, fellow Skytrans Cessna 208 Caravan VH-WZJ also departed Clermont Aerodrome for Cairns.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport SKP785 before then completing a couple of flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport SKP85 before it then flew to Labona and back to Rocky as SKP777/8.  VH-QQG then returned North to Proserpine and Cairns Airports as SKP7781.

Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 February, Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

https://www.facebook.com/avminaircharter

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

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 February, Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  Fellow Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VEK also later arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane before it then flew up to Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

Finally also on Tuesday 22 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as SKP773.  It then popped down to Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Rockhampton Airport as SKP774. 

VH-QQC then departed Rockhampton Airport to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Cairns Airports as SKP86.  It then returned to Proserpine and Rockhampton Airports from Cairns as SKP85 before heading out to Labona and back to Rocky as SKP771/2.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Townsville to Labona as SKP763 before it too continued to Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Townsville as SKP764.

And fellow Skytrans Cessna 208 Caravans VH-WZJ and VH-UZC looked to complete several flights between Labona and Clermont Aerodrome through the day.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 44" Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport

On Tuesday 22 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 was noted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

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It looked to depart RAAF Base Amberley and head to overhead Ballina in Northern New South Wales before it then turned Northbound, flying along the coast at low level to Bundy where it turned back to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

A41-213 - which was flying as "Stallion 44" - then returned to Amberley at very low level below 500 feet!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Kaos 37" flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport and then to another one at Mackay Airport before it then continued onwards to land at Townsville.

Photos taken by Peter Sajko  ©️

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-NKQ Spotted at Emerald Airport with Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) Additional Titles

Since 2021, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have had a three year partnership deal with Alliance Airlines, and on Monday 21 February, Fokker F-70 VH-NKQ was photographed for the first time in Central Queensland with additional 'Official Airline Partner / QRU Reds' titles.

It is now the second Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet to have these additional titles applied after VH-JFE was spotted with them as well about this time last year.

VH-NKQ is shown (above) parked up at Emerald Airport after earlier arriving from on the regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Airports as UTY4078. It later returned to the Sunny Coast and Brisbane as UTY4079.

It is unclear when VH-NKQ made its first visit to CQ with the additional titles but it has since been noted visiting both Moranbah and Gladstone Airports, with the occasional trip to Emerald Airport.

As a part of the three year deal between Alliance Airlines and the QRU, the airline's brand will feature on the front of the Queensland Reds playing shorts over the next three seasons.

The Reds will also use Alliance’s aviation services during its team’s annual ‘Reds to Regions’ pilgrimage to all parts of the state - and for its regional Festivals of Rugby.

Alliance Airlines is the largest national air charter operator for the resources industry in Australia and continues to be recognised as a leading aviation professional, providing tailored and customised group travel and individual experiences through the provision of charter services.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into Labona at the Carmichael Mine - Plus More!

On Monday 21 February. MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting the the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast.

File photo

And the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK finally departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns after it arrived from there back on Friday 11 February.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 21 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports as SKP81 before it then flew out to Labona as SKP771.  The return SKP772 flight called into Clermont Aerodrome before then heading back to Rockhampton Airport.

There was again no 'return' RPT service to Prosie and Cairns.

Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF was noted flying to Labona from Townsville as SKP761 before it too called into Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Townsville as SKP762.

And Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Caravan VH-WZJ flew down from Labona from Cairns before it then flew Clermont Aerodrome and back to Labona and back to Clermont Aerodrome for the night.

At the time of writing, it seems that VH-WZJ and more of the Dash-8-100s are due to pop into Clermont Aerodrome while operating between Labona and Rockhampton and Townsville.

UPDATE!  It appears that fellow Skytrans Cessna 208B Caravan VH-UZC may have also flown between Labona and Clermont Aerodrome with it definitely noted completing at least one run on Tuesday 22 February.

Finally, also on Monday 21 February, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP visited Emerald Airport and my local Clermont Aerodrome before flying back to Brisbane.  Fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEO visited Mackay Airport also from Brisbane.  And SAAB 340B VH-VEM visited Theodore Aerodrome from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

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

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 Completes Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 21 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 was noted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

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The C-17 was flying as "Stallion 50" and looked to fly out from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork off the South-East Queensland coast - possibly with RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 "Gasser 70".  

It then flew North and completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport before then flying back down to Amberley at low level and with no (radio) communication.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 21 February, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 looked to depart Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for RAAF Base East Sale.  

The Super King Air was flying as "Beaufort 16" and looked to arrive into Hervey Bay Airport from East Sale on Sunday 20 February.

Nice!

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 "Stallion 61" Late Low Level Ops Around Shoalwater Bay

Late on Sunday 20 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 was noted completing airwork North of Rockhampton around the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

File photo

It looked to fly out from RAAF Base Amberley and head North towards Gladstone where it turned and descended over water and up towards Shoalwater Bay.  After some time, A41-212 was seen on radar flying back South and landed back at Amberley.

A41-212 was heard to be flying as "Stallion 61".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWP Back in CQ and Spotted at Emerald Airport

On Sunday 20 February, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWP was spotted at Emerald Airport.

The Fokker was operating the scheduled VOZ1265/6 service on behalf of Virgin Australia from and back to Brisbane.

VH-XWP has only returned to Australia at Brisbane on Friday 18 February after spending three months overseas undergoing planned maintenance. Prior to this, VH-XWP spend some period of time operating out of Perth Australia on Alliance Airlines' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) and other charter flights in Western Australia.

Great to see it back!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

In the wee small hours on Sunday 20 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted calling into Roma Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

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

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet VH-NSQ Departs Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 19 February, Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ was noted departing Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Bankstown.

It had arrived from there on Thursday 17 February and was spotted above early on Saturday prior to its departure.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 19 February, Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEQ also visited Rockhampton Airport but from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Saturday 19 February, Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ arrived into Emerald Airport from Horn Island, Coen, Mareeba and Charters Towers Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 20 February, VH-URJ departed Emerald Airport for Kingaroy and then Watts Bridge where it is likely to undergo planned maintenance.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJW (ex 9V-MGH) First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Saturday 19 February, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJW was spotted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).

VH-IJW made its first visit to CQ operating from and back to Brisbane on the VOZ605/608 service to Mackay Airport.

As mentioned below, B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9M-MGH and was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane in early December last year.  After being promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and VH-IJW, it completed a couple of visits to Townsville in both December and January this year where it was re-painted into the Virgin Australia livery.  It is possible that between both visits to Townsville, it had a cabin re-fit(?)

Less than a week after it returned from its second trip to Townsville, VH-IJW finally entered service with Virgin Australia on Tuesday 8 February.  It becomes the sixth former SilkAir B737-800 to enter service with the airline.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former SilkAir B737-800 aircraft. With SilkAir now merged with parent airline, Singapore Airlines, these aircraft were deemed surplus to requirements. SilkAir moved to dispose of the planes earlier this year. It is reported these aircraft are 9V-MGF, 9V-MGG, 9V-MGH, 9V-MGI, 9V-MGJ, 9V-MGP, and 9V-MGQ.

Of interest, also on Saturday 19 February, the seventh and final former SilkAir B737-800 9V-MGJ touched down at Brisbane after flying in from Singapore (Changi) as SIA8892.  Reports suggest it will be placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-IXJ.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

During the evening on Friday 18 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from its Brisbane base.

File photo

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

Meanwhile, it's worth mentioning that earlier on Friday 18 February, RACQ LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIW completed a training flight from Toowoomba to Chinchills and Gladstone Airports and back.

Photo taken by Leroy  ©

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

On Friday 18 February, Mitchell Air / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-OFX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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The Global Express looked to arrive from its Melbourne (Essendon) base and then later return there but via Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 18 February. Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEB visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  While fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEM flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.

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

Divair / Air Link (New South Wales) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-NNE Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 17 February, Divair (Air Link) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-NNE was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

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It arrived directly from there before returning to Bankstown via the Sunshine Coast.

And up the road at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ was noted arriving from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 17 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NTQ as "Hinterland 851" visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

While over at Rockhampton Airport, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 310R VH-TFY as "Hinterland 467" arrived from Cairns and on touch down blew a tyre.  It stopped on the Runway and closed both runways at Rocky for about 50 minutes while the tyre was changed there.  VH-TFY then taxied to the General Aviation (GA) Apron for repairs.

UPDATE!  Early on Friday 18 February, VH-TFY was spotted (above) still parked receiving attention at Rockhampton Airport.  It later returned to Cairns again as 'HND467'.

Of interest Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 caravans VH-CVN and VH-TFS are currently based at Rockhampton Airport completing the 2-3 times week-daily closed 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.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport via a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport, before later flying back to Hervey Bay Airport via Maryborough Airport.

And Katherine Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-EYH landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Tindal and Newcastle Waters before it then departed to Archerfield.

Finally also on Thursday 17 February, Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ departed Clermont Aerodrome for Brisbane.  It had arrived the previous day.

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

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEB visited Theodore Aerodrome from Brisbane via the Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by 'JM' and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Gasser 67" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 17 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

A39-004 originally departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew up to Townsville where it landed for a short time. It then returned South to Amberley via the missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

A39-004 was heard to be flying as "Gasser 67".

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 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-SIY Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Wednesday 16 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Sydney and then depart to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Tuesday 15 February, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was spotted on the ground at Emerald Airport soon after arriving from the Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 February, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

While also visiting Emerald Airport, also on Tuesday 15 February, was  RDO Equipment Co. (ex Vanderfield) Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH.  It arrived from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.  VH-WPH later departed to the North-West before eventually retuning to Emerald, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba Airports.

And another two PC-12s were all noted visiting the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU which arrived the previous day, departed to Adelaide.

Agile Aviation (South Australia) new PC-12/47E VH-TCP arrived from and then also later departed back to Adelaide.

As mentioned below, a third PC-12 in the form of brand new M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH also visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on Monday 14 February.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 15 February, another bizjet noted in the region was Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ which popped into Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Darwin.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing back to to those places.

As mentioned below, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and looked to suffer a technical problem and stay last Friday 11 February.

After arriving into Rockhampton Airport and not moving since November 2021, Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE was started up and taxied across to the General Aviation (GA) Apron.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Chinchilla, Yellow Bank and Rolleston Aerodromes before then returning to Chinchilla and Wellcamp.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM as "Wagga Air 669" flew up from Wagga Wagga, Camden and Orange to Davonport Downs then Mount Isa and Gregory Downs.

UPDATE!  VH-PVM returned to Wagga Wagga via Charleville, Inverell and Dubbo on Wednesday 16 February.

And McDermott Aviation Bell 214B helicopter VH-SUW popped into Rockhampton Airport from the South before departing towards the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

Finally, also on Tuesday 15 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB completed a return service the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP773/4 before then flying back to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Cairns Airports as SKP86.  It had arrived from those places the previous day - see Blog post below!

While fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF then arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine Airports as SKP85 before then completing another return flight to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

Of interest, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC operated from Townsville to Labona and back to Townsville as SKP761/2.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH looked to call into Emerald Airport from the North before then departing to Canberra.  It looked to have flown up from there earlier in the day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 February, VH-VEH was back in the region, flying up from Maitland to Newlands then down to Emerald Airport. 

As mentioned below, fellow Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ called into Emerald Airport on Monday 14 February and was spotted above.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 February, VH-VEJ looked to depart Oaky Creek to Clermont.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Monday 14 February, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was noted visiting Mackay Airport.

File photo

It looked to fly up from and then later return to Bankstown via Maitland.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 14 February, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU was back in the Whitsundays, flying up from Lake McQuarrie to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 15 February, VH-JMU departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Adelaide - along with a couple of other PC-12s - see Blog post above!

And brand new M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH (cn 2155) looked to also arrive into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour but from Devoncourt Station.  It then departed to Lismore.

The brand new built PC-12 (NGX) VH-MDH (ex HB-FSG) was only delivered into Australia via Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide in late January and replaces another PC-12 (NG) that has been recently re-registered from VH-MDH to VH-UJM.

Finally, also on Monday 14 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports as SKP81 before it then flew a return service the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back as SKP771/2.  There was no 'return' RPT service to Prosie and Cairns.

Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC was noted flying to Labona from and back to Townsville as SKP761/2.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome and Emerald Airport before flying back to Brisbane.  Fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEB visited Mackay Airport also from Brisbane.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ looked to arrive into Emerald Airport from Oaky Creek before it looked to fly up towards Newlands.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air  / 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.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 12" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 14 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-213 was spotted as it climbed out after completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport. It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley.

After completing the missed approach, A41-213 flew back South and returned to Amberley.

A41-213 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Stallion 12".

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" Midnight Visit to Mackay Airport

In the very wee small hours of the morning on Sunday 13 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" was noted arriving Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had earlier flown down there from Townsville via Cairns.

File photo

After over an hour on the ground, VH-CXJ "Ambulance 452" was noted departing Mackay Airport and returning to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©