Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 30 November, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville as HND815.  It then departed to Brisbane.

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Later, it returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then returning to Townsville and Cairns as HND815/626.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 30 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" departed Bundaberg Airport for Ceduna and then Busselton in Western Australia.  (It appears to have taken up operations there now!)

Fellow Agair Logistics P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-RMB as "Birddog 123" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base Richmond.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to my local Clermont Aerodrome but due to weather, diverted back to Emerald Airport.  It then departed back to Wellcamp. 

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

Capital Jet Charter (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE visited Taroom Aerodrome from Canberra.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU flew out from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Boulia and back over the same route. 

And Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE returned from Mount Isa to Rockhampton Airport, flying via Winton and Emerald Airports.  It had flown out there last week.

Finally, after dark on Tuesday 29 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville.  It later departed to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  As this post is being written on Wednesday 30 November, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" has flown up from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport and is due to return to the capital a little later.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF Visits Moranbah Airport Once Again on Weekly FIFO Run - Plus More!

On Tuesday 29 November, Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF was noted doing the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back to Bourke and Latrobe Valley.

Mike Didsbury / https://www.flickr.com/

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 29 November, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport but due to weather it diverted to Mackay Airport.  Later, it was able to land at Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport before it then departed back to Townsville. 

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM visited Theodore Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Toowoomba.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ flew up from Armidale, Bankstown and Wangaratta to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before then flying North to Cairns. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 30 November, VH-TAZ passed through Gladstone Airport while flying down from Cairns to Armidale.

Finally, also on Tuesday 29 November, 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. It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base via Emerald Airport.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY visited Miles and Roma Airports while on a busy day of flying out of and back to Melbourne (Moorabbin) Airport.

Some Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022 Action including RAAF Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 29 November, there were three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft all noted departing RAAF Base Amberley and flying around the region in support of the RAAF's Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022.  But poor weather meant they returned to Amberley with little other action noted during the morning.

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KC-30A's A39-001 as "Dragon 14" and A39-007 as "Dragon 64" both flew out from Amberley but returned a short time later.  KC-30A A39-003 as "Dragon 66" however, flew up from Amberley and completed a missed approach in the rain at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Amberley.

Fellow RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Mitchel 02" flew up to the Exercise area from RAAF Base Williamtown but soon after flew down to Amberley. 

While at Rockhampton Airport, Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A's VH-SLD as "Fencer 12" and VH-LJU as "Fishbed 21" departed but also returned soon after due to the inclement weather.

During the afternoon, again at Rockhampton Airport, LearJet 35A's VH-VLJ as "Fencer 31" and VH-SLD as "Fencer 32" flew out and back, while VH-LJU as "Fishbed 41" also again took to the air.

Elsewhere, Wedgetail A30-003 again as "Mitchel 02" flew back up from Amberley to operate in the Exercise area before later returning to Williamtown.

While KC-30A A39-001 as "Dragon 14" was heard to fly with flights of RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as "Hunter", "Hawkeye" and "Hipshot", which all completed sorties out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.   

Plus it seems a flight of RAAF Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets also flew up from and back to Amberley to the Exercise area as "Brutal".

Finally, late on Tuesday 29 November, and possibly not related to the Exercise, but RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Kaos 76" looked to complete airwork around the Charters Towers area while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Australian Flight Operations (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YQJ Operates Survey Flights Out of Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 28 November and Sunday 27 November, Australian Flight Operations (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YQJ was heard to be completing a local aerial survey flight out of and back to Bundaberg Airport as "Survey 227".

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The PC-12 had arrived into Bundaberg Airport from the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong on Saturday 26 November and appears to have commenced flying these 'anonymous' aerial survey flights on Sunday.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 29 November, VH-YQJ was noted departing Bundaberg Airport for the South-West.

While fellow aerial survey aircraft, Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport.

And also on Sunday 27 November, fellow Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC of Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company, landed at Goonoo Feedlot near Comet from Brisbane.  It then continued further West.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 November, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW visited the Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella, arriving from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, Maryborough Airport and Biloela / Thangool Airport.  It then returned to Hervey Bay Airport but via Rockhampton Airport.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 28 November, Little Aviation (Victoria) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) VH-LAL arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 December, VH-LAL departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-048 & A54-049 "Mayhem" Arrive into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 28 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 via the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

The two PC-21s were identified as A54-048 & A54-049 and flew together as "Mayhem".

Both aircraft parked on the Rockhampton Airport General Aviation (GA) Apron.  It seems that they have deployed to Rockhampton Airport in support of the RAAF's Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022 which is currently underway, with some flying activities taking place within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 November, a seventh Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport during the Exercise.

On this occasion, it was LearJet 36A VH-SLF as "Ajax 04" which flew into Rockhampton Airport from HMAS Albartross at Nowra.  It then later departed to Darwin where it joins fellow Air Affairs LearJet 35A VH-SLE which departed from Rockhampton Airport last Friday.

While currently deployed LearJet 35A's VH-SLD and VH-LFA completed a sortie in support of the Exercise, flying out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Fencer".

Finally, also on Monday 28 November, heard up in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) were three flights of RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as "Hunter", "Hawkeye" and "Hipshot", which all completed sorties out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 as "Dragon 14" was also noted in the area providing air-to-air refuelling support to the F-35A's.

And the deployed Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 22" again looked to complete some locally based airwork, flying out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Two More Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A Bizjets VH-LJU and VH-VLJ Both Arrive into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 27 November, two more Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A bizjets were noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport, presumably to provide support for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022, which is currently underway in the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

They were identified as VH-LJU, which flew as "Lyrebird 66", and VH-VLJ, which flew as "Lyrebird 32".

Both aircraft arrived from HMAS Albatross at Nowra and appear to be staying.

File photos taken by Graham Apsinall  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Overnight Visits to Charleville and Gladstone Airports

Late on Saturday 26 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Charleville Airport from Brisbane.  After around 45 minutes on the ground, it then returned to Brisbane.

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Later, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Brisbane and called into Gladstone Airport.  After almost an hour on the ground, and now in the wee small hours of Sunday 27 November, it then returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) ATR 72-500 VH-FVI Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Friday 25 November, Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) ATR 72-500 VH-FVI was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island as HT710.  It had earlier flown up to there from Townsville.

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Then on Saturday 26 November, VH-FVI departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Horn Island but as HT718.  It then flew down to Brisbane as HT719.  

This appears to be a school charter, ferrying students home for the school holidays. 

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 26 November, Metro Holdings Australia / Air Link (Dubbo) Piper PA-31-350 VH-IGK flew up from Archerfield to land at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 November, VH-IGK departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and returned to Archerfield.

It is believed it ferried up engineers to start preparing Cessna 510 Citation Mustang VH-FNI which has been acquired by Air Link and which has remained in a hangar at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour since its 'incident' in April this year.

Elsewhere in the region, Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM arrived into Longreach Airport from its Archerfield base.  It has also visited Charleville and Miles Airports over the last week.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 November, VH-BSM departed Longreach Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD was again noted completing aerial survey work out of Emerald Airport.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX completed a local aerial survey flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW completed an aerial survey flight out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport up to Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew down to Caloundra via more survey work.

Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTU and VH-YTW both flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to land at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  They both then departed to Wondai and then back to Wellcamp.

Australian Flight Operations (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YQJ was noted calling into Bundaberg Airport after it flew up from the Shellharbour Airport at Woolongong.  It also has been known to complete 'anonymous' aerial survey flights.

While also calling into Bundaberg Airport was Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEL as "Astra 221" flying from and back to RAAF Base Amberley. 

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA made an early departure from Moura Aerodrome to Archerfield before then continuing to Narrandera, Griffith and Mudgee.

ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI once again looked to arrive into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville. It then completed a local flight before returning to its Townsville base.

Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF arrived into Roma Airport from Wilton before then departing to the Lakeside Airpark where it seems to have commenced 'operations'.

And Townsville-based NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Aerospatiale AS350 B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-MHE as "Energy 401" took off from Parkhurst (Rockhampton) and completed powerline inspections around the Rockhampton area. 

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

New MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Gladstone Airport Again This Week - Plus More!

On Friday 25 November, and 'bookending' the week after also visiting at the start of the week, new MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was again noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

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On this occasion, it looked to fly up from Adelaide via Newcastle (Williamtown) and then depart to Sydney and then back to Adelaide.

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

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane before later flying back to Townsville via Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 25 November, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  Later it returned direct to Cairns.

And Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX was back in the region and arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport via some survey work East of Roma.  It looks to have planned to complete an aerial survey flight out and back to Rockhampton Airport to around Blackwater on Saturday.

Finally, also on Friday 25 November, and for the first time this week, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV was back on the Rockhampton and Mackay Airports freight run from Brisbane.

During the remainder of the week, a Pel-Air Aviation Pty Ltd (Pel-Air) SAAB 340A freighter has been noted back on the run.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 "Mitchel 12" Completes Airwork at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 25 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Mitchel 12" was noted completing a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.

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It appears to have flown up from and later returned back to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 25 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 72" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to Amberley.

And after dark on Thursday 24 November, fellow RAAF C-27J Spartan A34-006 as "Wallaby 74" was noted completing airwork around Miles Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 25 November, some of the deployed RAAF and support aircraft departed from Rockhampton Airport following their involvement over the previous couple of days in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Rogue Ambush.

Two of the four Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjets departed Rockhampton Airport to different parts of the country - VH-SLE as "Ajax 42" departed to Darwin, while VH-LRX as "Ajax 19" departed to HMAS Albatross at Nowra.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jet training aircraft A27-07 as "Tiger 11" departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Few Bizjets and a Couple of Lighties Around CQ Airports!

On Thursday 24 November, there were a few nice corporate bizjets noted visiting a few Central Queensland Airports.

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Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Mackay Airport once again from Bankstown and Cessnock.  This almost seems to be a weekly flight!

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" also arrived into Mackay Airport but from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 November, VH-SHI "Navair 125" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Around dawn, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed back to there.

AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 921" also made an early morning arrival into Rockhampton Airport but from Bankstown.  It later departed to Sydney and then back to Bankstown.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Parafield (Adelaide) and Broken Hill before then returning to Parafield and then to Melbourne (Essendon).

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614"  landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane before then departing to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 24 November, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp before then departing to Kowanyama.

Fellow Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Roma Airport and back before then heading up to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Wellcamp via Cunnamulla.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  This looks to be a weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa once again.  It did the same flight yesterday!

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH arrived into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  It is planned to return there from Emerald Airport on Friday 25 November.

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

And Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE departed Rockhampton Airport for Mount Isa.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Some Nice Early Morning Photos of the Visiting Air Affairs LearJet 35A Bizjets and RAAF BAe Hawk 127 A27-07 at Rockhampton Airport for Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022

Early on Thursday 24 November, local plane spotter Trevor H was out at Rockhampton Airport and captured some nice photos of the four visiting four Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjets that are currently deployed to Rockhampton Airport to support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022.

Later, three of the four LearJets took to the air with VH-SLE and VH-LFA flying together as "Fencer" and VH-SLD flying out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Fishbed 41".

It seems that VH-LRX did not fly.

While RAAF British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jet training aircraft A27-07 completed another flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Tiger 11".

It appeared to head up to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) where three flights of RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as "Hunter", "Hawkeye" and "Hipshot" operated while completing sorties out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 as "Dragon 12" was also noted in the area providing air-to-air refuelling support to the F-35A's.

Meanwhile, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Outback 10" was also heard in the area, presumably also participating the Exercise.

Finally, the deployed Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 22" was also photographed by Trevor awaiting its next flight.

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

All photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Visiting American Registered (Australian based) Gulfstream Bizjets N920BM & N686GD Both Depart Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 23 November, the visiting pair of American-registered but (seemingly) Australian-based Gulfstream bizjets were both noted departing Hamilton Island Airport both for the same destination!

Private Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N920BM and private Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (G-VI) bizjet N686GD both departed Hamilton Island Airport for Perth in Western Australia.

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N920BM had arrived the previous day from Brisbane after arriving from overseas, while N686GD arrived also from Brisbane but on Sunday 20 November.

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Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 23 November, three local Australian registered corporate bizjets were also noted visiting some Central Queensland Airport.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM departed Longreach Airport for Vanrook Station and Cairns.  It had arrived the previous day from Bankstown.

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

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" made a late visit to Biloela / Thangool Airport from Bankstown.

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV departed Rockhampton Airport for Bankstown.  It had arrived from there the previous day.

Finally, also on Wednesday 23 November, a few lighties around the region included Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ was noted once again visiting Bundaberg Airport from its Gold Coast base.

Horizon Airways Piper PA-31-325 Navajo Chieftain VH-LWW flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then on to the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 26 November, VH-LWW returned to Mackay Airport and then Cairns.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Thargomindah.  It then returned to Wellcamp.

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

Victoria-based Tasfast Air Freight / Southern Airlines Aero Commander 690-A VH-CLT flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Wangaratta to Emerald Airport.  It then departed to Dubbo and back to Moorabbin.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up from Moura Aerodrome to Emerald Airport.  It then flew to Alpha Aerodrome and then back to the South East where it possibly eventually landed at Rolleston Aerodrome.

While Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW completed of aerial survey flights out of and back to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived there over the weekend.

And Link Airways SAAB 340B VH-VEC visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  While Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VET flew out of Longreach and Boulia Airports from Brisbane before then returning to the capital over the same route.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK Touches Down at Rockhampton Airport on a Training Flight

On Wednesday 23 November, the 'new kid on the block' paid Central Queensland another visit with Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK calling into Rockhampton Airport as BNZ8012 on what appeared to be a training flight for local ground crews.  This also potentially brings the airline one step closer to achieving clearance from the safety regulator to launch scheduled services.

The airline was hoping to begin operations in September but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

VH-UIK flew into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast - it’s first ever flight within Australia since arriving into the country at the in late October.

VH-UIK departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns Airport as BNZ8014 as it completed yet more ground crew training.

Of interest, VH-UIK was originally destined for LOT - Polish Airlines as SP-LVH but the airframe wasn't taken up. It will also be named 'Bazza' after a highly publicised competition.

Meanwhile, Bonza's future Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UBI is at Tucson in the USA with speculation mounting that its delivery is only days away.

A couple of future aircraft - VH-UJK and VH-UJZ - were also recently spotted parked at Boeing Field in Seattle in the USA.

Bonza originally announced initial plans to launch with a fleet of two to three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft before increasing its fleet to eight. A fleet of three would be enough for it to begin operating some of its planned 27 routes in a staggered start.

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza has claimed that 93 per cent of its network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Destinations on Bonza’s initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.

We wish them all the very best!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris, Don Williams, ‘IAD’ and Glenn Lloyd  ©

A Fourth Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A Bizjet VH-LRX "Ajax 19" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport to Support Exercise Rogue Ambush - Plus More!

On Wednesday 23 November, a fourth Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjet was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport, presumably to provide further support to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022.

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Learjet 35A VH-LRX arrived into Rocky as "Ajax 19" from HMAS Albatross at Nowra.

VH-LRX joined fellow Air Affairs Learjet 35A bizjet VH-SLE as "Fencer" completing a sortie during the afternoon.  Fellow Learjet 35A VH-SLE flew as "Fishbed 41".

Earlier, Learjet 35As VH-SLD and VH-LFA flew as "Fencer", while VH-SLE flew as "Fishbed 21".

Again, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jet training aircraft A27-07 completed sorties as "Tiger 11" - departing Rockhampton Airport for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

While during the morning and then the afternoon, flights of two or four RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as "Hunter", "Hawkeye" and "Hipshot" yet again completed sorties around the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) flying from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 as "Dragon 12" was again noted in the area providing air-to-air refuelling support to the F-35A's.

And RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 05" was also heard in the area, presumably also participating the Exercise.  It flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to operate East of Bundaberg before then landing at Amberley.  It later returned to the same area before then returning down to Williamtown.

Finally, the deployed Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 22" continues to complete local training flights.

American Registered (Australian based) Gulfstream G-VII (G600) Bizjet N920BM Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More

On Tuesday 22 November, sleek American registered (but Australian-based) Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N920BM was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport. It looked to fly up from Brisbane having earlier arrived from overseas.

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At the time of writing, it seems that N920BM is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

Of interest, fellow American-registered but Australian-based Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (G-VI) bizjet N686GD remains on Hamo as well after arriving over the previous weekend.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 November, both N920BM and N686GD departed Hamilton Island Airport, both heading to Perth in Western Australia.

While departing Hamilton Island Airport was Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA.  It flew back down to Adelaide after arriving from there the previous day.

And 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. It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 November, VH-SQV departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 November, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprops VH-VEK and VH-VET both visited Rockhampton Airport at different times during the day, both arriving from and then departing back to Brisbane.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before later departing to Townsville.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then returning to Cairns.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF was noted doing the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back to Bourke and Latrobe Valley.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back.

ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI looked to arrive into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville. It then completed a pair of local flights before returning to its Townsville base.  This is the second week-in-a-row that VH-YSI has done this.

Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport and then Toowoomba.  It seems to have flown up from its Toowoomba base to Hamo last Thursday 17 November.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp - but it returned to Wellcamp via Emerald Airport.

Clermont-based Cessna 206H VH-TEF returned to its remote property 'home' from Mackay Airport.

And also Clermont-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF flew back to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield having flown down there via Gladstone Airport the previous day.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

RAAF British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 Jet A27-07 "Tiger 11" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport for Exercise Rogue Ambush - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jet training aircraft A27-07 was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as "Tiger 11", presumably to participate in the RAAF's Exercise Rogue Ambush 2022.

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The Hawk - from the RAAF's Number 76 Squadron - arrived from its RAAF Base Williamtown home.

And A27-07 "Tiger 11" immediately went to work, completing an afternoon sortie into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), from and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 November, the three Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjets that are currently deployed to Rockhampton Airport to support the Exercise took to the air with VH-SLD and VH-LFA flying together as "Fencer" and VH-SLE flying out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Fishbed 21". They also completed afternoon sorties.

Up in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), flights of RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as "Hawkeye" and "Hipshot" were heard completing sorties out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft A39-001 as "Dragon 12/57" and A39-007 as "Dragon 56" were also noted in the area and off the South-East Queensland coast providing air-to-air refuelling support to the F-35A's.

And RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 as "Wallaby 70" flew up from Amberley to the Exercise area before landing there for three hours. It later returned to Amberley.

New MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 21 November, new MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

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It looked to fly up from Bankstown via Newcastle (Williamtown) and then depart to Adelaide.

While Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Adelaide, also on Monday 21 November.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 22 November, VH-OAA departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Adelaide.

And around dawn, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  And then after dark and into the wee small hours of Tuesday 22 November, VH-ILJ visited Bundaberg Airport also from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 21 November, Brisbane-based Beech 95C55 Baron VH-LLP was noted departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.  It had flown in from there last Thursday 17 November.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW (ex P2-ZMY) arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Townsville.  Later, it returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed back to Cairns.

Aerovalley Aviation (South Australia) Cessna 172P VH-LIE passed through Rockhampton Airport, departing to Archerfield.

New South Wales-based Beech 58 Baron VH-JML visited Bundaberg Airport, flying up from and later back to its Lismore base.

Capital Jet Charter (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra and Orange to Taroom Aerodrome and then Roma Airport.  It then departed to Quirindi and back to its Canberra base.

Jetstream Electrical (Darwin) Piper PA-30-160 Twin Comanche VH-NEE "Sparky 423" continued to fly around the region, this time landing at the Goonoo Feedlot near Comet from Dalby, before then hopping across to Emerald Airport and then departing to Mount Isa. 

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX departed Mackay Airport for Toowoomba and Port Macquarie - seemingly completing its local aerial survey flights.

Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD was noted completing aerial survey work out of Emerald Airport.

And Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL continues to complete aerial survey work out of Longreach Airport.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NBP (ex PH-BGW) First Visit to Central Queensland at Mackay Airport

On Monday 21 November, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NBP was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NBP operated the VOZ601/4 early morning service from and back to Brisbane.  It had only entered service with Virgin Australia the previous day.

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGW with it wearing a temporary registration marking of VP-CET prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

VH-NBP is pictured above and below at Brisbane Airport on Sunday 13 November as it arrived at the end of its delivery flight from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NBP is yet to be painted into the Virgin Australia livery nor has been named.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft.

It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout.

The third B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-BBMH (to become VH-NHW) (ex PH-BGU) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance.

Photos taken by Lachie Fuge and Gideon van Dijk  ©