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

On Tuesday 31 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Orange in New South Wales via the Sunshine Coast.

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  VH-CMK was photographed above early on Wednesday 1 February.  It later departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast and is due to continue to Bankstown early on Thursday 2 February.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted making what seems to be its weekly visit to 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.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 January, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB looked to fly up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It later returned to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned to Townsville and Cairns

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA completed two visits to Moura Aerodrome both times from Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then to Agnes Water Airstrip.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 1 February, VH-MPT departed Agnes Water Airstrip for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then onwards back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK was yet again noted completing a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Mackay Airport from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then out to LAbona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 February, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted completing the Labona Station Airstrip run to and from Mackay Airport.  It flew down to Labona from Townsville before flying across to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and then back to Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-HLL are currently based at Rockhampton Airport and are operating the 3-4 week-daily flights from there to Labona and back.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

And RAAF Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 "Envoy 71" Pops into Bundaberg and Hamilton Island Airports

Also on Tuesday 31 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 was photographed at Bundaberg Airport soon after touching down from Canberra and Coffs Harbour as "Envoy 71".

After a short time on the ground, the BBJ departed North and then landed at Hamilton Island Airport.

A36-002 "Envoy 71" then made a surprising return all the way back down to Canberra.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Mitchel 06" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus RAAF C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 Back Again!

On Tuesday 31 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

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It looked to fly up from and then later return to RAAF Base Williamtown.  

A30-006 was heard to be using the radio callsign "Mitchel 06".

Of interest, A30-006 is a rare visitor to the region, having spent much of 2021 and all of 2022 based at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.  

As mentioned previously, six Wedgetails are flown by the RAAF's No. 2 Squadron out of RAAF Base Williamtown, along a detachment also in the Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 January, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209 as "Stallion 34" was back in the region.  It flew down from Townsville to a complete a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.

The C-17 was parked on Taxiway Juliette again for a crew change before it departed to RAAF Base Amberley. 

As posted below, A41-209 "Stallion 34" also called into Rockhampton Airport and completed airwork at Mackay Airport while flying up from Amberley to Townsville on Monday 30 January.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Australia's Newest Airline Takes to the Skies as Bonza Airline Lands at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ777/8

A historic day on Tuesday 31 January as Bonza Airline took the skies for its first ever commercial passenger flight, becoming the first new carrier to launch in Australia in 16 years.

Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as 'BNZ777' a little behind schedule from the Sunshine Coast, also after completing a short scenic flight over Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.

After a day of festivities for invited guests, VH-UIK returned to the Sunny Coast late in the day from Prosie but as 'BNZ778'.

Bonza will fly three Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport services per week.  This is the first of 27 new domestic routes to 17 destinations set to roll out in coming months - 26 of which are not currently serviced by any other airlines.

Bonza's long-delayed launch comes after receiving regulatory approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on Thursday 12 January.  Presently, flights to 12 destinations across 15 routes are available to book through their app or through registered travel agents.

Bonza has three B737-8 MAX aircraft in its fleet all based at the Sunshine Coast - VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - and VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - and VH-UJK - named 'Sheila'.  It also becomes the first local carrier to operate the B737-8 MAX in Australia.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 30 January, Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It then flew across to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

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VH-EWG then flew back down to Toowoomba.

While also visiting Rockhampton Airport, also from Toowoomba, was Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD.  It then looked to complete a flight out to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Labona and then flying back to Toowoomba.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ also visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site but from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-HLL (from Rockhampton Airport) and VH-LZK, VH-TFQ and VH-JES (all from Townsville) also visited Labona during the day.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 before then flying to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.  Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQG flew to Labona from Townsville and back.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

And Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD flew out of Hamilton Island Airport and back to its Monto Aerodrome base.  It flew up to Hamilton Island Airport last Wednesday 25 January.

Finally, also on Monday 30 January, Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC was again noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast where it seems to be currently based.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Double Treat of RAAF Heavy Transport Aircraft at Rockhampton Airport on Monday - C-17 Globemaster A41-209 & KC-30A MRTT A39-005

Late morning on Monday 30 January, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) heavy transport aircraft were photographed as they approached Rockhampton Airport, with one landing for a short while and other completing a missed approach.

First, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209 as "Stallion 34" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley via airwork at Charleville Airport.

It parked on Taxiway Juliette for a crew change before then departing to Townsville via a missed approach at Mackay Airport.

Then RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Dragon 41" also flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Amberley.

It was heard to be preparing to land but with the C-17 already on the ground, the crew decided to instead complete a missed approach and continue on to the Sunshine Coast where it completed more airwork.  The KC-30A then returned to Amberley.

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

Photos taken by John Lee and Scott Harris  ©

Careflight Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSU "Careflight 23" Pops into Mackay Airport from Bankstown - Plus More Over the Weekend!

On Sunday 29 January, Careflight Ltd. Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSU "Careflight 23" was noted visiting Mackay Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to Bankstown, near Sydney.

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Careflight operates medical evacuation and patient transport services out of Bankstown Airport as well as a long-established based up in Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 29 January, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

And Aero Professional Services Piper PA-46-310P Malibu VH-BGK looked to visit Bowen Aerodrome from its Emerald (Denison Downs) base.

Finally, on Saturday 28 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport before it then departed to Brisbane.

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Mareeba base via Cairns. It seems to be becoming a regular weekend visitor with it also visiting last weekend as posted below.  After some time in the ground, VH-FMZ returned North to Cairns and then back to Mareeba.

And Clermont-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome before dawn for Maitland in New South Wales.  It then flew back up to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  Early on Monday 30 January, VH-NWF flew back to Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©️

Recently Registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-PAC Spotted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 January, recently registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast where it seems to be currently based.

Of interest, the Victorian-registered Citation Mustang is 100th off the production line and looked to previously operate in Thailand as HS-IOO.

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

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has visited Rockhampton Airport in the evening from Brisbane.

And Careflight (NT) Raytheon / Beech 400XT Nextant bizjet VH-OVS popped into Longreach Airport while flying down from Darwin to Sydney as "Careflight 46".  It is due to return to Darwin from Sydney but via Mount Isa on Saturday 28 January.

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Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 January, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Red Rock Station near Comet - where it is based. It then continued down to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 January, VH-RTC returned to Red Rock Station and then Rockhampton Airport.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned North and called back into Rockhampton Airport before departing direct to Cairns.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Boulia and then Alice Springs.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 January, VH-KNV departed Alice Spring and returned to Rockhampton Airport.

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

Photos taken by Alex Eecen and Tony Haynes  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 26 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Sydney.

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Meanwhile, also on Thursday 26 January, 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.

While Royal Victorian Aero Club Cessna 172S VH-LSP flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It looks like VH-LSP has spent the last week and-a-half flying up through Victoria and New South Wales after taking off from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI flew from Mackay Airport to Redcliffe where it then completed a local aerial survey flight before then flying up to Gayndah Aerodrome for the night.  VH-YSI had flown into Mackay Airport from Cairns earlier in the week.

Finally, late on Wednesday 25 January, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as "Skyforce 9078/9".

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 25 January, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Sydney before then departing to Archerfield.  VH-SEQ did the reverse of this flight at the end of last week.

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While recently registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC visited Maryborough Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 January, a gaggle of light General Aviation (GA) Aircraft were also noted visiting Maryborough Airport.

Amateur-built Lancair 360 VH-DBW visited from Archerfield.  Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ visited from its Toowoomba base.  Gold Coast-based Cessna 182Q arrived from Southport.  A.M.T. Helicopters Cessna 172R visited from its Caboolture base.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 January, VH-DBW visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM had a busy day of flying out of Archerfield and heading up to Miles, Springsure and Emerald Airport before returning to Archerfield over that same route.

Mackay-based Piper PA-34-200T VH-COP returned to Mackay Airport from Barcaldine Airport.  It had arrived the previous day.  

Brisbane-based SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad VH-IPF departed Cloncurry Airport for Barcaldine Airport and then Archerfield.  It looked to fly up to Cloncurry Airport at the start of the week.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew out Gladstone Airport to complete aerial survey work out near Blackwater before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 January, VH-EPX departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before later returning there but via Townsville. 

Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR22 VH-FOJ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 January, VH-FOJ returned to Archerfield from Rockhampton Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III VH-YSA flew into Rockhampton Airport from Adelaide (Parafield), Windorah and Cairns.  It then departed to Archerfield.  It had flown down to Parafield the previous day.

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD flew up from its Monto Aerodrome base to Hamilton Island Airport.

And Graham Aviation's re-registered Cessna T206H Float Plane VH-FNB (ex VH-PXT) looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.  It then flew up to Mareeba and back to Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 25 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK was noted again operating a flight from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then onward to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to Labona and Townsville.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©️

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Spotted at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Tuesday 24 January, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was spotted visiting the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour once again.

The becoming frequent visitor this time arrived from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and West Wyalong and later departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

While over on Hamilton Island Airport, Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS departed there to Archerfield.  It had arrived from there on Sunday 22 January.

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.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 24 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane after it had earlier flown all the way down there from Cairns and Townsville.  VH-PSK then continued further North back to Townsville and then Cairns.

Ballina-based PA-24-260 Commanche popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Archerfield and then departing to Watts Bridge. 

Tamworth-based Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-NRJ flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Mackay Airport and then Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It had flown up to Hervey Bay Airport from Tamworth via Caboolture the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 January, VH-NRJ departed Proserpine Airport for Tamworth.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT departed Mackay Airport for Townsville.  It had flown down at the end of last week.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base via Archerfield.

Flanagan Aviation (New South Wales) Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-EUZ visited Bundaberg Airport from its Lismore base.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air turboprops VH-ZSY and VH-NSN were both noted visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome after arriving from Hells Gate Roadhouse.

While of the often-weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up to Mackay Airport from its Bundaberg Airport base.  It then flew across to Nebo Aerodrome and then back to Bundaberg Airport.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW visited the Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella, arriving from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport.  It then flew back down to the Fraser Coast, arriving directly into Hervey Bay Airport.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It is due to return to Wellcamp early on Wednesday 25 January.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ completed the run from Townsville and Mackay Airport to Labona before then returning to Mackay Airport and back to Townsville.

And Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV, which flew South from Horn Island to Adelaide during the middle part of December, and then has been operating as "Rescue 55" around Adelaide, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from a two-day trip from Adelaide tracking via Mildura, Griffith and Dubbo on the first day, and then Moree, Toowoomba (pictured) and Bundaberg Airport today. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 January, VH-LSV departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport, Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 January, VH-LSV continued from Cairns to Cooktown, Coen and Horn Island.

Finally, late on Monday 23 January, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-JFB popped into Rockhampton Airport as UTY555 from Horn Island and Cairns before it later departed to Brisbane again as UTY555.  It is assumed that this is the school kids charter marking the start of the 2023 school year.

Photos taken by Lee Holloway and Garry Wilkinson  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 "Dragon 36" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 24 January, local plane spotter 'IAD' was on hand as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 touched down at Rockhampton Airport.

The KC-30A landed at Rocky on what looked to be a crew training flight.  

It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 36" and after landing, taxied and stopped for a short time on Taxiway Juliette while undergoing a crew change.

After a short time, A39-003 "Dragon 36" departed Rockhampton Airport for the South, heading towards the Sunshine Coast where it completed some airwork, before then flying onwards to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to 'IAD' for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great visitor to the beef capital!

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©

Heli Niugini (Papua New Guinea) Kawasaki BK117B-1 Helicopter P2-HNA Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 23 January, Heli Niugini (Papua New Guinea) Kawasaki BK117B-1 helicopter P2-HNA was noted passing through Emerald Airport while heading South.  It looked to start the day at Charters Towers Aerodrome and finish possibly at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

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This is the second Heli Niugini helicopter to be noted passing through the region in recent days with Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter P2-HNJ spending a night at Rockhampton Airport while heading down to Victoria.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 January, Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEQ visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

After flying West at the end of last week, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from the North-West, flying via stops at Longreach Airport and Red Rock Station near Comet - where it is based.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ also visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY was noted completing a flight from Townsville to Labona and then back.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 to operate the Labona flights this week.

UPDATE!  Late on Monday 23 January, VH-QQC actually flew up to Townsville from Labona and fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB 'replaced' it by flying down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Rockhampton Airport.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Spotted at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 22 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was spotted as it called back into Hamilton Island Airport from Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

As mentioned below, VH-TEY flew North to Hamilton Island and then Mackay Airports from Archerfield and the Sunny Coast on Friday 20 January.

While also arriving into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Sunday 22 January, was Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS.  It arrived from Archerfield.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew across from Archerfield to Adelaide and then to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then departed back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 22 January, Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF flew up from Bankstown and Wilton to Moree and then to the Lakeside Airpark where it seems to have commenced 'operations'.

Five Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft were noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  VH-EQV, VH-YTE, and VH-YTK all arrived from and then departed back to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  While VH-YTI and VH-YTU arrived from Wellcamp but via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later returning to Wellcamp.

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

Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT looked to complete a flight (or flights) out of and back to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Australian Cattle and Beef Company P/L / Aero Corporate Charters Cessna 182Q VH-SGM flew down from Barkly Downs to Longreach Airport and then Roma Airport.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA looked to visit Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Sunday 22 January, UTS Geophysics / Aviation Utilities Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-VOW was again noted flying around the Rockhampton area.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FMZ Spotted at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 21 January, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.

It touched down from Mareeba and Lizard Island and later departed back to Mareeba.

While over on the mainland, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was photographed departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

It had earlier arrived from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and later departed back there but via Adelaide (Parafield).

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 21 January, Malaysia-based Amateur-built Van's RV-6A VH-PNQ passed through Emerald Airport while heading South from Atherton and Charters Towers Aerodromes to Chinchilla and then Southport Aerodromes.

While Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX continues to operate in the region, completing aerial survey operations during a flight up from Gladstone Airport to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 January, VH-EPX returned to Gladstone Airport from Mackay Airport.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, it appears VH-KNV also flew to Archerfield and back to Rockhampton Airport on Friday 20 January.

Lane Aviation / Team Aviation Cirrus SR22 VH-YQF flew from its Archerfield base to Rockhampton, Mackay and Hamilton Sland Airports.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Archerfield.

And the visiting Seair Pacific (Istlecote) operated Found Aircraft Canada FBA-2C Bush Hawk XP VH-OOB departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.  It had arrived the previous day see Blog post below.

VH-OOB was photographed above resting in the early morning sun at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday morning.

Finally, also on Saturday 21 January, the visiting Papua New Guinea (PNG) registered (to Heli-Niugini) Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter P2-HNJ also departed Rockhampton Airport but for the Sunshine Coast and ports South before ending the day at Wedderburn in Victoria.

It too had arrived into Rockhampton Airport the previous day and was also spotted resting in the early morning sun on Saturday.

And Coral Coast Helicopters (Marian) Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm MBB BO105 CB-5 helicopter VH-FUB flew up from Caboolture and Caloundra to land at Rockhampton Airport before later departing to Mackay Airport.

Photos taken by Nick Sainsbury and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Recently Registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-PAC Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 20 January, recently registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC was noted completing airwork and landing for a short time at Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to fly up from and then later return to the Sunshine Coast where it appears to be currently based.

While Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from its Archerfield base via the Sunshine Coast before it then flew down to Mackay Airport. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield before then departing to Sydney.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" also landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport but arriving from Townsville and Brisbane.  It later returned to Townsville.

It seems that VH-OFB returned at the start of the month to Brisbane from some time spent overseas.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 20 January, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Red Rock Station near Comet - where it is based. It then continued further West.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY was noted completing a couple more flights out of Rockhampton to and from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It later departed to the Sunshine Coast.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned North direct to Cairns.

 

Possibly Seair Pacific (Istlecote) operated Found Aircraft Canada FBA-2C Bush Hawk XP VH-OOB looked to fly across from Middlemount Aerodrome to Rockhampton Airport.  It seems to have arrived in the previous couple of days with it flying up from the Gold Coast via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 January, VH-OOB departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

RDO Equipment (ex Vanderfield) Cessna 210N VH-JSC visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from its Toowoomba base.  It also visited on Wednesday 18 January, and looked to visit Emerald Airport last Friday 13 January.

Aero Logistics Cessna 404 VH-AZU departed Emerald Airport for more local aerial survey work before later departing back to Archerfield.

Clermont-based Cessna R182RG VH-BAE flew to Mackay Airport and then back to Clermont Aerodrome.

And Papua New Guinea (PNG) registered Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter P2-HNJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and the Whitsunday Airport ate Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 January, P2-HNJ departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and ports South before ending the day at Wedderburn.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK "Navair 141" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 January, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

File photo

Fellow Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Emerald Airport from Bankstown and Maitland.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet N685SC visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ returned to its Mackay Airport base from the Gold Coast after flying down there last weekend.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 923" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 19 January, Textron (Cessna) 182T VH-ZCE visited Agnes Water Airstrip from its Archerfield base.

Private Cessna 177 VH-DZR visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT visited Hamilton Island Airport once again from its Townsville base.  It did the same flight yesterday too!

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew into Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.  It also made a trip to Injune Aerodrome and back to Toowoomba earlier in the day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 January, VH-ZGD departed Bundaberg Airport returned to Toowoomba.

While 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. 

And it appears that Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-ETF and VH-HLL were swapped over at Labona with VH-ETF departing Rockhampton Airport as HND320 to Labona and then heading to Townsville as HND221; while VH-HLL flew to Labona from Townsville as HND220 before then heading to Rockhampton Airport HND321.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES finally departed Labona back to Rockhampton Airport as HND760 after flying there early yesterday and then appearing to break-down.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 "Envoy 57" Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

As predicted, on Thursday 19 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 "Envoy 57" flew South out of Townsville on its training flight, and was spotted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

After a short time on the ground, it then flew down to Gladstone Airport where it completed a missed approach before landing again for a short time.

A56-001 "Envoy 57" then departed to the Gold Coast and then back to Canberra.

As mentioned below, A56-001 "Envoy 57" flew North to Townsville via Bundaberg and Hamilton Island Airports on Wednesday 18 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 January, Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ was noted once again visiting Bundaberg Airport.

https://www.facebook.com/caloundraplanespotting

This time is arrived from and later departed back to its Gold Coast base via the Sunshine Coast.

Fellow Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) arrived into Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base via Caloundra.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Caloundra and then Toowoomba.

While other lighties around the region, also on Wednesday 18 January, included Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH, which looked to pass through Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge and to Charters Towers Aerodrome and Mareeba at the completion of planned maintenance. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, VH-IZH continued to Coen and Horn Island.

Basair Aviation Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee VH-BIE also popped into Emerald Airport, arriving from Archerfield and Bundaberg Airport before later departing to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, VH-BIE returned South to Archerfield, flying via the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, Mackay Airport and Gladstone Airport.

West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP departed Mackay Airport for Townsville after arriving from Cairns last Friday 13 January.

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

And a couple of aerial survey aircraft were both noted arriving into Emerald Airport.  Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew up from Archerfield to complete airwork around the Gladstone area and then South of Emerald before landing at Emerald Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, VH-EPX was photographed above shortly before departing on a local aerial survey flight out of and back to Emerald Airport, before it later departed Emerald Airport and returned to complete more airwork around the Gladstone area.  It then landed at Gladstone Airport.

Plus Aero Logistics Cessna 404 VH-AZU arrived into Emerald Airport from Maitland and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, VH-AZU commenced aerial survey operations out of Emerald Airport with a flight up through the Central Highlands and Coalfield before it eventually returned to Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 18 January, there was yet more Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter action around the region, and in particular, to and from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. 

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-MRZ flew down from Cairns to Labona then to Rockhampton Airport as HND456.  It then departed back to Labona as HND350 and then departed there back to Cairns again as HND456. 

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES looked to depart Rockhampton Airport for Labona as HND310 but did not return to Rocky. 

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF continued to operate flights into Labona from and back to Rockhampton Airport throughout the day.

And fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK flew down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and Townsville.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-PUY and VH-ZSY were again noted completing multiple visits to Labona from Rockhampton Airport and Townsville Airport respectively.   

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 "Envoy 57" Calls into CQ Airports - Spotted at Hamilton Island Airport

On Wednesday 18 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports on what appeared to be a crew familiarisation / training flight.

The Falcon 7X bizjet, which is flown by the RAAF's VIP 34 Squadron, was flying as "Envoy 57", flew up from Canberra to Bundaberg Airport via a landing at Coffs Harbour.  After departing Bundy, A56-001 "Envoy 57" continued up to Hamilton Island Airport where it was photographed above landing for a short time on the ground.

It then departed up to Cairns where it completed more airwork before returning South and landing at Townsville where it appears to be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 January, A56-001 "Envoy 57" was back in CQ, flying down from Townsville to land at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then continued further South and landed at Gladstone Airport.  From Gladstone Airport, A56-001 then departed to the Gold Coast and then back to Canberra.

As shown, A56-001 still wears additional decals to commemorate the RAAF's 100th anniversary.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©️

Tuesday is FIFO Day in CQ - Moranbah Airport - Nebo Airstrip - Labona Station Airstrip in Carmichael Coal Mine - Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella - Plus More!

On Tuesday 17 January, it was the usual busy day for Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights in and out of various parts and mines within the region.

The 'usual' FIFO charter flights included Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO visiting Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back there and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ visited Mackay Airport from its Bundaberg Airport base.  I assume it was unable to head out to Nebo Aerodrome due to weather.

Of interest, it appeared that VH-NPZ again operated flights in and out of Lady Elliot Island from Friday to Monday, again presumably on behalf of Seair / Istlecote.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB looked to visit the Wanella Station Aerodrome near Coppabella, arriving from Lady Elliot Island before then departing to Biloela / Thangool Airport, Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Three Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200 King Air turboprops were all noted completing various FIFO charter flights in and out of the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  

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https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

VH-PUY looked to complete three flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.  While VH-ZSY and VH-NSN completed two and one flight(s) respectively from Townsville Airport to Labona and back.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 January, both VH-PUY and VH-ZSY were again noted completing multiple visits to Labona from Rockhampton Airport and Townsville Airport respectively.

Hinterland Aviation's recently acquired Cessna 208 Grand Caravan VH-JES, along with fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF, continue to operate FIFO charter flights out of Rockhampton Airport to and back from Labona.  It is only the second time that VH-JES has been to Rockhampton Airport with it arriving from Labona on Monday 16 January as HND311.  

Plus Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK looked to fly down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then flying out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 January, VH-LZK again flew down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Mackay Airport before returning to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC also completed a couple of runs out to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport after it arrived yesterday.  It looks to be departing to Townsville early on Wednesday 18 January.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 17 January, 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.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL made yet another visit to Gladstone Airport.  This time it arrived from Adelaide and Albury and later departed to Newcastle (Williamtown), Sydney, Albury and back to Adelaide.

Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before later departing to Scone and Wagga Wagga.  It flew North yesterday.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ made another visit to Mackay Airport, again arriving from and departing back to Archerfield.

And Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane.  It had arrived yesterday.

Finally, also on Tuesday 17 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before later departing to Cairns. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Mackay Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned North to Townsville and Cairns.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV visited Mackay Airport from its Archerfield base.

Victorian-based Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet N227SL Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 16 January, Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL was spotted on the ground at Rockhampton Airport. It arrived from Archerfield after previously arriving there from (possibly) it’s Melbourne (Essendon) base at the end of last week.

After a short time on the ground, N227SL departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 January, N227SL returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before later departing to Scone and Wagga Wagga.

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted flying up from Brisbane and calling into Hervey Bau (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then continued up to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport where it appears to be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 January, VH-VKX departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ made an early morning visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from and departing back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 January, VH-JSZ made an afternoon visit to Mackay Airport, once again arriving from and departing back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 January, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YBU visited Gladstone Airport from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

Locally-based Stringair Vision Beech A36 Bonanza VH-YLL completed a trip from Rockhampton Airport to Kingaroy and back to Rocky.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY was noted departing Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew back to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport once again.  It appears that VH-PUY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from its Sunshine Coast base late on Sunday 15 January.

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

And Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ also visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site but from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, also on Monday 16 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW flew up from Goulbourn to Longreach Airport and then Cairns.  It is due to continue to Port Moresby on Tuesday 17 January.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC flew down from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport as SKP1780 to complete their usual flights to Labona Station Airstrip and back.  The flight did not land at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as the Airport remains closed due to the rather wet weather passing through the region.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-007 Calls into Rockhampton Airport as "Dragon 27"

The first military visit for the year into Central Queensland on Monday 16 January, with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-007 noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

The KC-30A flew North from RAAF Base Amberley touched down on Runway 15 at Rocky before parking on for a short time on Taxiway Juliette.

After completing a re-program and possible crew change, A39-007 taxied out and departed Rockhampton Airport back to Amberley.

A39-007 was noted flying as "Dragon 27".

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

American Registered Bombardier Global Express Bizjet N518JC Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again! - Plus More!

Early on Sunday 15 January, American-registered (TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express N518JC popped into Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Brisbane (where it is pictured) and then later departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

As mentioned below, N518JC also popped into Hamo on Friday 13 January before parking up at Brisbane.

It seems that N518JC has been in Australia since late December 2022 after arriving into Sydney from the USA. It has since visited several locations around Australia, including Adelaide where it is pictured above.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing its Mackay Airport base for the Gold Coast.

While Horizon Airways Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-WZS departed Mackay Airport for Innisfail.  It is due to continue up to Cairns, Coen and Pormpuraaw (Edward River) in Far North Queensland on Monday 16 January.

And out at Barcaldine Airport, McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia Aerospatiale AS-365N-2 Dauphin 2 helicopter N365JL and Longreach-based Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-4 LongRanger IV VH-LLB were both noted assisting with some local flood relief efforts.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

First Ever Alpha-numeric Aircraft Registration into CQ - Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 14 January, a first the region (that we know of!) with an aircraft touching down at a Central Queensland Airport wearing a new Australian alpha-numeric registration marking.

Only recently registered (to a property near Richmond in Queensland) Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M arrived into Mackay Airport from Darwin (pictured), Mount Isa and Hughenden.  It had arrived into the country from overseas via Darwin the previous day.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced in June that aircraft registration marks in Australia were changing to include a new alpha-numeric system. The first release of 1500 new marks were made available from late September.

Initially, the new marks will only start with an X or 8, for example VH-8AB, VH-X9B, VH-X22.  Marks will not contain the numbers ‘0’ or ‘1’ to avoid conflict with these numbers and letters.  They also must contain a mix of alphanumeric characters - they cannot contain only numbers.

Introducing a 3-character alpha-numeric system will mean the availability of more than 20,000 additional registration marks.  This will give CASA enough marks for at least another 30 years.

Of interest, the very first alpha-numeric registration marking in Australia was believed to have been issued to a Rotorway Exec 90 helicopter in Western Australia as VH-X9O (Xray, Niner, Oscar).

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 14 January, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP finally departed Hamilton Island Airport.  It headed to the Gold Coast.

VH-LEP had arrived into Hamo from Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Avalon) on New Year's Day!

And after arriving two days prior, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Mackay Airport and returned to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then departed to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Saturday 14 January, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed its visit to CQ, departing Gladstone Airport for another six hour long aerial survey way out to sea.  It then landed down at the Sunshine Coast before returning to Redcliffe.

Toowoomba-based Beech 58 Baron VH-CLE departed Agnes Water Airstrip for Tara.  It was due to returned to Agnes Water Airstrip on Sunday 15 January.  It also looks like VH-CLE has completed a couple of similar flights in the previous couple of weeks.

Cirrus SR22 VH-YMI departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It looks to have arrived two days prior also from the Sunny Coast.

And new Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JEV flew up from Bankstown to Emerald Airport, possibly on delivery to Nautilus Aviation.  It flew up via Gunnedah, Moree and Roma Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 15 January, VH-JEV departed Emerald Airport and called into my local Clermont Aerodrome, Charters Towers Aerodrome, Townsville and Cairns at the completion of its delivery flight.

Plus Omni Executive (Canberra) / M.I. Helicopters (Roma) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-NPI was also noted departing Roma Airport around the same time, with it looking to head towards Gladstone Airport.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

American Registered Bombardier Global Express Bizjet N518JC Makes at Early Visit to Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

Early on Friday 13 January, American-registered (TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express N518JC flew across from Perth to land at Hamilton Island Airport.

A short time later, it departed Hamo for Brisbane.

It seems that N518JC has been in Australia since late December 2022 after arriving into Sydney from the USA.  It has since visited several locations around Australia, including Adelaide where it is pictured above.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 13 January, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was spotted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sydney base.

Finally, also on Friday 13 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown).

RDO Equipment (ex Vanderfield) Cessna 210N VH-JSC visited Emerald Airport from its Toowoomba base.

West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 14 January, VH-DEP flew down from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

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

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

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©