Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 Bizjet VH-PPD Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 February, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

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VH-PPD looked to arrive from the Gold Coast and Newcastle before later departing to Brisbane.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to the sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 February, it was Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights galore around the region including Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Newcastle to Roma and Collinsville then to Mackay. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-VEJ departed Mackay Airport for the Newlands Coal Mine site before then flying all the way down to Moree, Newcastle and Goulburn. 

Of interest, fellow Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW, which has been working in PNG for a month, flew down from Port Moresby and Cairns to Archerfield.

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

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 Latrobe Valley and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200C VH-HPP arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Labona before returning to Toowoomba.  It appears that VH-HPP had earlier complete two runs from Toowoomba to Taroom Aerodrome and back.

Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN popped into Labona as well, arriving from and later departing back to Townsville.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then flying out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.  Of interest, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-CVN and VH-MRZ are currently completing the FIFO charter flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.

UPDATE!  VH-NDC also operated into Mackay Airport on Wednesday 1 March, flying down from Townsville to Labona and then to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And after arriving into Rockhampton Airport the previous day from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 and then completing a flight to Labona and back as SKP771/2, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed once again to Labona but as SKP773 but did not return.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, after encountering a technical problem, VH-QQB departed Labona for Cairns as SKP506.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQG flew down from Townsville to Labona as SKP761 before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport as SKP774.  It later flew back to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport again as SKP775/6. 

Plus Skytrans Airlines new Dash-8-300 VH-QQL also completed flights between Townsville and Labona.

Finally, also on Tuesday 28 February, Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then my local Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-MPT departed Clermont Aerodrome for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for 'Red Rock' Station near Comet and then down to Watts Bridge.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted departing the Goonoo Feedlot near Comet for a property South of Rolleston before it then departed to Brisbane.  It appears to have flown up from Brisbane the previous day.

And Southern Airlines Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-LCE finally departed Charleville Airport and headed back to Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It has been completing aerial survey flights out of Charleville and nearby Airports since late last year - including most days throughout February.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Baron Capital Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-TFW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 27 February, a nice little bizjet we haven't seen in the region for a while in the form of Baron Capital Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-TFW was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It flew up from Armidale and Bankstown before later returning to Armidale.

UPDATE!  Of interest, VH-TFW returned to Hamilton Island Airport later in the week on Wednesday 1 March, flying up from Armidale and then heading down to Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway, Bankstown and then Armidale Airports.

While Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) before later returning there via Sydney. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 February, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

And Capital Jet Charter (Canberra) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra and Archerfield to the Rolleston and Springsure areas before then flying across to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 February, VH-STE departed Hervey Bay Airport for Maryborough Airport before it continued to Archerfield, Essendon and back to Canberra.

Photo taken by Malakai Keen  ©

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA Calls into My Local Clermont Aerodrome Again - Plus More!

On Saturday 25 February, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA was noted visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome again.

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This time, it arrived from Archerfield and Moura Airport before then departing down to Toowoomba.

VH-PGA also visited my local Clermont Aerodrome on Wednesday 22 February.

While also departing Clermont Aerodrome was locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF.  It flew down to Caboolture.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 February, VH-NWF visited the Gold Coast from Caboolture before then returning back to Clermont Aerodrome.

Re-registered Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) looked to fly up from Archerfield to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then returning there via the Gold Coast.

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield once again.  It also visited on Wednesday 22 February.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 25 February, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 jets VH-XWN and VH-UQA called into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports respectively on closed Rugby League team charters.

VH-XWN visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as UTY3381/2 while VH-UQA visited Mackay Airport from Cairns as UTY3385/6.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 February, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Cairns and Townsville.  It was later spotted departing to Brisbane.

While Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport again.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 February, VH-RTC flew out to 'Red Rock' Station near Comet and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU called into Biloela / Thangool Airport on the airlines scheduled service from Brisbane. It then hopped across to Gladstone Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ927/8

A momentous day on Friday 24 February, as low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its latest route from Townsville Airport down to Rockhampton Airport.

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at Rockhampton Airport as BNZ927 from Townsville before it later returned there as BNZ928.  VH-UIK had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ631 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Townsville as BNZ634.

The Townsville (only) services were started on Wednesday 22 February with fellow Bonza Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJK named 'Shiela' operating the BNZ631/2 direct service from and back to the Sunshine Coast.

The low-cost airline will continue flights to Rockhampton Airport from and back to Townsville three days per week before 'direct' flights to Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and back also three days per week start on Monday 13 March.  Flights from and back to Cairns will start on Friday 31 March and be two days each week.  Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Scott H and John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great day at Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and John Lee  ©

Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-LHU (ex VH-WFE) Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 February, Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-LHU (ex VH-WFE) was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

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UPDATE!  On Friday 24 February, VH-LHU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield. 

And late on Wednesday 22 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before continuing up to Townsville.  It had earlier completed a run from there to Cairns, Mount Isa and frown to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 February. Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport and then 'Red Rock' Station near Comet (where it is registered to) and then back to Rockhampton Airport. 

While re-registered Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) looked to fly up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to 'Planet Downs'.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 February, VH-PDE returned to Archerfield from 'Planet Downs'.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND320 before it then flew up to Townsville as HND221.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-MRZ flew down from Townsville to LAbona as HND220 flew then flying across to Rockhampton Airport as HND321 - an aircraft swap!

Another Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-CVN operated out of Rockhampton Airport for Labona and back before then flying down to Gladstone Airport and back to Rocky as HND480.

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

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJK 'Sheila' First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Thursday 23 February, the third Boeing B737-8 MAX to be delivered to low-cost start-up airline Bonza made its first visit into Central Queensland, operating the airline's recently launched scheduled service into Mackay Airport as 'BNZ593/4' from and back to their Sunshine Coast base.

VH-UJK - named 'Sheila' - was delivered to the airline from the USA at the Sunshine Coast back on Monday 12 December 2022 and has sat there until it entered service with Bonza on Wednesday 22 February when it operated their inaugural flight to Townsville and back to the Sunny Coast.

Of interest, Bonza now has a fleet of four B737-8 MAX aircraft, with its latest aircraft VH-UKH touching down on the Sunshine Coast from the USA via Honolulu and Nadi last Friday 17 February.  VH-UKH will reportedly wear the name 'Malc' and possibly be their first aircraft to be based out of Melbourne.

Meanwhile, CQ Plane Spotters are looking forward to the launch of Bonza's scheduled services into Rockhampton Airport on Friday 24 February, with the first BNZ926/7 service due to arrive in the beef city from Townsville at around 11am.  After some ground crew training, it will return to Townsville from Rockhampton Airport at around 12.30pm.  This new service will operate three days per week.

Thanks to Cairns-based enthusiast Seth A for allowing us to share these great photos as he joined VH-UJK on the flight from Mackay Airport to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Seth Ali  ©

American-Registered Eclipse EA500 Bizjet N257AK Pops into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Wednesday 22 February, a nice little corporate bizjet that we haven't seen around the region for a little while in the form of American-Registered Eclipse EA500 Bizjet N257AK, was noted visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

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It arrived from and later departed back to its Archerfield base.  It looks like N257AK looked to have completed a possible training or check flight to Chinchilla Aerodrome on Monday 20 February.

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" visited Hamilton Island Airport also from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 22 February, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM visited Middlemount Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Archerfield. 

Basair Aviation (Vecta Holdings) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee VH-BWJ flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before continuing to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 23 February, VH-BWJ returned South from the Whitsunday Airport to Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports before returning to Archerfield. 

While Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX is back in the region once again, flying into Roma Airport over the weekend and this week, completing aerial survey work at and around Gladstone, Mackay and now, Rockhampton Airports.  On Wednesday, VH-EPX eventually departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield via some aerial survey work.

And Townsville-based NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T2 VH-MVY which has been noted completing power-line inspections in the region as "Energy 402", flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport before continuing up to Mackay Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 22 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-TFQ flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before then heading across to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to Labona and then back to Townsville.  VH-TFQ flew as HND280/1/2/3.

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters A15-302 & A15-305 Pass through Rockhampton Airport Heading South to Avalon

On Wednesday 22 February, a pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters were spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport as they flew South to Melbourne (Avalon) to participate in the upcoming Australian International Airshow.

The two Chinooks were identified as A15-302 and A15-305 and are both operated by the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment (5 Avn Regt) 'C' Squadron based at Townsville.

They looked to fly separately into Rocky from Townsville with A15-302 flying as "Stampede 11" and A15-305 a few minutes behind as "Stampede 12".

After taking on fuel, both Chinooks departed separately from Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley.

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  ©

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C Bizjet VH-OAA Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 February, Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

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And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 21 February, re-registered Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) looked to fly up from Archerfield and the Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport back to Archerfield.

VH-PDE was previously registered VH-FGZ but changed its registration marking in mid-January.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Cairns and Townsville and later departing to Brisbane.  It later returned directly to Cairns.

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 its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

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 to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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

And the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ was noted passing through Emerald Airport while ferrying North from Archerfield to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 21 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then flying across to Labona Station Airstrip and then back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

And after arriving late on Monday 20 February from Cairns direct as SKP780, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG completed the FIFO charter flight to Labona Station Airstrip and back to Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 21 February.

Plus also on Tuesday 21 February, fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP81 before then continuing to Rockhampton Airport as SKP501.  It then also operated a FIFO charter flight to Labona as SKP779 before then flying from there to Cairns as SKP503. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Tuesday 21 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 was spotted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

A41-211 looked to depart RAAF Base Amberley and fly out off the coast of Brisbane to meet up with fellow RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-006 "Dragon 55" before then flying up to Bundaberg Airport.

After completing the missed approach at Bundaberg Airport, A41-211 then headed back South at low level via an inland route back to Amberley.

A41-211 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Stallion 62".

Great Photos as The Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force (RoKAF) Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules 55-030 "Argo 103" Departs Rockhampton Airport

After arriving the previous day, on Tuesday 21 February, The Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force (RoKAF) Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules 55-030 was photographed resting early in the morning still parked up at Rockhampton Airport.  

As posted below, it had arrived from Darwin as "Argo 103".

The Hercules later departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Richmond again as "Argo 103" before then joining the other two RoKAF C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft - 45-747 as "Argo 101" and 45-750 "Argo 102" - at Melbourne (Avalon).

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 22 February, all three Hercs departed Avalon for Darwin, presumably returning to South Korea.

As mentioned previously, the three RoKAF Hercs have come to Australia to support the deployment of RoKAF "Black Eagles" aerobatic team which had earlier departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Richmond and ultimately the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria.

As mentioned below, the RoKAF Black Eagles aerobatic display team has travelled to Australia to participate in the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace Defence Exposition slated to take place at Avalon Airport in Geelong from February 28 to March 5.

Sincere thanks again to the local plane spotters for providing us with such a great coverage of the arrival of these awesome visitors to the region!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Scott Harris  ©

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI "Navair 125" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

UPDATED WITH PHOTO!

On Monday 20 February, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba. 

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 February, VH-SHI "Navair 125" was photographed (above) soon before it departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

After arriving last week, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 199" finally departed Hamilton Island Airport for Maitland, Cessnock and Bankstown.

It had arrived from Bankstown, Maitland and Roma Airports on Wednesday 15 February.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" popped into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, arriving from Mount Isa and departing to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 20 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY flew into Rockhampton Airport and completed two flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Over most of the rest of the week, VH-ZSY continued to fly between Rockhampton Airport and Labona before departing there for the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 23 February.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew up to Labona from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before returning to the Sunny Coast and continuing down to Narrabri and then back to Archerfield.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW (ex P2-ZMY) arrived into Mackay Airport from Townsville before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport across to LAbona and then back to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 February, VH-SUW looked to return to Mackay Airport from Townsville before heading out to Labona and then back to Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 20 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona as HND310 before then heading up to Townsville as HND213. 

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew down from Townsville to Labona as HND212 before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport as HND311. 

The other Hinterland Aviaton Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES remains at Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force (RoKAF) Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules 55-030 "Argo 103" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 20 February, The Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force (RoKAF) Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules 55-030 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Darwin as "Argo 103".

This is the second of three RoKAF Hercs that have also come to Australia to support the deployment of RoKAF "Black Eagles" aerobatic team which had earlier departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Richmond and ultimately the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria.

As posted below, RoKAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules 45-747 as "Argo 101" had also earlier departed Rockhampton Airport for Richmond.  While the third, fellow C-130J-30 45-750 "Argo 102" flew down from Darwin to Richmond(?) during the day.

It is expected that 55-030 "Argo 103" will depart Rockhampton Airport late morning on Tuesday 21 February.

As mentioned below, the RoKAF Black Eagles aerobatic display team has travelled to Australia to participate in the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace Defence Exposition slated to take place at Avalon Airport in Geelong from February 28 to March 5.

Sincere thanks again to the local plane spotters for providing us with such a great coverage of the arrival of these awesome visitors to the region!

Photos taken by Jake Wallace  ©

The Nine RoKAF Black Eagles KAI T-50B Jets - Plus C-130J Hercules - Depart Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Richmond

As predicted, on Monday 20 February, the visiting deployment of The Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force (RoKAF) "Black Eagles" aerobatic team departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Richmond as they continued their journey to Melbourne, Avalon Airport where they will participate in the upcoming Australian International Airshow.

As with their arrival the previous evening, the Black Eagles' nine KAI T-50B trainers departed in spectacular fashion, flying in three- ship formations as "Bravo Echo 01/04/07"

A little later, the RoKAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules 45-747 as "Argo 101" also departed Rockhampton Airport for Richmond.

It is believed that fellow C-130J-30 45-750 "Argo 102" flew down from Darwin to Richmond(?) during the day as another C-130H-30 Hercules 55-030 "Argo 103" flew across from Darwin to also land at Rockhampton Airport - see Blog post above!

As mentioned below, the RoKAF Black Eagles aerobatic display team has travelled to Australia to participate in the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace Defence Exposition slated to take place at Avalon Airport in Geelong from February 28 to March 5.

Sincere thanks again to the local plane spotters for providing us with such a great coverage of the arrival of these awesome visitors to the region!

Photos taken by Scott Harris, Trevor Hardsman and Jake Wallace  ©