Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-MQX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 March, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 131" was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Sunday 2 April, VH-MQX "Navair 131" departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to also land at Hamilton Island Airport.  It later departed to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 1 April, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 March, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp before departing to Thargomindah and then back to Welllcamp. 

Brisbane-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-OUD was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

Daniel Livestock P/L (Dalby) Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-MRW flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and Normanton. 

RDO Equipment Co. Cessna 182 VH-JQC departed Emerald Airport for Saint George.  It then looked to return to Emerald Airport.  VH-JQC had flown up from Toowoomba the previous day.

Gympie-based Amateur-built Van's RV-7 VH-VNM visited Clermont Aerodrome.  While locally-based Cessna R182RG VH-BAE was also noted flying out of and back to Clermont Aerodrome this week.

And also locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Mackay Airport and then Winton.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 April, VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport after returning there from Winton on Saturday 1 April.

Finally, also on Friday 31 March, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN finally departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as 'Sharp 102F'.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport early on Thursday 30 March from Brisbane as 'Sharp 162' but then broke down.

And Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV, which had flown down from Horn Island to Cairns yesterday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  Over subsequent days, VH-LSV flew down to Adelaide where it has taken up operations with local emergency services.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and John Lee  ©

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Rockhampton Airport from Cairns - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ911/2

On Friday 31 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its third route into Rockhampton Airport this time from Cairns in Far North Queensland.

VH-UJT departs Cairns Airport

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Rockhampton Airport as BNZ911 from Cairns before it later returned there as BNZ912.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ583 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Cairns as BNZ586.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Rockhampton Airport and Townsville started on Friday 24 February and between Rockhampton Airport and the Sunshine Coast Monday 13 March.  Each route maintains 2-3 flights per week.

Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 March, Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe-146-200 VH-SYO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as 'SFZ9089' / "Skyforce 9089".   Then on Thursday 30 March, VH-SYO departed Rockhampton Airport for Horn Island as 'SFZ644' / "Skyforce 644" on what seems to be one of the regular school student charter flights.  VH-SYO then flew down to Brisbane as 'SFZ9079' / "Skyforce 9079".

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew down from Brisbane to Melbourne (Essendon) and then up to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then returned to Brisbane.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted departing Blackall Airport for Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Archerfield.  It looked to have flown up there the previous day.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 30 March, 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 direct.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and then back to the capital.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEB flew down from Horn Island to land at Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane.  It appears that VH-VEB flew North from Brisbane to Charters towers Aerodrome and then Horn Island the previous day.

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  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 "Stallion 57" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 30 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 was spotted completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

A41-211 was flying as "Stallion 57" and looked to depart RAAF Base Amberley to fly across to and complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast before then flying up to Rockhampton Airport where it completed another missed approach.

The C-17 then returned to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ919/20

On Thursday 30 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its latest route flying into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) Airport in New South Wales.

File photo

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Proserpine Airport as BNZ919 from Williamtown before it later returned there as BNZ920.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ607 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Williamtown as BNZ610.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Proserpine Airport and the Sunshine Coast started back on Tuesday 31 January and maintains 2-3 flights each week on this run.

Exciting stuff!

Southern Cross University / Eastern Air Link Cessna 337G VH-AEV Operating at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

As it has done each day so far this month, on Wednesday 29 March, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV completed an aerial survey flight out of and back to Gladstone Airport.

VH-AEV at Gladstone Airport last week

Research reveals that VH-AEV first arrived into Gladstone Airport from Port Macquarie on Friday 3 March and almost each day since it has completed an aerial survey flight out of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.  It has been reported that South Cross University is utilising VH-AEV to complete complex research of the Reef.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 April, VH-AEV finally departed Gladstone Airport one final time, returning to Port Macquarie via Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 March, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 March, VH-UJU departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Stirling Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 VH-HKC was noted flying between Rockhampton Airport and Gladstone Airport.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY flew up from Armidale to Mackay Airport before later returning there but via Port Macquarie. 

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew out from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Charleville and Emerald Airports before then returning back to Wellcamp. 

While locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR departed Rockhampton Airport for the Rolleston Open Cut Mine with a heap of people on board.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And of the other Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport before then flying back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

It also looks like VH-HLL also visited Mackay Airport but on Tuesday 28 March, flying down from Townsville and out to Labona and then back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

Finally, also on Wednesday 29 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew down from Weipa to Mackay Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had flown North over that route on Monday 27 March. 

American-Registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield.  It had flown up there last Wednesday 22 March.

While Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns and operated around the Herbert Creek area East of Ogmore and Marlborough for a while before it then moved to the North-East part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before eventually returning to Cairns. 

And Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR looked to operate a delayed freight service into both Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport.  It departed Brisbane and firstly called into Mackay Airport as QFA7424 before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport as QF7425.  VH-SQR then returned to Brisbane from Rocky as QF7426.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©️

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Mackay Airport from Cairns - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ903/4

On Wednesday 29 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its second route into Mackay Airport this time from Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Bonza's B737-8 MAX VH-UJT at Mackay Airport  (File photo)

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Mackay Airport as BNZ903 from Cairns before it later returned there as BNZ904.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ583 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Cairns as BNZ586.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Mackay Airport and the Sunshine Coast started on Tuesday 14 February and maintains 2-3 flights each week on this run.

Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 53" Calls into Rockhampton Airport Twice - Plus More!

On Wednesday 29 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 was spotted on the ground at Rockhampton Airport as it completed two visits during a busy day of flying.

The Globemaster was flying as "Stallion 53" and came up from RAAF Base Amberley to South of Monto where it descended to low level, and then flew low-level and no-communication up past Monto and Theodore and onwards to Rockhampton Airport where it landed and taxied in to park.

The Globemaster was promptly loaded with personnel and equipment, including Bushmaster vehicles and it then departed back to Amberley.

Later in the afternoon, A41-213 "Stallion 53" returned to Rockhampton Airport from Amberley and again was loaded with personnel and equipment before it again departed back to Amberley.

Meanwhile, late on Wednesday 29 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 55" was noted completing airwork at Wondai while on a flight out of back to RAAF Base Amberley.

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris, Jake Wallace and 'IAD'  ©

D & C Aviation (USA) Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) Bizjet N986SP Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 March, D & C Aviation (USA) Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) bizjet N986SP was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

File photo

N986SP appears to have arrived into Brisbane from overseas on Sunday 26 March.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 29 March, N986SP departed Mackay Airport and flew down to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 March, Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.  It also appears to have visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport almost each day since last Friday 24 March.

Gotts Aviation (Northern Territory) Cessna 402B VH-BIZ flew up from the Gold Coast to Longreach Airport.  It looks to be due to head to Mount Isa and Emkaytee Aerodrome near Darwin on Wednesday 29 March.  VH-BIZ looks to have been all the way down to Bankstown in New South Wales after leave Emkaytee last Tuesday 21 March.

Australia Skydive Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZQ looks to have taken up operations out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after arriving from Tully on Sunday 26 March.  While Skydive Airlie Beach but Wollongong-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DNK departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Mareeba on Sunday 26 March.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 March, VH-DNK returned to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Cairns and Tully, while VH-DZQ returned North to Cairns and then Tully.

Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW visited Mackay Airport from its Ingham base.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV looked to complete an aerial survey flight out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It looked to fly down to Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport the previous day after flying up there from Redcliffe late last week.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Toowoomba to Maryborough Airport and then Emerald Airport.  It then continued out to Julia Creek and Cloncurry Airports before then returning back down to Toowoomba. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW arrived into Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base via Archerfield.  It is due to return to Archerfield and Toowoomba on Wednesday 29 March.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG flew up from Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Gladstone Airport.  It then returned to Archerfield before flying across to Toowoomba.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up from Mudgee to Alpha Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, VH-PGA flew across to Emerald Airport and Moura Aerodrome.  On Thursday 30 March, VH-PGA departed Moura Aerodrome for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 28 March, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-HLJ as HND100/1 and VH-HJS as HND120/1 both flew down from Cairns to Labona and back to Cairns.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but this time via Rockhampton Airport.  It later returned directly back to Bundy.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, VH-NPZ flew from Bundaberg Airport to Archerfield and back.

And Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to Charleville Airport and Latrobe Valley and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Photo taken by Marlin Le  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 "Stallion 56" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 28 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 was spotted completing a missed approach and low overshoot at Rockhampton Airport. 

It was heard to be flying as "Stallion 56" and looked to fly up from and then return to 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  ©️

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

On Monday 27 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange and the Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport before later continuing up to Weipa. 

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, VH-CMK returned to Mackay Airport from Weipa before then returning to the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

And Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 March, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU flew up from King Island, Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Bairnsdale to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 March, VH-JMU was photographed above soon before departing Shute back to Moorabbin before it then continued to Adelaide.

While on Sunday 26 March, Cirrus SR-22 N60NN flew up from the Gold Coast to Blackall Airport.  On Monday 27 March, N60NN looked to continue to Longreach Airport then Mount Isa.  It has since been noted flying overseas.

Finally, several Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) movements, also on Monday 27 March, included Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ which visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  It then flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and later departed there to Labona.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 March, VH-FAQ also operated more flights to Labona from and back to Rockhampton Airport before then departing back to Archerfield.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG arrived from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 before operating a flight to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It should also operate more flights on Tuesday 28 March before departing on Wednesday 29 March.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW flew up from Goulbourn and Brisbane to Rolleston and Emerald Airports.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 March, VH-VEW returned to Rolleston Aerodrome from Emerald Airport and then continued up to the Newlands Coal Mine site and Mackay Airport.  VH-VEW then returned to Newlands before heading to Brisbane.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) to Rockhampton Airport.   Fellow Seair Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH also flew into Rockhampton Airport but from the Gold Coast.  Both VH-TQW and VH-TLH then flew to Labona.  VH-TQW returned to Rockhampton Airport, while VH-TLH flew up to Townsville and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 March, both VH-TQW and VH-TLH operated more flights to Labona before they both departed Rockhampton Airport with VH-TQW heading back to Hervey Bay Airport and VH-TLH back to the Gold Coast.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Lee Holloway  ©

Qantas / QantasLink Starts Embraer E-190 Jet Services into Mackay Airport - Operated by Alliance Airlines

On Sunday 26 March, Qantas / QantasLink started flying into Mackay Airport with Alliance Airlines operated Embraer E-190 jets.  VH-XVX had the honours of being the first ever QantasLink coloured Embraer E-190 to touch down in Central Queensland when it operated as QLK1942/3 from and back to Brisbane.

File photo

Then, later on Sunday, VH-UYO as QJE1944/5 also called into Mackay Airport flying from and back to Brisbane.  As shown, VH-UYO still wears full Alliance Airlines livery.

File photo

Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 regional jets started flying for Qantas / QantasLink under a wet-lease arrangement from May 2021.  Alliance Airlines initially provided three Embraer jets to QantasLink to fly between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin.  And as the number of Embraer E-190 jets delivered to Alliance Airlines has increased, so has the number operating with Qantas / QantasLink with aircraft now operating frequently into Queensland.  

The QantasLink E-190 jets will offer 10 seats in business class and 84 seats in economy,

This also was the first time that Qantas / QantasLink has used Embraer aircraft for their regular commercial flights.

As mentioned previously, from the year 2020 Alliance Airlines was due to take delivery of 30 E-190 regional jets - 14 from Copa Airlines and 16 ex-American Airlines aircraft.  In February this year, it was also announced that Alliance Airlines agreed to purchase a further 30 used E-190s which are believed to be currently operated by the US airline JetBlue.

Of interest, E-190 VH-XVX was delivered to Alliance Airlines at Brisbane in full QantasLink colours as N948UW on Saturday 12 November 2022 and entered service on Monday 26 December 2022.  VH-UYO was delivered to Alliance Airlines at Brisbane as N998QQ on Saturday 27 February 2021 and entered service in late May 2021.

Finally, current Qantas schedules seem to indicate that QantasLink Embraer E-190s jets will call into Mackay Airport each weekend, with one visit on Saturdays and two visits as above on Sundays.  This pattern of weekend flights will continue into the future.  We will await to see the more recently delivered E-190s pass through Mackay Airport and Central Queensland.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Emerald-based Aero Professional Services Take Delivery of SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV - Plus More!

We reported last week that Emerald-based aerial ag operator Aero Professional Services has taken delivery of former Brisbane-based (Bishopp Aviation) SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV.  It arrived into their Denison Downs property last Monday 13 March.

https://www.facebook.com/aeroprofessionalservices

So, on Friday 24 March, VH-VSV was noted departing Denison Downs and heading West to complete airwork and then landing at Barcaldine Airport.  It later returned to the property.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 25 March, VH-VSV was back in the air, this time heading further West to Longreach Airport where it again completed airwork and landed for a short time.  It then returned to the Denison Downs property.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 24 March, South Australia-based Mooney M20P VH-FAF finally departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and Toowoomba.  It had arrived last Thursday 16 March when the Mooney Pilots Association of Australia annual fly-in happened at Longreach Airport.

Recently registered (to a property near Richmond in Queensland) Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M looked to fly from Mackay Airport up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back to Mackay Airport.  It had arrived there on delivery from overseas in mid-January.

While new Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JUF flew up from Bankstown to Townsville via Gunnedah, Narrabri(?), Roma and Clermont Airports, presumably on delivery to Cairns-based Nautilus Aviation.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 25 March, VH-JUF indeed continued from Townsville to Cairns.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY flew up from Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport and then back to the Sunny Coast.  It had flown the reverse inbound flight at the start of the week.

Fellow Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY flew down from Cairns to Labona then to Mackay Airport and then later back up to Cairns. 

And Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS as HND626 flew down from Cairns to Labona then to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Friday 24 March, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

It had arrived at Prosie from the Sunny Coast on Wednesday 22 March.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

A Pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Complete Airwork at CQ Airports - A34-003 "Ausy 470" & A34-007 "Ausy 471"

On Friday 24 March, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted and spotted completing airwork at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

Spartan A34-003 as "Ausy 470" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to a complete a touch-and-go at Bundaberg Airport before then heading up to Rockhampton Airport where it was noted to complete a further four more touch-and-go approaches.  After landing and completing a crew change, the Spartan then returned to the air and completed a further four touch-and-go approaches at Rockhampton Airport before departing up to Townsville.

Soon after, Spartan A34-007 as "Ausy 471" also flew up from Amberley to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to land at Rockhampton Airport where it completed a crew change.  However, while on the ground, they had a problem and did not depart for a couple of hours. A34-007 "Ausy 471" later took off and did four more circuits at Rockhampton Airport before then also departing to Townsville via a further touch-and-go at Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 March, C-27Js A34-003 & A34-007 still as "Ausy 470/471" each flew North from Townsville to complete circuits at RAAF Base Scherger before landing there. Each then departed to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, and on Monday 27 March, each returned to Townsville and then Amberley along with another C-27J Spartan A34-010 as "Ausy 481" which flew down from Port Moresby direct to Amberley.

Photos taken by John Lee and Scott Harris  ©

Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet Bizjet N958AG Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 March, Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet bizjet N958AG was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a busy day of flying.

File photo

It started the day at Cairns (after arriving there from the Gold Coast the previous day) and headed to Bamaga and then Mackay Airport before continuing South to Gladstone Airport and then Archerfield and back to the Gold Coast.

And AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then returning to the Sunshine Coast where it completed more.

It also appears that VH-CCJ completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport on Wednesday 22 March.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 March, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Emerald Airport while flying North to Townsville from Archerfield.  It looks to have taken up operations there as "Rescue 521".

It comes a day after fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried South from Townsville to Archerfield, also via Emerald Airport - see Blog post below.

NSW based Mooney M20R VH-MZZ landed at Emerald Airport after flying up from Bankstown (yesterday), Cessnock and Walgett.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 March, VH-MZZ departed Emerald Airport and returned to Walgett and then Bankstown.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV looked to fly into Mackay Airport from Redcliffe.

And several King Air turboprops were noted visiting several CQ Airports including the Thursday 'rush' down in the Gas Fields.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY was noted visiting Longreach Airport, departing to Rockhampton Airport and then to the North.

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.

Pesca Aviation (Brisbane) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Toowoomba to Longreach Airport and then further to Julia Creek. It then flew down to Maryborough Airport before then returning to Toowoomba. 

And also noted operating out of Toowoomba (City) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airports on flight to Roma and Injune Airports were King Airs VH-WXB, VH-WXN, VH-DYN and VH-XDW of Brescon P/L, as well as King Airs VH-ZGD and VH-ZMW of Austrek Air Charter. 

This mass flight of King Airs seems to be a regular Thursday occurrence!

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Spotted at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus A Few Other Bizjets Around - And More!

On Wednesday 22 March, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was spotted as it arrived into Hamilton Island Airport.  It had flown up from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

After some time on the ground, VH-VKX departed back to Brisbane.

Also calling into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Wednesday 22 March, was American-Registered Eclipse EA500 Bizjet N257AK which flew up from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, N257AK finally departed Hamo and returned to Archerfield.

Plus Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then heading down to Mackay Airport.

 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 25 March, VH-JSZ finally departed Mackay Airport and returned to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane and Archerfield.

While also over on the mainland, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 March, VH-VDF departed Prosie for the Sunny Coast.

After only returning over the weekend from an almost three-month stay at Sydney (presumably for maintenance), the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Townsville.  It then returned to Mackay Airport before later returning back to Townsville again and staying.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 25 March, N142GZ departed Townsville and returned to Mackay Airport.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 187" visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 22 March, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew out from Toowoomba to Moura Aerodrome.  It then departed to Toowoomba-Wellcamp before returning to Toowoomba (City).

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK was noted passing through Emerald Airport while ferrying South from Townsville to Archerfield.  It also seems that VH-EGK has taken up operations out of Archerfield as "Rescue 500".

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©