Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-ILJ Back in CQ and Calling into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 30 April, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was noted visiting the region once again, this time arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Cairns.

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VH-ILJ then departed to Brisbane.

While another frequent visitor in the form of Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport again from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  on Monday 1 May, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Dalby and then Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed back to there.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 30 April, Aircraft Australia Cessna 310R VH-JQK visited Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast.

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth before it then departed to Toowoomba and back to Tamworth.

And Dubbo based Reedy Creek Forestry Cirrus SR22 VH-ZIR arrived into Longreach Airport from Dubbo before it then departed to Karumba.  

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

'New' Aerlink ATR 42-500 VH-FVZ Completes Training Flight into some CQ Airports - A First Visit!

On Friday 28 April, a 'new' airframe for a 'new' operator in the form of Aerlink (ex Hevilift) ATR 42-500 VH-FVZ was noted visiting some Central Queensland Airports on what appears to have been a training flight.

The ATR departed Brisbane as HT490 for Toowoomba-Wellcamp (where it was photographed above) before then continuing to Roma, Longreach and Emerald Airports as HT491.  VH-FVZ then flew to Rockhampton Airport as HT492 before returning to Brisbane as HT494.

Of interest, VH-FVZ was delivered to Hevilift (Aerlink) in Cairns in early December 2022 as N844AV as shown.  

It had previously operated for TAME (TAME EP Linea Aerea del Ecuador) and TAME Xpress as HC-CLT.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/aeroprints/

Finally, as mentioned previously, during 2022, the Brisbane-based Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) was reported to have re-branded as Aerlink. However, it wasn’t until mid-January 2023 that Hevilift official ceased operations and Aerlink commenced operations with the fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft transferring over.

Photos taken by Garry Wilkinson and Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Friday 28 April, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" was spotted at Rockhampton Airport after earlier arriving from Archerfield.

VH-SHI "Navair 125" later returned to Archerfield.

While Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was back in the region again, this time visiting Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

And late on Thursday 27 April, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport. It later returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 28 April, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before later returning there via Townsville.

While the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it later departed to Cairns direct.

Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ landed at Longreach Airport from Moree before it then later departed to Mckinlay.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 May, VH-MPQ returned to Longreach Airport from Mckinlay before the flying back to its Moree base.

And new Bell 407GXi helicopter VH-VPE flew up from Moree to Roma Airport and further up to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Townsville on delivery to Nautilus Aviation.  It originally departed Bankstown the previous day and is due to continue to Orpheus Island and then Cairns early on Saturday 29 April.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 April, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

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It looked to fly from its Archerfield base to Warwick and then up to Prosie before continuing to Townsville.  VH-VTF then returned to Warwick and then Archerfield.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Mackay Airport before returning to those places via Roma Airport.

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

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport before departing to Hughenden and Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 April, Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE was back in the region, flying up to Mackay Airport once again from Archerfield before then heading across to Keeroongooloo.  It then returned to Archerfield.

McNab Aviation Cessna 414A VH-FKH visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base via Archerfield.

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.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS flew up to Labona from and back to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Mount Isa before later returning to Cairns.

And re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM landed at Barcaldine Airport from Dinah Island then departed to Lethbridge Park.  It had flown in from there two days prior.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 07" Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 27 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork including possibly three missed approaches at Hervey Bay Airport.

A30-006 was flying as "Wedgetail 07" and later returned to Williamtown via more airwork at Coffs Harbour.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

New Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 April, sleek new Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Toowoomba and Bankstown and then later departed to Bellevue Station on Cape York.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 April, VH-8MT returned to Rockhampton Airport, flying in from Normanton.  It then departed to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 26 April, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI departed Longreach Airport for Emerald Airport before continuing to Lady Eliott Island and the Gold Coast.  It seems to have been on a closed charter flight having departed the Gold Coast for Charleville and Birdsville Airports on Sunday 23 April before flying up to Longreach Airport on Monday 24 April.

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

Finally, also on Wednesday 26 April, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport.  It later returned to Brisbane.

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

All photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ "Navair 199" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 24 April, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 199" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 24 April, 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.  VH-FAQ later flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TLH and VH-TQW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport respectively.

They, along with VH-FAQ, then all flew out to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 25 April, VH-FAQ, VH-TLH and VH-TQW all departed Rockhampton Airport once again to Labona and are due back into Rockhampton Airport before then departing to their respective home ports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 April, Seair Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW actually stayed at Rockhampton Airport from the previous night, departed for Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay Airport.

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

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Thargomindah then departed to Wellcamp. 

And Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa before it then departed to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Monday 24 April, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as "Skyforce 9097".  It then departed to Brisbane as "Skyforce 9098".

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

New South Wales based Amateur-built Bearhawk 4 Place Model B VH-TGN Departs CQ Back to RAAF Base Richmond - Plus More!

On Saturday 22 April, the visiting New South Wales based Amateur-built Bearhawk 4 Place Model B VH-TGN finally departed Central Queensland, looking to head back to RAAF Base Richmond where it seemingly is operated by the RAAF Richmond Gliding Club.

Phillip Brown / https://www.flickr.com/

The Bearhawk departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport before continuing to Goondiwindi and Richmond.

VH-TGN arrived into the region at the start of the week and visited Emerald Airport as well as visiting Rocky and Gladstone.

Also on Saturday 22 April, Beech 35 Bonanza VH-UXV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba. 

Australian Wings Academy Cessna 172s VH-WWJ and VH-EEA flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before then continuing to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  It looked like VH-WWJ and VH-EEA returned to Archerfield from Proserpine Airport via Biloela / Thangool and Redcliffe Airports on Tuesday 25 April.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before then departing to the Sunshine Coast and the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 23 April, VH-JSZ returned to Rockhampton Airport from Shellharbour and the Sunshine Coast before then returning to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 April, Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up to Mackay Airport from Sydney and Keeroongooloo, in the South-West corner of Queensland.  It had arrived there from Charleville Airport a couple of days prior.

Locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF arrived back into Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport having flown across a couple of days prior.

Townsville-based NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T2 VH-MVY has again been noted completing power-line inspections in the region as "Energy 402".  It departed Kortes Resort to complete airwork around Stanwell Power Station and then later returned to the report.

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane before continuing up to Carins and Townsville and then back to the capital.

Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N673EX Pops into Cloncurry Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 April, a nice visitor to the 'far-flung' corners of the region (!) in the form of new Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N673EX which appears to be heading 'home' following two months of being 'down under' in the South-Pacific region, completing a demonstration tour of most parts of Australia and also New Zealand and some South-Pacific Island nations.

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N673EX flew into Cloncurry Airport from Brisbane before then continuing to Darwin.  It is expected to depart overseas the next day.

N673EX had originally arrived into Australia back in mid-February and has since spent time in most states of Australia, New Zealand and some small South-Pacific Island nations.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 21 April, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSV visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP779 flew up from Brisbane to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before flying across to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Friday 21 April, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport again this time from the Sunshine Coast.

Fellow Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY also looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport but from Cairns.  It also appeared to visit Charters Towers Aerodrome the previous day.  

Plus fellow Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY looked to depart Labona for Townsville.

Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet bizjet N958AG flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Gold Coast and Maitland.  It looked to arrive from those places on Sunday 16 April.

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

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PWX as "AirMed 998" flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Bankstown before then departing to Coffs Harbour.

And overnight on Thursday 20 April and into Friday 21 April, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.  

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ANZAC Day 2023 Flypast Details for Central Queensland next Tuesday

With ANZAC Day on next Tuesday 25 April, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released details of planned flypasts during Queensland commemorations - including some Central Queensland locations. 

Details from the RAAF flypasts for Anzac Day for Australia webpage  (https://www.airforce.gov.au/news-and-events/events/raaf-flypasts-anzac-day) indicate a single F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley will conduct a flypast of ANZAC Day commemoration activities on Tuesday 25 April around Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast region as shown:

Meanwhile, a single RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Number 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at locations in the Southern part Queensland including some locations in CQ like Miles.

Sadly, the 'usual' sight of a RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft from Number 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is not occurring this year.

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

The RAAF 'Flying Operations' also reminds everyone that "All Air Force flypasts can be cancelled or changed subject to weather, operational requirements or other aviation considerations. For public safety, drones must not be operated in the vicinity of flypasts."

Photos taken by John Van Den Bosch and James Saunders  ©

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

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

File photo

VH-SHI "Navair 125" then departed Maryborough Airport for Grafton (Clarence Valley Regional Airport) before returning to Archerfield.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) before returning direct to Moorabbin. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from the North.  It then departed Hamo for Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 April, VH-ZIY looked to return to Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from and departing back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 April, 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.

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

And recently delivered Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed its Denison Downs (Emerald) base Rockhampton Airport before later returning there.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-671 & A32-426 Both Call into Longreach Airport

On Thursday 20 April, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted calling into Longreach Airport while flying from one end of the country to the other.

File photo

A32-671 as "Ausy 527" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria and later departed to Darwin.

While A32-426 as "Hudson 33" was behind its sistership and landed at Longreach Airport also from East Sale and then later also departed to Darwin.

UPDATE!  In the days since, A32-671 "Ausy 527" continued to Malaysia and Singapore, while A32-426 "Hudson 33" flew back to East Sale.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

ConocoPhillips Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550) Bizjet N795CP Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 April, ConocoPhillips Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550) bizjet N795CP was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.  It looked to arrive from and later depart to Brisbane - where it is pictured below before departing to the port city.

It appears that N795CP arrived into Brisbane from overseas the previous day.

And AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 922" has flown into Bundaberg Airpot from Archerfield.  It is due to depart to Coffs Harbour and Bankstown later on Wednesday.  Of interest, it appears that VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" visited Mackay Airport late on Tuesday 18 April from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 April, Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Roma Airport.  It then flew across to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Archerfield.  

This seems to almost be a weekly run for the Aztec with it visiting at least Rockhampton and Roma Airports over the last couple of Wednesdays.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Brisbane (pictured) for Emerald Airport and then Canobie Station, North of Cloncurry. 

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up to Planet Downs Station near Rolleston from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 April, VH-PDE returned to Archerfield.

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Charleville Airports before later returning to Wellcamp. 

All photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Another Three Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters - A40-007, A40-039, A40-036 - Call into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 April, another three three Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters were spotted and noted calling into a couple of Central Queensland Airports.  They were identified as A40-007 and A40-039 which both called into Rockhampton Airport, and A40-036 which popped into Mackay Airport. 

A40-007 as "Bushman 81" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre before it then departed to Townsville.  In the afternoon, A40-039 as "Destrier 103" also arrived into Rockhampton Airport (as shown above) from Oakey then also departing to Townsville. 

Around the same time, A40-036 as "Pegasus 35" also flew up from Oakey to Mackay Airport before it too then departed to Townsville. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 April, Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG was flying as "Warhorse 234" and flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before it then returned to Townsville.

While as mentioned below, on Tuesday 4 April, fellow Army (Helicorp) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Warhorse 239" landed at Emerald Airport from Townsville before it then departed to Oakey, Tamworth and Bankstown.  Perhaps end of lease??? 

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 Bizjet VH-YWS Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 April, Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Archerfield base.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 April, VH-YWS departed Hamilton Island Airport for Orange in New South Wales before it then returned to Archerfield.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Mackay Airport before then heading out to Natal Downs. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 April, VH-JSZ departed Natal Downs for Winton and Clermont Aerodromes before then flying back to Dalby and Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Cairns.  It later returned to Brisbane.  Overnight, late on Monday 17 April, LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" also visited Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 18 April, Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM flew up from Gayndah Aerodrome to Memooloo, South-West of Blackwater, before then flying across to Emerald Airport.  VH-MYM later returned to Gayndah Aerodrome. 

Re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM landed at Barcaldine Airport from Dinah Island before it then departed to Lethbridge Park. 

Brisbane-based 4 Flying P/L Amateur Built Van's RV14A VH-JBR arrived at Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and later returned there but via Caboolture.

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

Finally, also on Tuesday 18 April, there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back - direct.

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 those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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 Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as HND470 before then departing to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport as HND331/470.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Labona as HND290/.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and back to Townsville as HND292/3.

And Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air turboprop VH-HJS as HND100/1 and Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS HND120/1 both flew down from Cairns to Labona and back to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 April, VH-HJS did the same flight again.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

A Pair of Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters A40-027 & A40-026 Call into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 18 April, a pair of Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters - identified as A40-027 and A40-026 - were spotted calling into Rockhampton Airport.

A40-027 arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre as "Dropbear 112" before later departing to Townsville but as "Destrier 112'. 

While A40-026 arrived and departed as "Destrier 119".

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Sunshine Air Services (Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-VLZ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 April, Sunshine Air Services (of Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VLZ visited Hamilton Island Airport once again from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Essendon.  It had arrived into Hamo from Essendon back on Friday 7 April.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" flew up from Archerfield to Cairns and then down to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then hopped down to Mackay Airport and then back to Archerfield.

While a nice 'new' corporate turboprop in the form of Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 April, VH-8MF departed Hamo and returned to Moorabbin.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  Plus sistership VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 April, New South Wales based Amateur-built Bearhawk 4 Place Model B VH-TGN landed at Emerald Airport from RAAF Base Richmond and Narrabri.

UPDATE!  Over the rest of the week, VH-TGN flew across from Emerald Airport to Gladstone Airport and then up to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Gladstone Airport and then continuing to Goondiwindi and back to RAAF Base Richmond on Saturday 22 April.

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up to from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport before it then returned to Archerfield.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU flew into Maryborough, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and then Bundaberg Airports after flying up from Archerfield via Lismore and Grafton.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 April, VH-EQU continued up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports before finishing the day in Townsville.  On Wednesday 19 April, VH-EQU flew to Cairns and Innisfail before finishing the day at Mackay Airport.  On Thursday 20 April, VH-EQU departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield and Tamworth.

Finally, also on Monday 17 April, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85.

UPDATE!  As shown above, on Tuesday 18 April, VH-QQF completed two flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport before departing to Townsville on Wednesday 19 April.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport.

It joined fellow Seair Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH also flew into Rockhampton Airport but from Bundaberg Airport on Sunday 16 April.  

Both VH-TFB and VH-TLH then completed flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 April, both VH-TFB and VH-TLH completed more flights to Labona before both departed Rockhampton Airport for Hervey Bay Airport.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew into Labona from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before then popping down to Clermont Aerodrome and then returning to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

And a new aircraft to complete some Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and Labona in the form of Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS.

The recently re-painted King Air arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before completing a run to Labona and back.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 April, VH-ISS flew out to Labona from Rockhampton Airport before then flying back down to Archerfield.

Photos taken by Ryan Hothersall and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Uber Heli Executive Aviation Bell B206B Helicopter VH-WCS Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More Over the Weekend!

On Saturday 15 April, Uber Heli Executive Aviation Bell B206B helicopter VH-WCS flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then continued to up Mackay Airport.  It looked to have had arrived int Bundaberg Airport from its Archerfield base via Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports the previous day.

On Sunday 16 April, VH-WCS returned South from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton Airport before continuing to Hervey Bay Airport and then Archerfield.

Also on Saturday 15 April, WA based ECN Aviation Textron T206H VH-KWX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast before it then departed to Mackay Airport and Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to have flown up from Bankstown to the Goldie the previous day.

On Sunday 16 April, VH-KWX returned South from Hamilton Island Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, all the way down to the Sunshine Coast and then back to Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 16 April, Victoria based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SWI (ex VH-MOR) looked to arrive back into Longreach Airport from Cairns and Cooktown before then returning all the way back to its Warrnambool base.  As mentioned below, VH-SWI had flown North via Longreach Airport on Thursday 13 April. 

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ made yet another visit to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Saturday 15 April, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville to Bundaberg Airport and then Brisbane.  VH-OFA "Ambulance" looked to fly up from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport and then Townsville late on Friday 14 April.

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM passed through Longreach Airport, arriving from Tamworth and Moree, and later departed to Vanrook Station and Cairns.  (We haven't seen VH-KXM for a little while!!)

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-XNC "Rescue 440" & VH-XNE "Rescue 330" at Mackay Airport

On Friday 14 April, a pair of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets looked to complete search and rescue operations off Mackay with both eventually calling into Mackay Airport for fuel.

In the wee small hours of Friday morning, VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns and operated off Mackay Airport before landing at Mackay Airport.  It then took off and resumed the airwork before returning to Cairns.  Of interest, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" had only flown up to Cairns from Melbourne (Essendon) earlier on Thursday 13 April.

While later on Friday morning, VH-XNE as "Rescue 330" also flew down from Cairns to complete search and rescue operations off Mackay before also landing at Mackay Airport for fuel.

However, VH-XNE "Rescue 330" then flew from Mackay Airport to Melbourne (Essendon) but looked to promptly flying back all the way back to Mackay Airport where it landed in the wee small hours of Saturday 15 April.  It then took off again from Mackay Airport and then returned once again to Essendon.

Of interest, this appears to be the first visit by VH-XNE into the region since it returned from planned maintenance earlier in the year where it had some unique Indigenous artwork applied.

As shown, Torres Strait Islander artist Michael Nona, from Badu Island in the Torres Strait, was selected to produce the artwork following an Expression of Interest process run by the Torres Strait Regional Authority earlier this year.

The inspiring Indigenous design will be wrapped around the front of the Challenger 604 rescue aircraft, operated for AMSA by Cobham Special Mission, which is part of their search and rescue fleet in Australia.

The design concept features a shark, known as Baydham in Kala Lagaw Ya language, representing an important symbol in the Torres Strait region.  Known as the protector of the reef, sharks play a role in maintaining balance in the seas.

All photos taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Friday 14 April, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport once again from Archerfield.

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Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island then down to Planet Downs Station near Rolleston and then back to Archerfield.

New South Wales-based Beech 35-C33 Bonanza VH-DDB flew down from Rolleston Aerodrome to Moree and Bankstown.  It looks to have arrived into the region the previous day.

New South Wales-based Cessna 182 VH-FUZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Inverell.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA completed two flights from Archerfield to Moura Aerodrome and back to Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew down from Julia Creek to Hughenden and then my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Biloela / Thangool Airport.  It then flew onwards to Archerfield.  VH-MPT looks to have flown up there over the previous couple of days.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the North.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU departed Rockhampton Airport and completed an aerial survey flight out of and around Rocky before landing back at Rockhampton Airport.  It later departed and eventually landed at Mackay Airport.  VH-UJU had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and Brisbane in the days prior.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 April, VH-UJU departed Mackay Airport (pictured above) for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 April, Hinterland Aviation completed a swap of aircraft operating out of Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND320 and then Townsville as HND221.  While fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF flew down to Labona from Townsville as HND220 and then across to Rockhampton Airport as HND321. 

Finally, also on Friday 14 April, Bundaberg-based LifeFlight Bell 412EP VH-XCI "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Thangool and then Rockhampton Hospital then back to Bundaberg Airport. 

And RACQ LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ completed a training flight from Toowoomba to Chinchilla and Gladstone Airports and then back.

Victoria-based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SWI (ex VH-MOR) Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 April, Victoria-based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SWI (ex VH-MOR) was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from its Warrnambool base in Victoria and later departed to Cairns.

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Of interest, until March 2021, VH-SWI was previously registered VH-MOR and was a frequent visitor to Central Queensland!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 April, VH-SWI returned to Longreach Airport from Cairns and Cooktown before later departing down to Warrnambool.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Maryborough Airport from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. 

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It later departed to Townsville and then returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 April, 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.

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

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba to call into Maryborough Airport and then Emerald Airport.  It then continued up to Julia Creek before flying down to Longreach Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

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

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 April, VH-SGQ did the same flight, visiting Rockhampton Airport once again from Mount Isa - where it seems to be currently based.

Now locally-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-IEK was noted operating between Monduran Airfield near Bundaberg and Bundaberg Airport itself.

Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-EQF visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

UPDATE!  VH-EQF looked to visit Bundy once again on the same flight on Saturday 15 April.

While Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey VH-UHH looked to return to Emerald Airport after it appears to have operated out of Maryborough Airport for the week since arriving at the start of of the week.

And Tasmania-based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-LNZ flew into Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Charleville Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 April, VH-LNZ departed Mackay Airport for Walgett, Wagga Wagga and Devonport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Wednesday 12 April,  Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange and the Sunshine Coast to Emerald Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 April, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

While also visiting Emerald Airport was Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO which looked to arrive from Toowoomba and Maryborough Airports before it then appears to continue to the North-West.

Plus recently delivered Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed its Denison Downs (Emerald) base for the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Dalby and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 April, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 April, locally-based Beech F33A Bonanza VH-ZWB flew across to Rockhampton Airport from and back to Capella.  It had also completed the short hop to Emerald Airport and back to Capella at the start of the week.

Victoria-based Cessna 340A VH-OVY flew up from Lethbridge Airpark to Mackay Airport via Ararat and Walgett.

  

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 April, VH-OVY departed Mackay Airport for Middlemount Aerodrome and Narromine.  It looked to return 'home' to Lethbridge on Friday 14 April.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from Toowoomba to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport before later returning to Toowoomba.

While ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT also visited Mackay Airport but from its Townsville base.

And Mackay Airport-based Flyon Helicopters Agusta A109E VH-XUM flew up from Redcliffe to the Old Station, Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport at the conclusion of some planned maintenance.

Photos taken by 'AC'   ©

New Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI First Visit into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 April, only just delivered and recently registered Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland Airports.  The Grand Caravan flew up from their Gold Coast base to the Sunshine Coast and then Lady Elliot Island and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  VH-LYI later returned direct to the Gold Coast.

https://www.facebook.com/SeairPacific/

Of interest, VH-LYI was registered on the last day of March after it was delivered into the Gold Coast earlier in the month from the United States of America (USA) wearing the US registration marking of N562TL.

Of further interest, the registration marking of VH-LYI was previously worn by another Seair Pacific Cessna 208 Caravan 1 (pictured) for just under a year at the start of the decade.  The then VH-LYI was registered at the end of August 2019 and was then re-registered in mid-June 2020 as VH-MGC to the Crown Cattle Company in Hughenden.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 April, Handel Aviation (New South Wales) Cessna 210 VH-ZIK flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast and has since taken up aerial survey operations in the region.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 15 April, VH-ZIK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the Gold Coast after a week of aerial survey operations out of Hervey Bay, Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports.

Fellow aerial survey aircraft in the form of Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE continues to operate out of Mackay Airport after arriving from Redcliffe in the days prior.

Beech A36 Bonanza VH-ILG landed at Emerald Airport from Robe, Broken Hill and Charleville Airports.  It looked to originally fly down to South Australia at the start of the month.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW also landed at Emerald Airport but from Toowoomba via Moree, Griffith and Port Macquarie before it then returned to Toowoomba. 

While 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.

And of the other 'usual' charter flights, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and then back to Bundy.

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 to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ completed the run from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Labona as HND290/1.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND292/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 April, VH-HLL operated the Hinterland Aviation FIFO flights from Townsville to Labona and Mackay Airport and back as HND280/1/2/3.

Finally, also on Tuesday 11 April, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Miles Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later returned to Miles Airport and then hopped to Roma Airport before departing to Waikerie, Mildura and Moorabbin. 

Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet bizjet N958AG was noted departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for to the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from there last Thursday 6 April.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was back in the region yet again, arriving into Mackay Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Orange in New South Wales before later returning to Archerfield.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS Bizjet VH-XCU Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again - Plus More!

On Monday 10 April, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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On this occasion, it flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) direct before later returning back to Moorabbin but flying via Melbourne (Essendon).

And on Sunday 9 April, Sunshine Air Services (of Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VLZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 10 April, re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM flew up Lethbridge and Mildura in Victoria to Barcaldine Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, VH-UJM continued from Barcaldine Airport up to Cloncurry Airport and then Dinah Island and then to Cairns.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE was noted departing Redcliffe for Mackay Airport.  It immediately took up aerial survey operations.

And of interest, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV also remains in the region, visiting Emerald and Rockhampton Airports over the last few days, and arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville on Sunday 9 April.

Finally, several Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) movements, also on Monday 10 April, 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 11 April, VH-FAQ also operated one more flight to Labona from and back to Rockhampton Airport before then departing back to Archerfield.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport directly from Cairns as SKP799.  It should also operate flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 11 April before departing on Wednesday 12 April.

Of interest, fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF completed the Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back to Cairns service as SKP85/86.

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 Lady Elliot Island.  Both VH-TQW and VH-TLH then flew to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, 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 to the Gold Coast.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-CVN look to still be based at Rockhampton Airport and continue to operate their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to and back from Labona.  It appears that VH-MRZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport last Friday 7 April after completing a swap with VH-MRZ at Labona.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Saturday 8 April, Heli Niugini (Papua New Guinea) Kawasaki BK117B-1 helicopter P2-HNA was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while heading North.

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It looked to depart Caloundra (where it appears to have been undergoing planned maintenance) and call into Biloela / Thangool, Moranbah and Charters Towers Airports before finishing the day at Cairns.  It is assumed that over the next couple of days, it will continue home to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Of interest, P2-HNA flew South to Caloundra via other CQ Airports in January - see Blog post HERE.

While, locally-based Rockhampton Airport helicopters - which operate joyflights from Mount Jim Crow plus general charter flights - seems to have taken up operations with Heliflite Australia Robinson R44 Raven II VH-TBT, replacing their familiar Robinson R44 Raven I VH-VBH.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 April, Far North Queensland-based Piper PA-46-350P VH-NYP was noted departing Chinchilla Airport on return to its Mareeba base.  It had arrived from there on Thursday 6 April and was photographed below while parked up.

Re-registered Piper PA-28-180 Archer VH-MAJ flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Rockhampton Airport before continuing to RAAF Base Amberley.  It had flown North from there to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour via Biloela / Thangool and Emerald Airports at the start of the week.

Finally, also on Saturday 8 April, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.  It also appears to have visited on Wednesday 5 April.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was noted popping into Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  It later returned to the capital.

AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 921" flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before it then flew down to the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Bankstown.

Finally, overnight on Friday 7 April and into the wee small hours of Saturday 8 April, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC as "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before then continuing up to Cairns.  It then flew back down to land at Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFC has only just returned to Australia from Singapore (Seletar) where it appears to have also been re-painted into the new colours that are now adorned on fellow LifeFlight Challenger bizjets VH-OFA and VH-OFB.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-LEP Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 7 April, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.

It touched down from Melbourne (Essendon) and appeared to stay for at least the night.

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU was also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It arrived from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon).  VH-XCU later departed Hamo and returned to Moorabbin direct.

And Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD was also noted on the ground at Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive on Thursday 6 April from Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, VH-EZD was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for its Monto Aerodrome base.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 April, re-registered Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) looked to visit Rolleston Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And also locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Caboolture.

UPDATE!  On Monday 10 April, VH-NWF flew back into Clermont Aerodrome from Caboolture.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet Bizjet N958AG Arrives into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Thursday 6 April, Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet bizjet N958AG was noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the Gold Coast.

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, N958AG departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and returned to the Gold Coast.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY looked to fly up from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later returned to the Sunny Coast.

Fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY departed Middlemount Aerodrome and returned to Moranbah Airport after it arrived there the previous day.  It then returned to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back down to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Airs VH-ZSY and VH-NSN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.  VH-NSN then departed to the Sunshine Coast, whole VH-ZSY departed back to Townsville.  

Plus fellow Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW flew down from Townsville to Maryborough Airport before it then hopped to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  VH-SUW then returned to North to Townsville and then Cairns.

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was noted popping into Mackay Airport from Townsville.  It then departed to Bundaberg Airport and then to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 6 April, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD was back in the region again, flying up from Toowoomba to Longreach Airport and then further to Julia Creek.  It then flew down to Maryborough Airport and back to Toowoomba.

Brisbane-based Avcair Piper PA-31-325 VH-FHQ flew into Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, VH-FHQ departed Bundaberg Airport returned to Brisbane.

Brisbane-based Cessna 210 VH-BJP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Only just re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Barcaldine Airport before then flying down to Lethbridge, Victoria.  It had arrived into the Sunny Coast from Lethbridge the previous day.

New South Wales based Cirrus R22T VH-YZC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.  There was a few Cirrus aircraft heading North during the day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 April, VH-YZC departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns.

And 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.

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

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©