MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 31 May, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew into 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.

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During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane before later returning there but via Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 31 May, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS landed at Labona from Barkley Downs and then departed to Wellclose.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 June, VH-ISS departed Wellclose for Roma Airport.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew up from Archerfield to Townsville via Gladstone and Mackay Airports.

Finally, also on Wednesday 31 May, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' looked to complete its closed tourist chart flight, coming down from Townsville to Hamilton Island Airport and then Mackay Airport before it then flew down to Newcastle (Williamtown).

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

On Tuesday 30 May, Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Cairns and Townsville and later returned directly to Carins.

VH-SGQ also visited Rockhampton Airport on Monday 29 May from Cairns as posted below.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 30 May, 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.

Fellow Brescon Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW departed Wellcamp for Yellow Bank Junction, Rolleston Aerodrome and Chinchilla Aerodrome before returning to Wellcamp.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but via Mackay Airport before returning to Bundy direct.

While Handel Aviation Cessna 402C VH-VID completing an aerial survey flight over Bundaberg Airport after earlier departing the Gold Coast.

And Aerlink (ex Hevilift) ATR 72-500 looked to call into Mackay Airport, flying from and back to Brisbane and Moranbah Airports as HT719/721/722/720.  That's different!

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 May, recently delivered Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ visited Cloncurry Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield (returning via Brisbane).

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

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Multiple Australian Defence Force (ADF) Aircraft and Helicopters Call into Rockhampton Airport and Other CQ Airports

On Tuesday 30 May, several Australian Defence Force aircraft and helicopters were spotted and noted visiting Rockhampton Airport, mostly in support of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Black Dagger which is currently underway out of Townsville and into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

After arriving the previous day, RAAF Search and Rescue (SAR) / CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW "Choppa 22" flew from Rockhampton Airport to Shoalwater Bay and then later back to Rockhampton Airport.  It is assumed it will repeat this pattern over the week.

Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A VH-LFA "Beagle 11" also flew down into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before later returning there.  Again, it is assumed it will repeat this pattern over the week.

Of interest, RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-048 as "Mayhem 14" flew down from Townsville and operated in Shoalwater Bay before it later returned to Townsville.  Later, A54-048, now as "Mayhem 17" again flew down from Townsville to the Bay and on completion, returned to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 31 May, PC-21 A54-048 as "Mayhem 02" flew down from Townsville to the Bay and back after and then in the afternoon, it returned but as "Mayhem 15".  While fellow PC-21s A54-047 and A54-046 operated as "Reaper 11" and "Reaper 12" but to the West of Townsville. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 30 May, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops A32-671 "Hudson 05" and A32-426 "Hudson 10" both arrived at Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast - after some airwork.  

A bit later A32-671 now as "Hudson 06" and then A32-426 now as "Hudson 07" both departed to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 31 May, A32-671 as "Hudson 10" and A32-426 as "Hudson 07" flew down from Cairns to complete airwork at Richmond then to land at Longreach Airport.  After a break, A32-671 as "Hudson 10" departed to complete more airwork to the North-East of Longreach before then flying up to near Proserpine and down to land at Mackay Airport.  A32-426 as "Hudson 06" this time, departed Longreach to complete airwork at Emerald Airport before then also landing at Mackay Airport.

Of interest, on Monday 29 May, fellow RAAF Super King Air A32-437 as "Hudson 05" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base East Sale before it later departed back there.

While Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 as "Pegasus 9" was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before it then departed to the South.

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 33" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and Coffs Harbour before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport and Cairns.  This appears to be one of the 34 Squadron's training flights.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 31 May, A56-003 "Envoy 33" departed Cairns for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Rockhampton Airports before continuing to the Gold Coast, Tamworth and back to Canberra.

And RAAF Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-001 "Dragon 63" flew across from Perth to South of Townsville to meet a flight of RAAF Super Hornets, taking them South until it then descended to fly low-level off the Capricorn coast before climbing again to continue onwards to Amberley.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and John Lee  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300s VH-QQL and VH-QQM Start Flying to Labona Airstrip at Carmichael Coal Mine - VH-QQL Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 29 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It earlier flew down from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 and then completed a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

As mentioned previously, VH-QQL was delivered to Skytrans Airlines at Cairns in November 2022, wearing the Canadian registration marking of C-FNCU.  It first flew in British Airways livery as G-NVSB flown by various operators before going to Voyageur Airways on the behalf of the United Nations.  It looked to actually make its first visit to Labona in early February and was spotted (below) operating the SKP85/86 flight between Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Friday 10 February - possibly its first visit into CQ.

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While making what we believe was its first visit into CQ since it was delivered just last month in April 2023, back on Thursday 11 May, was Skytrans Airlines other recently delivered Dash-8-300 VH-QQM.  It looked to also complete the Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back run as SKP85/86.  VH-QQM also completed the SKP85/86 run on Thursday 18 May and has also this week been noted completing flights Labona from Townsville Airport and back for the first time.

Of interest, VH-QQM was delivered to Cairns wearing the Canadian registration marking of C-FTAK of Voyager Airways.  The Dash-8-300 has been operated by and for various regional airlines of Air Canada since 1990.  Hopefully we will see VH-QQM at Rockhampton Airport soon!

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 May, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' departed Mackay Airport for Townsville as it continued its closed tourist charter flight.

Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNC looked to fly up from Watts Bridge to eventually call into Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Charters Towers Aerodrome after a period of undergoing planned maintenance.  

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 May, VH-BNC continued from Charters Towers Aerodrome to Mareeba.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from its Armidale base before then continuing up to Cairns.  VH-OXY then flew back to Armidale.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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 and the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, also on Monday 29 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Moree before it then departed to Vanrook Station. 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Broken Hill, Waikerie, Melbourne (Essendon) and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Roma Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by John Lee and 'AC'  ©

A Pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Complete Airwork at Dysart Aerodrome - A34-007 "Kaos 71" & A34-004 "Kaos 72"

Also on Monday 29 May, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted flying from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville but via both of them completing airwork at Dysart Aerodrome.

They were identified as A34-007 "Kaos 71" and A34-004 "Kaos 72" and both were photographed above as they arrived into Townsville where they are reportedly deploying for an exercise.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 June, both A34-007 "Kaos 71" and A34-004 "Kaos 72" flew back down to Amberley from Townville following their exercise.  A34-007 flew direct but A34-004 "Kaos 72" again looked to complete airwork again at Dysart Aerodrome.

Sincere thanks to Townsville plane spotter Graham A for allowing us to share his great photos!

All photos taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-RQW "Choppa 22" Deploys to Rockhampton Airport for Exercise Black Dagger

On Monday 29 May, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW was photographed as it arrived into Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as "Choppa 22" and flew down from Townsville via Mackay Airport.

The Agusta operates for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role by CHC Helicopters / Lloyd Helicopters.

It is assumed that it has flown into Rockhampton Airport on deployment in support of the final week of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Black Dagger which looks to be mostly taking place in the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

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  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTQ Continues its Charter Flight at CQ Airports Over the Weekend - Plus More!

Over the course of the weekend, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' was spotted and noted visiting a couple more Central Queensland Airports as its closed tourist charter flight continued.

On Saturday 27 May, it flew out from Gladstone Airport to the East and flew at low level around Lady Musgrave Island then around the reefs North of there then around Heron Island and to land at Rockhampton Airport.

Then on Sunday 28 May, VH-OTQ was photographed (above) before it later departed to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 May, VH-OTQ 'PE990" continued from Mackay Airport to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also over the weekend, also on Sunday 28 May, brand new and recently delivered Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ was photographed as it departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

It had arrived from there on Friday 26 May.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was also spotted departing Hamilton Island Airport but for Archerfield.

It had arrived from there on Thursday 25 May.

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

Zauner Aviation Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FMM departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for its Albury base via the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from these places on Friday 26 May.

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed its Denison Downs (Emerald) base for the Whitsunday Airpoort at Shute Harbour before later returning there.

And Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Boulia and Barrow Creek before returning direct to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Saturday 27 May, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 141" called into Moura Aerodrome from Dubbo, Bourke and Alice Springs.  It later returned to Dubbo via Archerfield.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Tambo Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Sydneyean Air (Sydney) Piper PA-31-350 VH-JVD was noted departing Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and Archerfield.  It seems to be on a closed tourist charter flight through parts of the region.

Kirkhope Aviation (of Melbourne) Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOK also seems to be on a closed tourist charter flight and flew from Mareeba to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then the Carnarvon Ranges.

While of the various aerial survey aircraft in the region, Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU continues to operate out of Roma Airport, 

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL is operating out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW "Survey 24" is operating out of Mackay Airport.

Plus, it's worth mentioning that Robinson R44 Raven II VH-TBT which operates joy flights from near Mount Hedlow is now registered to Rockhampton Helicopters.

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Nick Sainsbury  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Ausy 337" Completes Missed Approach at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 27 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-001 was heard completing a missed approach at Longreach Airport as "Ausy 337".

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It flew up from Canberra and after completing airwork at Longreach, continued to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 May, A36-001 "Ausy 337" flew out from Cairns for Seoul, South Korea.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 27 May, there was one more visit by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 61" which was again noted flying into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then flew back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Calen Harvey  ©

Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More - UPDATED with PIC!

On Friday 26 May, brand new and recently delivered Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from what appears to be its Sunshine Coast base.

The brand-new Citation arrived into Australia at Armidale (NSW) on Tuesday 16 May from Wichita (USA) via all stops.  It flew up to the Sunshine Coast the next day and the flight to Hamo is its first.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 May, VH-8CJ was photographed above as it departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

While over on the mainland, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 May, VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport and returned to Shute Harbour before then heading down to Broken Hill, Waikere, Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Of interest, VH-WMY visited Miles Airport twice on Friday 25 May.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 25 May, Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO flew down from Longreach Airport to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/45 turboprop VH-XAQ flew down from Cairns to Emerald Airport and then Injune Aerodrome.  It seems to be on a closed tourist charter flight and flew up to Far North Queensland ten days earlier.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site from Brisbane before then flying down to Moree and Newcastle (Williamtown) Tamworth.  It then returned to Brisbane. 

And RACQ LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIL completed a training flight from Toowoomba to Gladstone Airport via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 61" & A34-007 "Wallaby 74" Both Call into Shoalwater Bay (and Rockhampton Airport!)

On Friday 26 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 61" was noted flying yet again into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to the Bay and then back to Amberley.

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Fellow RAAF C-27J Spartan A34-007 as "Wallaby 74" was also noted flying into Samuel Hill Airfield from and then back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Jason Miller  ©

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - South-Eastern Section - Textron B300C Super King Air VH-MQK "FlyDoc 286" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 May, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - South-Eastern Section - Textron B300C Super King Air VH-MQK as "FlyDoc 286" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth.

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UPDATE!  On Friday 26 May, VH-MQK "FlyDoc 286" departed Rockhampton Airport for Albury and then Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 May,  Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport via some sightseeing over the water.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew up to Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield before then returning there.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also arrived into Labona but from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before it then returned to these places. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa before it then departed to Brisbane via a low pass over Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW flew up to Mackay Airport from Goulburn. 

UPDATE!  Over the next couple of days, VH-VEW began operating aerial survey flights out of Mackay and Emerald Airports as "Survey 24".

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE had a busy day of flying, visiting Maryborough, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Bundaberg, Moura, Rolleston and Ingelara Airports while flying out of Canberra (yesterday) and Brisbane.

 

And Campbell Aviation (NSW) Piper PA-28-181 VH-XGN and Schofield Flying Club (NSW) Cessna 182 VH-ZFC flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Old Station.  Both aircraft look to have flown up to Far North Queensland over the previous 10 days with them also calling into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Emerald and Longreach Airports last week.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 May, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Emerald Airport while flying South from Townsville to Archerfield presumably for a period of planned maintenance.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-004 "Wallaby 61" Flys into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area - Plus More

On Thursday 25 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 was noted flying up from RAAF Base Amberley and into the Samuel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

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A34-004 was flying as "Wallaby 61" and is yet another arrival into the training area ahead of upcoming military exercises.  It arrived from and departed back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 May, the action of the RAAF's Exercise Black Dagger came down from Townsville to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 as "Mayhem 17" and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets as "Viking flt" flying down from and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe J32 VH-OTQ Arrives into Bundaberg Airport – Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 May, a nice surprise visitor to Central Queensland in the form of FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ which was photographed at Bundaberg Airport.

It seems to have arrived from Brisbane as PE990 and is possibly visiting the region on a closed tourist charter flight.

UPDATE!  Over the next week, VH-OTQ visited Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Hamilton Island Airports - as mentioned is the daily Blogs above!

While also spotted at Bundaberg Airport, also on Wednesday 24 May, were the familiar sights of Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ of Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) which visited from the Gold Coast. 

And Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW visited from Toowoomba and Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 May, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Lady Elliot Island to Rockhampton Airport before heading out to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Finally, a couple of bizjets noted around the region, also on Wednesday 24 May, included Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM which called into Longreach Airport from Vanrook Station before then departing to Walgett and Armidale. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo and Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 May, VH-HQK "Navair 141" departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield and then Dubbo.

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 27" Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was spotted back in the region again but this time completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

A30-005 was this time flying as "Wedgetail 27" and looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before then flying back down to Williamtown via more airwork at Coffs Harbour.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) yet again.

It again flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Samuel Hill Airfield before again popping down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Samuel Hill Airfield before then flying back down to Amberley.

New Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TQV First Visit to CQ at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 23 May, newly delivered Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TQV was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland, arriving into Rockhampton Airport directly from Cairns as HND710.

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VH-TQV later returned to Cairns again as HND710.

Of interest, VH-TQV was acquired by Hinterland Aviation earlier in the year from AviAir in South Australia after the Cessna Grand Caravan spent time operating for the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service as "Park Air 7".

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Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 May, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH, which arrived from Gold Coast late yesterday, departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona and back before then departing to Lady Elliott Island. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then flew to Labona and back before departing back to Archerfield. 

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to 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.

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to the Sunshine Coast before continuing to Rolleston Aerodrome and Yellow Bank Junction before then returning back to Wellcamp. 

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Robert Myers  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 61" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

During the late afternoon on Tuesday 23 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as "Wallaby 61" and flew down from the Smauel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) having earlier flown up from RAAF Base Amberley.

The Spartan then departed back to Samuel Hill Airfield before returning to Amberly.

As posted below, A34-010 "Wallaby 61" has visited the Shoalwater Bay Training Area each day since Sunday from and back to Amberley, presumably ferrying personnel and equipment into the Training Area ahead from upcoming military exercises.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 May, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 25" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before then heading back South.

Photo taken by Jason Miller  ©

Jet City (Melbourne) Cessna 750 Citation X Bizjet VH-XCJ Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 22 May, Jet City (Melbourne) Cessna 750 Citation X bizjet VH-XCJ was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base via Newcastle (Williamtown).

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 May, VH-XCJ departed Longreach Airport for Alice Springs.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 May, 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.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  It made two more similar visits on Wednesday 24 May and Friday 26 May.

Victoria-based Amateur-built Van's RV-12 VH-MAW flew across from Bundaberg Airport to Emerald Airport and then Longreach Airport.  It looked to fly up from its Bendigo base late last week and spent the weekend at the Rum City - including a run to Monduran Airfield on Sunday 21 May.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Longreach Airport before finishing the day at Mount Isa.

And MKR Choppers Bell Helicopter Textron 407 VH-LEC was seen flying around Emerald Airport.

Photo taken by Alan Macdonald  ©

Re-painted Australian Army Marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF "Warhorse 207" Returns to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 22 May, a surprise visitor made a return to Central Queensland in the form of Australian Army marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF.

The chopper called into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Townsville and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Warhorse 207".

VH-YBF flew up from Bankstown to the Gold Coast the previous day and was photographed below resting at the Goldie.

VH-YBF had flown South to Bankstown in early April for what we thought was and end-of-lease maintenance lay-up - clearly not though - and the chopper looks great in a revised livery.

As previously mentioned, VH-YBF and fellow AW139 VH-YBG are registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and are two of three(?) AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 May, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Black Dagger 23-1 which is currently underway out of Townsville, saw the RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-048 as "Raven 16" fly down to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area to complete a sortie from and back to Townsville Airport.

Finally, also on Monday 22 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within Shoalwater Bay three separate times on flights from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  For each flight, it was heard to use the radio callsign of "Wallaby 61".

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-RQW "Choppa 22" Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 21 May, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while heading to Townsville to participate in an Exercise.

VH-RQW was flying as "Choppa 22" and originally departed RAAF Base Amberley for Gladstone Airport before it then flew into Mackay Airport and then into Townsville - pictured above.

The Agusta operates for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role by CHC Helicopters / Lloyd Helicopters.

It is assumed that it has flown into Townsville to support the RAAF's Exercise Black Dagger.

Exercise Black Dagger 23-1 is the closing activity for No. 71 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course. The exercise requires students to coordinate the live and simulated employment of aircraft and ordnance in a range of air and ground scenarios.  The Air Force has deployed personnel and aircraft to RAAF Base Townsville to conduct Exercise Black Dagger from Monday 22 May to Friday 2 June 2023.

No. 4 Squadron will deploy Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and be supported by F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 77 Squadron.  Aircraft will also operate into the Townsville Field and Shoalwater Bay Training Areas.

And speaking of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, also on Sunday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within Shoalwater Bay on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  It was heard to use the radio callsign of "Wallaby 61".

Photo taken by 'BW'  ©