Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-FGJ Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 31 October, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from Griffith and then later depart to Melbourne (Essendon).

While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK arrived into Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It is due to return to those places on Wednesday 1 November. 

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed back to Archerfield. 

Meawhile. also on Tuesday 31 December, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR arrived into Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba.  It later departed back to those places and then Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Oaky Creek Mine Site. 

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP arrived into Mackay Airport from the North-East.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 October, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCK as "Rescue 522" on some search operations North-East of Bundaberg.  The Challenger then landed at Bundy and later departed back to Essendon.

VH-XCK "Rescue 522" then flew to the Bundaberg Hospital. 

Photos taken by 'AC' and Swavek Topolski  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 "Stallion 75" Missed Approach at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 31 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 was noted completing a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew directly up to Hamo where it completed the missed approach. It then returned to Amberley.

Of interest, A41-208 was heard to be using the flight number and radio callsign of "Stallion 75".

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Wallaby 25" was noted completing airwork at Wondai Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY "Machflight 41" Also Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 October, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. 

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

It later returned directly to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 October, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before it then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome.  VH-LYI then returned to Hervey Bay Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba. 

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Miles Airport. 

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra to land at Emerald Airport.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Innisfail and then departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Gold Coast-based Diamond DA 40 NG VH-FZI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 October, VH-FZI departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

The two Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopters VH-JIW and VH-JUF that flew down from Cairns to Southport together late last week, returned back up Cairns from there, again flying via Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 30 October, yet more bushfires in the region saw Bundaberg Airport come alive again with aerial firefighting aircraft and helicopters including:  

Agair Logistics P/L Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-YRY as "Bomber 350" and VH-SQS as "Bomber 356".

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAV as "Bomber 266".

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR as "Helitack 516".

Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125".

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141" flew South and operated out of Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as "Helitak 365"

Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B2 Squirrel VH-LBT as "Firebird 421".

And Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404".

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 October, a second Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" joined in.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B Big-lifter Helicopter N1601L as "Helitak 339" joined in.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Envoy 90" Arrives into at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More

On Monday 30 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 was photographed soon after arriving into Bundaberg Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Envoy 90" and looked to fly up directly from Canberra.

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 October, A36-001 "Envoy 90" departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Kaos 61" operated out of RAAF Base Amberley on a flight around the scenic rim.  It did a similar flight the previous week.

UPDATE!  It's worth nothing that on Tuesday 31 October, fellow C-27J Spartan A34-005 as "Kaos 62" did a similar flight including some airwork at Miles Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

German Registered Air Alsie Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet D-ACFL Brings Sir Paul McCartney to Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

A massive celebrity arrival into Hamilton Island Airport on Sunday 29 October with Sir Paul McCartney arriving from Sydney on board his chartered German registered Air Alsie Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet D-ACFL which arrived from Sydney as 'MMD6515' / "Mermaid 6515".

He is in Australia for a series of concerts and it is assumed that Sir Paul has come to the Whitsundays for a bit of rest and relaxation.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, D-ACFL departed Hamo for Brisbane where Sir Paul McCartney is due to perform.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 29 October, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew into Longreach Airports from Archerfield.  It then looked to continue further West to Alice Springs.

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

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns as SKP526.

Finally, on Saturday 28 October, after arriving earlier in the week, Gulf Aircraft Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-PYN departed Mackay Airport for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Brisbane.

It had arrived from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Prosperine and Mackay Airports on Wednesday 25 October.

And Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU operated an aerial survey flight out of Rockhampton Airport down to Gladstone and then out to the West and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photos taken by Grahame Hutchison and 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 27 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued out to Longreach Airport.

File photo

VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" then appeared to fly out to Mount Isa and then back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 October, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville and Cairns.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

While New South Wales based Piper PA-30 Commanche VH-HPR landed at Emerald Airport from Maitland and then departed to Cairns. 

And Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as "Helitak 365" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield and then departed towards Gladstone. 

Finally, late on Thursday 26 October, Hinterland Aviation completed a swap of aircraft operating Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights out of Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND3350 and then Townsville as HND2251.  While fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES flew down to Labona from Townsville as HND2250 and then across to Rockhampton Airport as HND3351.

UPDATE!  This was the last time we saw VH-LZK in CQ in its current livery with it re-painted into the blue and white livery of Hinterland Aviation at Redcliffe over the Christmas / New Year's period.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Airbus A330-MRTT '765' and Lockheed C-130H Hercules '731' Back at Rockhampton Airport - Final Exercise Wallaby 2023 Movements!

On Thursday 26 October, a pair of The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) transport aircraft were both at Rockhampton Airport in what must be the final movements after the end of The Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23).

RSAF Airbus A330-243 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft '765' arrived from Singapore via Cairns as "SAF8347".

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 October, the A330-MRTT departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns and then Singapore.

And RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '731' departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin as "SAF6354".

It appeared to have arrived into Rocky from Singapore and Darwin on Wednesday 25 October.

All done and dusted for Exercise Wallaby 2023!

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP Starts Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Continuing a big week for Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) into Central Queensland, on Thursday 26 October, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP completed the first ever visit by the airline on a FIFO charter flight into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as JTE392.

After some time on the ground, VH-IYP returned to Brisbane but as JTE393.

As mentioned below, there are now two NJE Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen aircraft - VH-IYP and VH-IYK - operating out of Brisbane on closed FIFO charter flights to Moranbah Airport (week-daily), Emerald Airport (Tuesdays) and now Rocky.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 26 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew down from Townsville Airport to Emerald and then Rockhampton Airports.  It then returned to Townsville.

Fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" also looked to visit Emerald Airport but from Brisbane.

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE looked to fly across from Natal Downs to Rockhampton Airport.  It seems to have flown up from its Canberra base the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 October, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Canberra.

And a pair of Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopters VH-JIW and VH-JUF flew down from Cairns to Southport together, flying via Townsville, Mackay and Gladstone Airports.

Finally, on a quiet Wednesday 25 October,  MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 169" was also noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport but from Bankstown and the Shellharbour Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 29 October, VH-MQX "Navair 169" returned to the Shellharbour Airport and Bankstown from Hamo.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great first-time visitor to Rocky!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK Starts Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights into Emerald Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Tuesday 24 October, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK made its first ever visit into Central Queensland and completed the first ever visit by the airline on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Brisbane as JTE388.

VH-IYK then flew up to Moranbah Airport before returning back to Emerald Airport where it will spend the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 October, VH-IYK was photographed (above) preparing to depart Emerald Airport for Moranbah Airport and then to Brisbane as JTE381.

Of interest, VH-IYK only ferried into Brisbane from Perth via Adelaide over the previous weekend and now joins fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 VH-IYP in operating FIFO charter flights out of Brisbane into Moranbah Airport and other places.

And another FIFO charter flight into Emerald Airport on Tuesday 24 October with Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-100 VH-QQB visiting from Brisbane and Toowooma-Wellcamp as SKP745/6.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 24 October, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 24 October, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up to Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG called into Emerald Airport from the North before continuing to Watts Bridge Airfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.

YCAB Aviation Mooney M20R VH-OVH visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ looked to fly up to Collinsville from Brisbane and then across to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Oaky Creek and back to Mackay Airport but looks to have suffered a technical problem.

Fellow Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY was due to make a late arrival into Mackay Airport from Goulburn.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 October, VH-VEY departed Mackay Airport for Collinsville, Oaky Creek and Brisbane, while VH-VEJ flew from Mackay Airport to Goulburn.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

American Registered Cirrus SR22 N512CA Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 October, what appears to be new American registered Cirrus SR22 -G6 N512CA popped into Longreach Airport while heading North to ferry overseas.

https://www.aircraft.com/

It arrived into Longreach Airport from Archerfield and departed to Mount Isa.  It is due to continue to Darwin and overseas in the coming days.  N512CA had flown into Archerfield over this previous weekend from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 October, Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and later departed to Caloundra.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 24 October, VH-EQD visited Rockhampton Airport once again but this time from Toowoomba.

New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO popped into Bundaberg Airport while flying up from Northern New South Wales and then towards Mount Isa.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour once again from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And Brisbane-based Aeroprakt-32 VH-YVQ landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports. 

It seemed to be joined by Diamond DA-40 VH-EUU which also landed at Longreach Airport from the same route.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Calls into some CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 22 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.

File photo

Later, it arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Brisbane. 

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 187" landed at Emerald Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.  It later continued up to Mackay Airport and then all the way down to Bankstown.

And Seair Pacific / Istelcote De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-BVS flew out of the Gold Coast to Roma Airport and then to Brisbane and back to the Goldie.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY "Machflight 28" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 21 October, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 28" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sunshine Coast. 

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

It also visited Hamo earlier in the week!

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

And Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200C VH-HPP flew into Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It looks to be due to return to these places on Sunday 22 October.

Visiting Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon (B737-800A) NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" Assists with Rescue off the Keppels

On Saturday 21 October, a visiting Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon (B737-800A) NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" had departed RAAF Base Amberley and was operating off the Central Queensland coast and heard a distress beacon.  They opted to locate it and found two people in the water wearing lifejackets East of the Keppels. 

https://www.facebook.com/aaronsaircraftimages

The Poseidon flew around them until the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR "Rescue 300", and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" were on scene. 

VH-XNC "Rescue 440" had flown down from Cairns earlier to complete search operations near Longreach and had refuelled at Longreach Airport and had departed back to Cairns when it was re-tasked out to the search and rescue near the Keppels.  It eventually landed at Rockhampton Airport for fuel and then later returned to Cairns.

When they arrived NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" left and went back to what it was doing.  Of interest, it had also operated off the CQ Coast over the last couple of days.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Calls into Mackay and Emerald Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 20 October, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" flew up to Mackay Airport from Bankstown.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport, Bourke and then Melbourne (Essendon). 

File photo

And Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB arrived into Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 24 October, VH-EWB departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 20 October, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville. 

While the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ landed at Emerald Airport from Townsville. It then departed to Archerfield possibly for planned maintenance.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG as SKP541 departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane. 

Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as "Zedair 440" landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Mackay Airport.

And four lighties popped into Gladstone Airport heading in different directions including Piper PA-32R VH-LTC, Cessna 182R VH-JCU, Beech 36 VH-DYH and Cessna 177 VH-DZR.

Finally, also on Friday 20 October, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQG as UTY4031 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Hamilton Island Airports.  It then departed to Alice Springs on a closed tourist charter. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 October, the Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQG this time as UTY4032 arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Ayers Rock.  It then departed to Hamilton Island and Townsville Airports. 

Photos taken by 'JM' and John Lee  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2023 - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '734' Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 20 October, perhaps the final movement in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23) with The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '734' spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying down from Darwin as 'SAF6350'.  It had arrived there from Singapore the previous day.

It parked on the Northern military hardstand and looked to be loaded with carious pieces of equipment.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 October, C-130H '734' departed to Darwin again as 'SAF6350'.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ "Navair 123" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 October, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 123" visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

File photo

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" visited Mackay Airport from Townsville.

UPDATE!  After some research, this is the first time that VH-URR has been in Central Queensland since December 2022.  It appears to have spent time flying to other parts of Australia and overseas where it has also been re-painted and had 'LifeFlight Singapore' titles added as shown in the photo above which is from May 2023.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Dalby.  It had arrived into Rocky late on Wednesday 18 October from Natal Downs via Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 19 October, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.  It later returned there via the Sunshine Coast.

While AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  It returned to Archerfield direct. 

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU flew up from Toowoomba to Emerald Airport and then across to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM which flew up from Gayndah Aerodrome to Middlemount Aerodrome during the morning, flew down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Gayndah Aerodrome.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew up from Townsville from Archerfield via Emerald Airport.  It is believed to have undergone planned maintenance while at Archerfield. 

And at the completion of the Singapore Armed Forces' Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23), the LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA "Guardian 10" flew down from The Glen Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) to Bundaberg Airport and beyond.

Photos taken by John Lee and Ryan Hothersall  ©

Bushfires in the Region Sees a Number Aerial Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters Come and Go at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

In what seems to be a repeating pattern, on Wednesday 18 October (and again on Thursday 19 October), bushfires in the region saw a number of firefighting aircraft and helicopters coming and going from Bundaberg Airport, including:

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR "Helitack 516".

Three Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft - VH-XAV as "Bomber 266" (first time we've seen this aircraft), VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" and VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455".

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141".

https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandEmergencyServices

Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125".

Plus fellow Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370".

And during the afternoon, Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as Helitak 365 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Meanwhile, also noted at Bundaberg Airport, also on Wednesday 18 October, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cairns.  It then flew to Townsville at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 October, VH-SGQ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

And Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra and Caloundra to Maryborough Airport and then Bundaberg Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 18 October, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Roma Airports before then departing back to those places. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB landed at Arcadia from Toowoomba and then returned to there. 

And the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy Bizjet VH-VLT Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 17 October, Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney. 

File photo

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX landed at Gladstone from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 October, VH-VKX departed Gladstone Airport to Miles Airport and this afternoon on to Brisbane. 

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

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 17 October, The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP745 landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and a bit later departed back to those places but as SKP746.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

RACQ Central Queensland (CQ) Rescue Helicopter Rescue Service Remembers Crash Victims Today

The RACQ-CQ Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue) has flown thousands of missions in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions since it was established in 1996. The service is credited with having saved countless lives, and improved the outcomes for many of its patients. Some of the tasks the service attends can be intense, with the crews dealing with the trauma of road accidents and search and rescues.

However, tragedy unfortunately struck the service in 2003 when on Friday 17 October, the CQ Rescue chopper, which was on a routine medical retrieval to Hamilton Island, failed to arrive at its destination.

The wreckage of the Bell 407 chopper VH-HTD (pictured below in 2002) was discovered six metres under water, about 15 kilometres north of Mackay.

The crew, all aged 31, were very experienced at their jobs, but sadly all perished in the tragedy. A memorial stone (pictured below) was unveiled at Mackay Airport, near the RACQ-CQ Rescue building and hangar on the Western side of the Airport.

The RACQ-CQ Rescue Helicopter service is a valuable service that serves a vast area of Central Queensland. Donations are welcomed all year round. Visit the CQ Rescue website (https://cqrescue.org.au/) for details.

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 October, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 October, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC11' / "Machflight 11" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Cairns.

Mooney M20J VH-KDC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Normanton. 

And newly registered Helibras AS350B2 Esquilo VH-EQP looked to fly up from Caloundra to the Sunshine Coast, Orchid Beach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Bundaberg Airports.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 October, VH-EQP continued to Gladstone Airport, Rockhampton Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Hamilton Island Airport.  After completing a couple of local flights, on Thursday 19 October and Friday 20 October, VH-EQP flew down to Toowoomba via Emerald and Dalby Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 16 October, Sharp Airlines Metro III VH-OZV flew as "Sharp 129" flying from Mackay to Brisbane diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  After two weeks, on Monday 30 October, VH-OZV finally departed Rockhampton Airport as "Sharp103F" for Brisbane.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 9V-SHQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport in Support of Exercise Wallaby 2023

Also on Monday 16 October, Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-951 9V-SHQ was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport direct from Singapore's Changi Airport as SIA8921.

After loading a full flight of personnel and equipment, it departed back to Changi but as SIA8928.

It is believed that this flight concludes the waves of heavy jet passenger charter flights in and out of Rockhampton Airport in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23).

Bring on Wallaby 2024!

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D+ Fighting Falcon Jets - Plus Airbus A330-MRTT '765' - And Lockheed C-130H Hercules '733' - All Depart Rockhampton Airport For Good!

As mentioned below, on Monday 16 October, most of the participating Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopters and aircraft departed Rockhampton Airport for good following their participation in the latest iteration of the Singapore Armed forces Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23).

After arriving the previous after from Singapore, RSAF Airbus A330-243 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft '765' departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns and then Singapore again as "SAF8333".

It went shortly before the four RSAF General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16D+ (F-16D Block 52+ Version) Fighting Falcon jets also departed Rockhampton Airport, also bound for a refuelling stop at Cairns before then continuing to Singapore.

The four F-16s - 677, 662, 665 and 679 - took to the air again using the ferrying flight callsigns of "SAF 3315A-D".

Lastly, RSAF Lockheed C-130H transport aircraft '733', which had been deployed to Rockhampton Airport for most of the Exercise and completed multiple daily flights to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rockhampton Airport, also departed to Cairns before then flying onwards to Darwin.

It was heard to use the radio callsign of "SAF6348".

Fellow RSAF C-130H Hercules '731' which arrived the previous day from Darwin as "SAF6348" appeared to break down and reports suggest a quick unload and then re-load of personnel and equipment took place in order to get the serviceable Herc '733' off the ground and on to Cairns and Darwin.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 October, '733' as "SAF6348" departed Darwin for Singapore.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 October, '731' as "SAF6342" departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin with it then continuing to Singapore on Thursday 19 October.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters at Rockhampton and Cairns for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, Jensen Jackson, Graham Aspinall and Trevor Hardsman  ©