Thursday, November 30, 2023

Wrightsair P/L (now Whitsunday Air Services / Hamilton Island Air) Gippsland GA8 Airvan VH-WRA Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

Also on Thursday 30 November, Wrightsair P/L Gippsland GA8 Airvan VH-WRA landed at Longreach Airport from William Creek in South Australia.  It then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where we presume it will take up operations with a local operator.

https://www.facebook.com/Wrightsair

UPDATE!  In early December, VH-WRA was re-registered to Whitsunday Air Services / Hamilton Island Air and yes it looks to have taken up operations out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast. It then departed to Brisbane.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON as "Navair 170" flew to Labona as well but from and back to Archerfield.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport then departed to Brisbane.

Wieland Aviation / McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D Transport Aircraft VH-RPR Arrives into the Old Station Farm at Raglan for Storage

On Thursday 30 November, what a sight to see Wieland Aviation / McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D transport aircraft VH-RPR photographed at The Old Station Farm at Raglan after arriving from Townsville.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup

The Transall is looking resplendent in its new colours after emerging from the Flying Colours Aviation hangar at Townsville.

The ex-Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Transall C-160D was acquired by and ferried from Germany by New South Wales-based Wieland Aviation and is one of three C-160s they hope to bring to Australia.  The planes will become part of the country's National Aerial Firefighting Fleet (NAFC).

VH-RPR (msn D-120) (ex 50+83) flew out of Kiel in Germany during August and September and is planned to be operated from the Sunshine Coast Airport by local operator McDermott Aviation Group.  It flew into Townsville from the Sunshine Coast during October.

https://www.facebook.com/BxAviation

The other two C-160s are registered VH-RFW (msn D-125) (ex 50+88) and VH-TIT (msn D-077) (ex 50+55).  

https://www.facebook.com/BxAviation

VH-TIT was delivered and re-painted first in Townsville during October and November and was photographed ferrying in from Germany (above) in mid-October, and then photographed ferrying out to the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago (below).
 
https://www.facebook.com/BxAviation

VH-RPR and VH-TIT were manufactured in 1970, while VH-RFW was built in 1971. Rolls-Royce Tyne Mak 22 engines power both engines. It is believed they are the only civilian C-160s anywhere in the world. 

The Luftwaffe had used some of the C-160s as firefighters during the 1980s, equipping two with 12,000 litre tanks. It retired the last of the type in 2021. Wieland's three planes, which each have a payload capacity of 16 tonnes, began the conversion process into aerial firefighters in Germany last year.

Based at a Warnervale Aerodrome, around 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, Wieland Aviation has extensive experience supplying helicopter and fixed-wing capacity to government firefighting agencies.

The NAFC contracts approximately 150 aircraft for Australian state and territory governments. The NAFC supplements the fleet by hiring additional state-owned and state-chartered aircraft to meet peak demand across Australia. In total, over 500 aircraft, provided by over 150 operators, are available for firefighting across Australia. The NAFC is currently preparing for the upcoming 2023/24 fire season.

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 "Wedgetail 44" Completes Late Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 44" flew down from Townsville to complete airwork including a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport before returning to Townsville via more airwork at Cairns.

A30-003 approaches Townsville recently

Earlier a flight of three Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft as "Charger" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville and then back to Amberley - including some low level flying around Finch Hatton and the Mackay Hinterland. They were identified as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 and United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III's 05-5147 and 05-5149.

While Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Warhorse 207" was noted flying around the Whitsunday Islands while on a flight out of back to Townsville.

And later still, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 as "Kaos 18" completed airwork at Wondai while on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 28 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Emerald Airports and then departed back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 29 November, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 November, VH-MMC flew down from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba via Archerfield.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS and AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  They had flown North earlier in the day.

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ visited Theodore Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

And Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Warhorse 207" was noted flying around the Whitsunday Islands while on a flight out of back to Townsville.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

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

On Tuesday 28 November, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport.  It looked to had flown up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield the previous day.

File photo

VH-SHI "Navair 125" later departed Rockhampton Airport for the Gold Coast. 

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX flew up from Sydney to Roma Airport and Kingaroy.  It then flew across to Bundaberg Airport and then up to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, VH-UYX departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Mareeba.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney
 
While AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited Moranbah Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA "Guardian 10" landed at Gladstone Airport from Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Mackay Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, VH-XIA "Guardian 10" returned back to the Sunshine Coast from Mackay Airport again via Gladstone Airport.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Monday, November 27, 2023

Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-700 VH-INU First Visit to CQ at Rockhampton Airport Operating for Bonza Airline - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Monday 27 November, the bright and colourful Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU made its first visit into Central Queensland operating a Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight for Bonza Airline in and out of Rockhampton Airport.



VH-INU flew down from Townsville (pictured) to Rockhampton Airport as RON927 (BNZ927) and then returned to Townsville as RON928 (BNZ928).

VH-INU is one of the Nauru Airlines fleet that Bonza are currently flying due to their two newest aircraft - Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft C-FLKC and C-FLHI - not being able to fly in Australia as yet.

Of interest, VH-INU was delivered to Nauru Airlines in July 2021.  It was previously operated by Air China as B-5203 and Surinam Airways as PZ-TCS.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 November, VH-INU was back at Rockhampton Airport again (pictured below) operating for Bonza, but this time, operating as RON623/1052/1051/624 from the Sunshine Coast to Melbourne (Tullamarine) and back to Rocky and the Sunny Coast.  It then completed a run to Mackay Airport and back to the Sunshine Coast as RON591/2. 



Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 November, Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet wearing the American registration marking of N616TS landed at Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast on a training flight then departed back to there.  During the afternoon it repeated the flight. 

 LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in the region yet again (daily visits almost!) with it landing at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then hopped to Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Townsville and then back down to Mackay Airport and back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 27 November, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before flying down back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Scott Harris  ©

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Raytheon Australia Learjet 35A Bizjet VH-ESM "Lyrebird 11" Completes a Sortie out of Townsville to the Whitsundays and Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 26 November, Raytheon Australia Learjet 35A bizjet VH-ESM as "Lyrebird 11" 11 flew out of Townsville Airport and completed low-level airwork at Mackay Airport and then over water in the Whitsundays before it then returned to Townsville. It later flew down to RAAF Base Amberley.


While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew into Hamilton Island Airport once again, this time from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  It later returned directly to Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was photographed at Gladstone Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane.





VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was also in the region on Saturday 25 November with it flying from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, the Sunshine Coast, Gladstone Airport, Emerald Airport, Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

While also on Saturday 25 November, fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane.  It then flew out to Longreach Airport and then back to Townsville.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, N142GZ departed the Gold Coast and returned to Mackay Airport but then departed and returned back to the Goldie.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 2 December, N142GZ finally returned to Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Saturday 25 November, privately owned and operated Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M was noted departing Roma Airport for the North-West.

And Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM departed Hamilton Island Airport for Gympie.

Photos taken by Graham Aspinall and Emily C  ©

Friday, November 24, 2023

Canadian-Registered Skyservice Business Aviation Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet C-GHSW Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 November, Canadian-Registered Skyservice Business Aviation Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet C-GHSW arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from overseas via Townsville where it is assumed it cleared customs and border security requirements.

'mib84' / https://www.flickr.com/

At the time of writing, it appears that C-GHSW is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Monday 27 November, C-GHSW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew down from Cairns to also call into Hamilton Island Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Bundaberg Airport and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 24 November, Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO departed Longreach Airport to the South East. 

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

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

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 November, the now becoming a familiar sight of Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD called into Hamilton Island Airport again, this time from Bankstown via the Shellharbour Airport at Woolongong and Adelaide.

File photo

VH-CAD also visited Hamo last weekend!

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-CAD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane, Sydney and Bankstown.

And the very familiar sight (almost daily visits) of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in CQ once again, this time calling to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew up to Townsville and Cairns before calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then back to Brisbane,

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 November, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Alpha Aerodrome from Archerfield. It was also there from Ambilindum and Longreach Airport on Tuesday 21 November

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-PGA departed Alpha Aerodrome and returned to Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT, which had landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed there for Moura Aerodrome and then to Springsure Aerodrome.  It then looked to continue to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-MPT departed Emerald Airport for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

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

Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ departed its Toowoomba base for Rockhampton Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, VH-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 November, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane after arriving into Rocky early on Tuesday morning and presumably encountering a technical problem.

Photo taken by Jake Weir  ©

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into the Labona Airstrip at the Carmichael Mine - Plus More!

On Wednesday 22 November, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted visiting the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from its Sunshine Coast base.

File photo

While before dawn, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then flying up to Mackay Airport.  It then continued to Townsville before returning South to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 22 November, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before returning down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Keeroongooloo.

And Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI flew from Barcaldine Airport to Archerfield.  It appears to have flown up there from Toowoomba over the weekend.

Finally, also on Wednesday 22 November, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-QQR looked to operate a charter flight through Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Brisbane and departing to Cairns and Horn Island as UTY550.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 November, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Brisbane via the Gold Coast and later depart back directly to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 21 November, 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 SKP1746.

And late on Monday 20 November, Skytrans Airlines swapped their Dash-8-300s over at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  VH-QQM flew out and VH-QQL flew back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-466 "Trojan 70" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-466 completed airwork at Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to up from RAAF Base Richmond via a missed approach at Coffs Harbour.

File photo

The Herc then continued up to Cairns.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Trojan 70".

Nice!

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

Monday, November 20, 2023

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SQV "Airmed 913" Pops into Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 20 November, Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV as "Airmed 913" visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Port McQuarrie.

File photo

While Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Wagga Wagga and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 November, VH-PVM departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns.  

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY as "Navcheck 1" flew up to Mackay Airport from Canberra. It has been reported that there would be airport checks in CQ this week.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 November, VH-VEY "Navcheck 1" landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay and then departed to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 22 November, VH-VEY "Navcheck 1" landed at Rockhampton Airport from Emerald and Gladstone Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 23 November, VH-VEY "Navcheck 1" departed Rockhampton Airport to Miles and the Sunshine Coast.   

And FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from Toowoomba Archerfield to Gladstone Airport.  It then flew out to Emerald Airport and then up to Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 19 November, Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD looked to call into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown and Sydney.

File photo

After a short time on the ground, VH-CAD returned directly to Bankstown.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And Townsville based (West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville) Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP flew from Winton to Clermont Aerodrome and then The Monument (Phosphate Hill) Airport.  It then returned to Townsville having looked like it flew down the previous day.

Photo taken by Jake Weir  ©

Saturday, November 18, 2023

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

On Saturday 18 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYZ as "Choppa 22" flew North from RAAF Base Amberley to Townville via Bundaberg and Mackay Airports.  It was photographed on the ground at Bundy.


It appears to be heading up to RAAF Base Townsville where it will be providing support for the RAAF's Exercise High Sierra which kicks off this coming week.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 18 November, Australian Army Aviation operated (Omni Aviation Services) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-KNQ as "Waler 22" landed at Longreach Airport from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre before it then departed to Mount Isa.

VH-KNQ is no stranger to Central Queensland having spent time operating out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then the Gold Coast with Seair Pacific / Istlecote.

And Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport and then out to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

Finally, also on Saturday 18 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was once again in CQ, this time flying up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Emerald Airport before returning to Brisbane.

Fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted visiting Mackay Airport from Townsville very late on Friday 17 November.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Friday, November 17, 2023

Careflight (NSW) Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Gulfstream G150 VH-OVG "Careflight 51" Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 17 November, a surprise visitor to the region with Careflight (NSW) Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Gulfstream G150 VH-OVG as "Careflight 51" calling into Bundaberg Airport from Darwin.  It later departed back to there. 


We believe that this is the first time this aircraft has visited Central Queensland!

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and Bundaberg Airport before then returning back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 November, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  It then departed to Archerfield.

It appears that VH-EQU has flown North via other CQ Airports this week after starting the week at Grafton.  It appears to have visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Bundaberg and Mackay Airports.

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. 

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Emerald Airport from Avon Downs and then departed to Brisbane Airport.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.  It also looked to visit Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield on Thursday 16 November.

Finally, also on Thursday 16 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Townsville as SKP765.  It then flew from Labona to Longreach Airport as SKP770. 

On Friday 17 November, VH-QQL departed Longreach Airport for Labona and then Townsville as SKP769/766.

Also on Friday, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP522.  It then did a return trip to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP777/8 before returning to Brisbane as SKP523.

It also appears that after flying there on Wednesday 15 November, Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQM is stuck at Labona with a technical problem.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 November, VH-QQM returned to Rockhampton Airport from Labona as SKP529.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Thursday, November 16, 2023

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Re-Painted!! - Plus More!

On Thursday 16 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane.


VH-URR "Ambulance 604" is once becoming a regular visitor to the region since it spent time overseas and visiting various Australian cities over the last few months.  It has also been re-painted and was photographed recently at Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport as shown above!

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 16 November, Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as "Zedair 440" landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Gayndah Aerodrome and then departed to Townsville.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI flew up from the Gold Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport before returning to the Gold Coast.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Labona before later returning out there.  It then flew up to Cairns. 

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And Victoria-based Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-LHF flew down from Hamilton Island Airport for Chinchilla Aerodrome.  It had flown up to North Queensland the previous week.

Finally, also on Thursday 16 November, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK made its first visit into Rockhampton Airport as it completed the recently started Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run from and back to Brisbane as JTE392/3. 

Photo taken by Garry Wilkinson  ©

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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

On Wednesday 15 November, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald from Orange and the Sunshine Coast. 

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 November, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville. 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Waikerie and later flew down to Dalby and then back to Moorabbin. 

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 19 November, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 November, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp then returned to there. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 11" which had landed at Labona from Cairns on Monday flew to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Labona. 

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL landed at Emerald Airport from Elliott and Mount Isa.

And newly re-registered Helispray / Tasmanian Helicopters Bell 212 VH-ZRP was seen by me departing my local Clermont Aerodrome for the South. Research indicates this helicopter previously operated in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as P2-PAY.

Photos taken by 'AC'   ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 68" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet, A56-002 as "Envoy 68" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Canberra and then depart to Brisbane.  It later returned to Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 76" operated out of RAAF Base Amberley on a flight around the scenic rim which included airwork and a landing at Miles Airport. 

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQM Finally Calls into Rockhampton Airport on Labona FIFO Flights - Plus More! - UPDATED WITH PIC!!

Finally!  On Tuesday 14 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQM arrived into Rockhampton Airport to operate their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.

VH-QQM departs Townsville for Labona

It looked to arrive from Townsville as SKP521 and then immediately fly to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP777/8.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 November, VH-QQM operated more flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport although the last flight of the day looked to stay at Labona.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 November, VH-QQM returned to Rockhampton Airport from Labona as SKP529.

As mentioned previously, VH-QQM is the second of two Dash-8-300 aircraft that Skytrans has acquired with the other being VH-QQL.  VH-QQM was delivered in April 2023.  The next month, it made its first visit into CQ when it flew the Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back run as SKP85/86.

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.  

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 November, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Gunnedah.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 November, VH-SUY "Machflight 41" returned to at Emerald Airport from Gunnedah and then departed back to the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew down from Natal Downs to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then departed to Dalby.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Mackay and Charters Towers Airports from Archerfield.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had flown down on Saturday 11 November.

Finally, also on Tuesday 14 November, Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Hamilton Island Airport and then Townsville.  It then looked to head to Cloncurry.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-325 Navajo VH-ZMJ flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield. 

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Goonoo Feedlot to Dalgonally Station. 

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA, which had flown North-West from near Moura Aerodrome in the morning, flew back down from near Julia Creek back to near Moura.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Monday, November 13, 2023

Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF Calls Back into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 13 November, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then continued to the Sunshine Coast. It had flown North late last week.


Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY was also noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - it seems to have arrived over the weekend from its Cloncurry base.

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 187" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 13 November, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back down to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Piper PA-31-350 VH-BYG arrived into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

While classic Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer VH-PCR was spotted at Gladstone Airport.



And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85 before it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport as SKP524 for the Labona flights.

UPDATE!  NO!!  On Tuesday 13 November, VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville as SKP584.

Finally, late on Sunday 12 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Brisbane and visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Mackay and Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Swavek Topolski  ©

A Pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Spotted at Emerald Airport

On Monday 13 November, a pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters were spotted passing through Emerald Airport.  They looked to fly down from Townsville and then later depart to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.


The first to pass through was not identified (possibly A15-310) but was heard to use the radio callsign of "Patriot 326".


While the second which touched down later in the day was identified as A15-307 and was heard to use the radio callsign of "Patriot 329".


UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, it appears that both Chinooks returned to the Townsville from Oakey via another fuel stop at Emerald Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 "Ausy 847" Completes a Missed Approach at Hamilton Island Airport

A surprise weekend movement on Sunday 12 November with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 noted completing a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to fly down from Townsville and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Ausy 847".

File photo

It then looked to fly all the way down to RAAF Base Richmond.

The Herc looked to originally head overseas from RAAF Base Amberley the previous day.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK "Navair 141" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 10 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo. 

File photo
 
It looked to be due to return to Dubbo late at night on Friday.

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 14 November, VH-EWB departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Blackall Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 November, VH-SEQ looked to return from Blackall Airport to Archerfield but via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then departed to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 November, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ landed at Blackall Airport from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 November, VH-SGQ returned to Brisbane from Blackall Airport.

While Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then flew to Roma Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Emerald Airport from Avon Downs and then departed to Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Friday 10 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP522.  It then flew to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP777/8.  VH-QQB then returned to Brisbane as SKP523. 

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 "Envoy 62" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 10 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 62" popped into Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Canberra and later depart to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Arrives into Barcaldine Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 9 November, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew into Barcaldine Airport from Archerfield.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VTF departed Barcaldine Airport and returned to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then Gladstone Airport.  It then flew to Brisbane.  VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" then flew up to Bundaberg Airport and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 9 November. 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.

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Mackay Airport to Keeroongooloo. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Heli Support (PNG) AS350B2 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PDC Passes Through Mackay and Gladstone Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 November, Heli Support - Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter P2-PDC was noted passing through Townsville, Mackay and Gladstone Airports while venturing from Cairns to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

P2-PDC at Cairns Airport some years ago  (https://www.controller.com/)

It had arrived into Cairns from the North the previous day.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Mackay and Bundaberg Airports while flying South from Townsville to Archerfield presumably for a period of planned maintenance. 

And the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR returned to Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour via the Sunshine Coast after it underwent planned maintenance.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 November, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from the Gold Coast to Rockhampton Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew down from Moura Aerodrome to Archerfield.

Davies Aviation Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-VPY visited Longreach Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VPY ditched into the sea about 50 km east of the Sunshine Coast Airport.  VH-VPY was conducting a ferry flight from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Pago Pago, American Samoa, with 2 pilots on board. The crew reported engine issues to air traffic control and an intent to return the aircraft to the Sunshine Coast.  During the return, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and the crew ditched the aircraft onto the ocean, about 50 km from the coast. The 2 crew exited the aircraft into a life raft and were winched aboard a rescue helicopter, while the aircraft was observed beginning to sink.

While locally-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG flew 'home' to Bundaberg Airport from Boulia and Longreach Airports.  It had flown West over the weekend.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.  It eventually returned to Essendon and Moorabbin.

Plus Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VDF departed Prosie and looked to head to Cairns.

Finally, late on Tuesday 7 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Longreach Airport and then across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew to Brisbane and then back to Townsville.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP511 to Brisbane after completing the FIFO flights to and from Labona.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-002 Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 8 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Kaos 46" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport before it then continued up land at Rockhampton Airport - as shown.






A bit later it departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 November, A34-002 as "Kaos 46" arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and did two touch and go approaches before landing.

Later, fellow C-27J Spartan, A34-005 as "Kaos 43" was noted completing airwork and landing at Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Holypeak Pty Ltd Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet N360SL Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 7 November, Holypeak Pty Ltd Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet N360SL was noted and spotted visiting some Central Queensland Airports. The smart little Challenger looked to arrive into Mackay Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It had arrived into Cairns from its Melbourne (Essendon) base the previous day.



It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then Gladstone Airport where it was photographed above and below.


N360SL then departed Gladstone Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew out from Archerfield to Charleville Airport and then Alice Springs.  It then flew back across to Longreach Airport and then down to Goondiwindi and Archerfield. 

And 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.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 November, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then departed to Townsville. 

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

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Toowoomba to Emerald Airport then down to Wellcamp and Brisbane. 

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-EWQ also visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) to Rockhampton Airport 

UPDATE!  Over the next couple of days, VH-TLH completed several Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast on Thursday 9 November.

Victoria-based Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-LHF flew up from Roma Airport to Hamilton Island Airport and then Townsville.  It had come up from Ballarat and Dubbo yesterday. 

While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to Archerfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.

And WA based Argyle Cattle Co's new Robinson R22 helicopter VH-YWV flew up from Archerfield to Gladstone Airport and then Mackay Airport. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 7 November, Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Air Tractors VH-FZV and VH-JQW arrived back to their landing site near Emerald from Port Hedland and their overseas deployment.  Nice one!

All photos taken by Emily C  ©

Monday, November 6, 2023

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

On Monday 6 November, Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield, Brisbane and Dalby.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 November, VH-YWS departed Bundaberg Airport for Townsville.

Of interest, VH-YWS visited Roma Airport last Thursday 2 November from Archerfield (we missed it!).

UPDATE!  As of Thursday 9 November, VH-YWS was re-registered with Air Link (Dubbo) now the registered operator of the aircraft.

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

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

And Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85 before then continuing to Rockhampton Airport as SKP524 where it will operate the flights to Labona and back.

Finally, after dark on Monday 6 November, Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Warhorse 236" was noted visiting Proserine Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Mackay Airport, while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 Bizjet VH-DAA Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 5 November, Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA was noted visiting a couple Central Queensland Airports.  It arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield and then later departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

File photo

VH-DAA later returned to Archerfield.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Armidale and Keeroongooloo. 

Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Skydiving Aircraft VH-XFB was noted flying up the Queensland coast, arriving into Lakeside Airpark at Bloomsbury, near Proserpine, to take up parachuting operations in association with the nearby Laguna Quays Resort.  It looked to fly up from Caloundra.

VH-XFB seems to be a replacement for Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried down from the Lakeside Airpark to Caloundra.

Crown Cattle P/L Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 VH-MGC arrived into Longreach Airport from Townsville.

And Brisbane-based SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad VH-IPF departed Cloncurry Airport for Barcaldine Airport and then Archerfield.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©