Jet Aviation Flight Services (USA) Gulfstream Aerospace GVI (G650ER) Bizjet N650HA Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 30 December, the sleek looking Jet Aviation Flight Services (USA) Gulfstream Aerospace GVI (G650ER) bizjet N650HA was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.

It flew up from Sydney and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport, and was heard to be using the flight number and callsign of 'JS91'.

N560HA had arrived into Sydney from overseas a couple of days earlier - as pictured above.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 January, N650HA departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney but as 'JS72'.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 30 December, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU also flew into Hamilton Island Airport but from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon). It then departed back to Moorabbin.

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

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X diverted into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport after flying up from Bankstown and being unable to land at the Sunshine Coast. It then departed Hervey Bay Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

Finally, also on Saturday 30 December, Cirrus SR22 VH-8MK departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gatton Airpark. It had arrived the previous day.

Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after flying all the way across from Jandakot, Kalgoorlie, Ceduna and Broken Hill.

And Cessna 182s VH-RYZ and VH-COF were noted operating the parachuting flights out of Lakeside Airpark around the Laguna Quays Resort.

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/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

A Couple of Diversions into Rockhampton Airport including Jetstar Australia Airbus A321neo VH-OFY First Ever Landing in CQ!! – Plus More!

On Saturday 30 December, some inclement weather in the South-East corner of Queensland saw a couple of nice diversions into Rockhampton Airport.

Perhaps the nicest was the first ever visit into Central Queensland by a Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo).  VH-OFY was operating as JST794 from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to the Sunshine Coast but flew up to land at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, VH-OFY departed to the Sunshine Coast again as JST794.

Of interest, Jetstar Airways is taking delivery of as many as 18 brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft with 232 seats.  They presently operate up and down the Queensland Coast but sadly, not currently to any CQ destinations.

Meanwhile, the other diversion into Rockhampton Airport, also on Saturday 30 December, was Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YQM as VOZ1035 which also flew up from Tullamarine and was also unable to land at the Sunshine Coast.

After it also took on fuel, it too flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that there was a third diversion from the Sunshine Coast, also on Saturday 30 December, with Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X diverted into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport after flying up from Bankstown.  It then departed Hervey Bay Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-YNE Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 29 December, Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE was noted arriving into Hamiton Island Airport from Bankstown.

It appears to be staying for at least the night.

While Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU departed Hamiton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It had arrived on Boxing Day.

And overnight, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" looked to visit Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Jayden Laing  ©

American-Registered (but Australian-based) Gulfstream G-VII (G600) Bizjet N920BM Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 28 December, sleek American registered (but Australian-based) Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N920BM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Perth.

After a short time on the ground, it then departed to the Sunshine Coast where it was spotted above.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 28 December, Execujet Australia Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-OIN visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown and the Sunshine Coast.

While Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Mackay Airport and Archerfield.  It had arrived the previous day.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ visited Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Mount Isa and departed to the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Ky Flynn  ©

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZDM at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 27 December, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane. 

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 30 December, VH-ZDM departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and the Gold Coast.

While Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Gold Coast before later returning to Hamo.  It appeared to have arrived into Hamo from Sydney the previous day.

American Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G-VI (Gulfstream G650) Bizjet N168NW flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns and then flew South to Sydney.

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

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 27 December, Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Mt Gambier to Hamilton Island Airport. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 421" flew up from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast. 

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Bairnsdale to Hamilton Island Airport and then back down to Moorabbin. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 December, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.  It looks to be staying.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 December, VH-RIU departed Hamilton Island Airport and flew down to the Gold Coast.  It later returned to Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Friday 29 December, VH-RIU finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 December, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ visited North Keppel Island from Bundaberg Airport.

Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried down from the Lakeside Airpark to Caloundra.

AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

And an interesting, possibly first visitor to the region, in the form of Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Caravan VH-XDU which visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns as SKP951/2.

The Caravan previously was operated by West Wing Aviation.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

American Registered Private Gulfstream Aerospace G-VI Gulfstream G650ER Bizjet N168NW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 24 December, American Registered Private Gulfstream Aerospace G-VI Gulfstream G650ER bizjet N168NW was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Campbell McGhee / https://www.flickr.com/

It was later noted returning back North.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 December, N168NW returned to Hamo and was seen departing to Sydney.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Hamiton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.  It then departed to the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport and then back to the Goldie.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 22" flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Sunshine Coast.  It appears to have earlier flown in from Hobart.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew out to Longreach Airport from Brisbane before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then popped into Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 24 December, Hally Aviation Cirrus SR22 VH-NWG visited Hedlow Airfield from the Sunshine Coast.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) Cessna 310R VH-TWN flew down from Cairns to Charleville Airport.

Private Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport.

Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as "Zedair 110" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Townsville.

And State of New South Wales - Represented by the NSW Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-UCH as 'HT206' / "Helitack 206" flew back South from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Gladstone Airport at the completion of its deployment to Far North Queensland to assist in the flood recovery.

UPDATE!  On Monday 25 December, it looked like VH-UCH "Helitack 206" continued down via all stops to Bankstown.

Finally, also on Sunday 24 December, during the afternoon, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM operating as Virgin Australia flight VOZ1245 from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport, suffered a technical problem on touch down at Rockhampton Airport.  Due to a problem with its hydraulic system, the Fokker was stuck on the Runway with passengers still on board.  After technicians arrived on scene, VH-XWM was towed off the Runway to the Gate.

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 December, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY called into Bundaberg Airport, arriving from Townsville and Cairns as HT806/7.

It later departed to Townsville as HT808.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 December, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 121" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH visited Rockhampton Airport from its Devoncourt Station base.

Photos taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Flys into Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 22 December, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ flew up from Bankstown to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

https://www.facebook.com/navairjets

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 December, VH-IEQ now as "Navair 131" departed Bowen Aerodrome for Townsville.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew into Mackay Airport from Cairns via low level airwork off the Whitsunday Coast.  It then returned to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Brisbane. 

JV Regional P/L Cessna 421B VH-DEG flew into Charleville Airport from Shepparton.  It then continued up to Ingham.

While National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP visited Charleville Airport from Brisbane as JET398/9.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and back as SKP745/6.

And Philippines registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 RP-C1728, which had landed at Toowoomba around seven months ago, flew out and to the North-West from there.

Finally, also on Friday 22 December, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR making a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7425.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7298.  

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 Turboprop VH-VET Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Certainly an unusual sight on Thursday 21 December with Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visiting Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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While Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.

And Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG called into Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge Airfield where it has undergone planned maintenance.  It then continued to the North.

Meanwhile also on Thursday 21 December, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had flown down there from Mackay Airport on Tuesday 19 December.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from Archerfield and departing to Charters Towers Aerodrome.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then flew across to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA (ex N685SC) Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 20 December, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA made an 'unscheduled' visit to Bundaberg Airport while flying up from the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton Airport. It looked to complete some airwork before landing at Bundy. After around an hour on the ground, VH-XPA departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

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We believe this is the first time that VH-XPA has visited Central Queensland after it was re-registered from N685SC in mid-July. The aircraft was flown by Machjet (Machjet International) / McDermott Aviation Group on the Sunshine Coast.

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While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Bundaberg Airport. It arrived from Archerfield and departed to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 December, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP as "Jetex 442D" arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns with SES personnel on board. It later returned to Brisbane but as "Jetex 443D". VH-IYP also completed a direct return flight yesterday.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC242' / "Machflight 242" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before then departing to Brisbane. It later returned to Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 20 December, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI continues to fly into Central Queensland operating flights for Bonza Airline. On this occasion, it flew the Bonza flight into Rockhampton Airport from and back to the Gold Coast as BNZ1543/4.

All photos taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

American Registered Mooney M20K N228RM Arrives into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on Around-the-World Flight - Plus More!

On Tuesday 19 December, American registered Mooney M20K N228RM arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Townsville.

https://www.facebook.com/N228RM

It appears to be on an around-the-world flight and arrived into Australia in late November.

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 December, N228RM departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield and the continuation of its flight.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 19 December, New South Wales-based Hawker Beechcraft G36 VH-EYY arrived into Clermont Aerodrome from Dalby.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 20 December, VH-EYY departed Clermont Aerodrome for Emerald Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Thursday 21 December, VH-EYY departed Emerald Airport for Dalby.

While Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ arrived into Gladstone Airport from Armidale.  It then departed to Cowra and Canberra.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane after arriving late the previous day.

Finally, also on Tuesday 19 December, AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ arrived into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and then departed to Newcastle (Williamtown).  It then flew back to the Sunny Coast.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service (Coulson Aviation - Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP VH-UCH "Helitack 206" Passes Through CQ Airports Heading to Cairns Floods - Plus More!

On Monday 18 December, State of New South Wales - Represented by the NSW Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-UCH as 'HT206' / "Helitack 206" flew up from Coffs Harbour to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport where it was photographed below.

It is believed that VH-UCH "Helitack 206" is heading to Far North Queensland to assist with recovery from the serious flooding which has inundated the Cairns region following the passing of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. As these photos taken by Hinterland Aviation show, Cairns Airport is closed and parts of the Aerodrome itself are under water.

It is also believed that Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 901" is also heading back to Cairns, flying up from the South and noted passing through Gladstone Airport and Mackay Airport and then also onwards to Townsville.

While also noted flying around the Cairns region was the locally-based Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ "Rescue 510".

Plus out local Clermont-based Bush Heli-Services (in conjunction with Longreach operator Queensland Helicopters) Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV VH-8BH was also seen in the area.

Hope for a quick flood recovery and that Cairns residents and businesses can get back on their feet quickly!

Photos taken by Josh Mackaway  ©

Execujet Australia Dassault Falcon 2000EX Bizjet VH-OIN Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 18 December, Execujet Australia Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-OIN arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney. It then looked to pop into Mackay Airport before then returning to Proserpine Airport and departing back to Sydney.

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This appears to be the first time that VH-OIN has visited Central Queensland since it was registered in early 2022.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.  It later returned to the Goldie.

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This also appears to be a first visit to the region for this particular aircraft too!

While Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD also visited Hamilton Island Airport once again.  It arrived from the Gold Coast and looked to depart to Adelaide.

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 131" visited Bundaberg Airport from Bankstown.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew out from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then out to Barcaldine Airport.  It then across to Rockhampton Airport and then up to Mackay Airport and Townsville before returning to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 18 December, AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TQW and VH-TQI also visited Labona but from Rockhampton and Townsville Airports respectively.

All photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Monday 18 December, and after two days worth of delays, Wieland Aviation / McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D transport aircraft VH-RFW arrived into The Old Station Farm at Raglan from 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 have brought to Australia.  The planes will become part of the country's National Aerial Firefighting Fleet (NAFC).

VH-RFW (msn D-125) (ex 50+88) 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 Darwin at the end of November.

Meanwhile, the arrival of VH-RFW into The Old Station now sees two of the Transall C-160D aircraft stored there with it joining VH-RPR which arrived there at the end of November.  The third Transall C-160D VH-TIT is still currently parked at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Graham A for allowing us to share these great photos of the Transall in Townsville.

Photos taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

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

On Saturday 16 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane and Warwick.

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

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

UPDATE!  On Sunday 17 December, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was back in the region, flying up from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport and then Townsville.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 16 December, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW departed Charleville Airport for Toowoomba.

And Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-EQO, VH-PQE, VH-PQS and VH-YTR were all noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from their Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

Finally, On Sunday 17 December, LifeFlight Australia (Eagle Copters Leasing) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-XGB has taken up service out of the Sunshine Coast as "Rescue 511" and appeared to complete a flight from the Sunny Coast into the region and back.  This is the first time we have noted this new helicopter for LifeFlight in CQ!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 Bizjet VH-PPD at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 15 December, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD visited Hamilton Island Airport from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast.  It also appears that VH-PPD visited Hamo the previous day from the Goldie.

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

And fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew from Brisbane to Barcaldine Airport and then across to Rockhampton Airport.  It later appeared to fly out to Longreach Airport and then Blackall Airport before returning back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 15 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 73" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  It then continued to Townsville and Cairns.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from Redcliffe to Bundaberg Airport.

And Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Archerfield.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Lance East Aviation (Seletar Jet Charter) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet VH-LON Finally Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 December, Lance East Aviation (Seletar Jet Charter) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet VH-LON departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It then returned to Hamo before then departing back to Perth.  

It had originally arrived into Hamilton Island Airport late last week and completed flights to Sydney and back to Hamo at different times last weekend - as pictured above!

While Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.  It then departed Hamo for Perth.

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

Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 14 December, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and departing to Townsville.  It later reversed this flight.

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

Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS flew down from Labona to Archerfield and then up to Biloela / Thangool Airport and back to Archerfield.

And Narrabri (New South Wales) based Piper PA-46-350P VH-ZYR departed Emerald Airport for Julia Creek.

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/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 13 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Gladstone Airport where it was spotted below before then later departing back to Brisbane.

While Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It later returned there but via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And The sleek SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 13 December, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.  It later completed a medical evacuation flight from Townsville to Mackay Airport and back as "Rescue 521"

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©

RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-670 & A32-003 Both Complete Airwork at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 13 December, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

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A32-670 as "Hudson 07" followed by A32-003 as "Hudson 05" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport before they both then returned there.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, late on Monday 11 December, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted completing nighttime airwork around a couple of places in the South.

A34-006 as "Wallaby 33" and A34-002 as "Kaos 32" both looked to complete airwork at Miles and Wondai Airports while on flights out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Alex Eecen  ©

Airlines and Aviation Companies Prepare for Tropical Cyclone Jasper by Positioning Aircraft Away from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome and Further - UPDATED WITH PHOTOS!

Also on Tuesday 12 December, a number of aircraft were noted and spotted flying away from parts of Far North Queensland as Tropical Cyclone Jasper tracks towards the region, with strong winds and rain expected to begin today.

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

Two Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s positioned down to Rockhampton Airport. VH-QQC as SKP503 arrived from Cairns. VH-QQG as SKP702 arrived from Kidston. They joined Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQL at Rockhampton Airport which has been operating FIFO flights to Labona and back.  they were all spotted parked at Rockhampton Airport early on Wednesday 13 December.

Of interest, another Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP745/6 completed the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Emerald Airport and back.

Slightly larger, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQN as UTY9823 also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Several Hinterland Aviaton Cessna 208 Caravans hopped down from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome - as shown below - as well as being hangered at their Carins facility - as shown above.

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

While also arriving into Charters Towers Aerodrome - as posted below - was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242", Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 11", Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW as "Machflight 121" and Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY.

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

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE Departs Bundaberg Airport at the Conclusion of Qld Bushfire Season - Heads to Victoria for Theirs! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 December, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its fourth deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

File photo

It looked to fly down as "Bomber 141" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport at the end of August from Avalon after being stored there since February.  

Meanwhile also on Tuesday 12 December, McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST helicopter N823H and Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404" operated over some bushfires West of Hervey Bay.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242" and Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 11" flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back and this afternoon flew to Charters Towers Aerodrome. 

Also into Charters Towers Aerodrome was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW as "Machflight 121" and Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF as "Hinterland 497" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Cairns. 

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba then departed to Kidston.  It later flew down to Archerfield. 

And AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Kidston. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 December, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield. 

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

Photo taken by Jan Kretschmer  ©

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV Departs Rockhampton Airport for Good - Plus More!

On Monday 11 December, it seemed that Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV departed Rockhampton Airport for good.  It had been operating for a period of time with the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) - as pictured below.

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VH-LSV departed Rockhampton Airport for Roma, Moree, Dubbo, Griffith and Mildura.  

It had completed a 'test' flight to the coast and back yesterday.

UPDATE!  VH-LSV continued to Adelaide where it appears to have now taken up operations with the local State Rescue Helicopter Service.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 11 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Moranbah Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield. 

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX flew up from Sydney and Newcastle (Williamtown) to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then looked to depart to Brisbane.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport before it then flew to Moranbah Airport.  VH-TQW then returned to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Charters Towers Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 December, VH-MZI flew from Charters Towers Aerodrome back Rockhampton Airport and then Archerfield.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM looked to fly down from Emerald Airport to Archerfield.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to fly up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK Pops into CQ Airports Heading for Re-Painting - Plus More!

On Sunday 10 December, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK as "Hinterland" 485 landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns.  It then departed to Redcliffe where it will undergo planned maintenance including re-painting into the current blue and white livery of the company. 

File photo

Of interest, VH-LZK was registered for the first time in Australia way back in late 2002 and spent many years operating out of Cairns flying to the Cape Flattery Silica Mines and back.  It then spent some time operating in Western Australia before eventually finding a home with Hinterland Aviation who have operated it all over Queensland and into the region on their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight operations.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 10 December, Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD visited Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport.

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

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Bayswater Road / Australian Aerial Mapping (AAM) survey aircraft - Reims Aviation F406 VH-LAA was spotted operating aerial survey flights out of Gladstone Airport.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield. 

Finally, on Saturday 9 December, Pacific Helicopters (Papua New Guinea) Airbus Helicopters H125 P2-PHR was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mareeba.

Skyhook Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-NYC flew out of Clermont Aerodrome for the South.

SFC Farming (of Goondiwindi) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mackay Airport.  It then flew out of Longreach Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" looked to fly down from Darwin to Longreach Airport.  It had earlier arrived from Bali.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Jamie C  ©️

McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST Helicopter N787SR Pops into CQ Airports - Completes a Helicopter 'Rescue' of A109 VH-RUA out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 8 December, McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST helicopter N787SR flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup

We have heard the big-lifter helicopter N787SR is at Mackay Airport and will be on a mission to ‘rescue’ a pilot transfer helicopter from a ship sometime on Saturday.  That would be an awesome sight!!

UPDATE!  On Saturday 9 December, the McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST helicopter N787SR completed its mission from and back to Mackay Airport to ‘rescue’ the locally-based Flyon Helicopters Agusta A109 pilot transfer helicopter VH-RUA from a ship and fly it back to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 10 December, N787SR, with its job completed, ferried back to the Sunshine Coast from Mackay Airport, calling into Gladstone Airport for fuel - as pictured below.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 8 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville. Later in the, afternoon VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived at Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 169" landed at Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 9 December, VH-HQK "Navair 169" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock and Bankstown.

Finally, also on Friday 8 December, AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" landed at Emerald Airport from Brunette Downs and then departed to Brisbane. 

Vectra Holdings / Basair Australia Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee aircraft VH-BKM and VH-RMZ landed at Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport and then departed to Roma Airport and further to Narrabri. 

RAAF Amberley Flying Club Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk VH-TLA landed at Gladstone Airport from Amberley. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW visited Bundaberg Airport.

And Re-registered Atherton Creek Air Charters (Mareeba) Piper PA-24-260 Commanche VH-SMJ flew up from Casino, Warialda and Archerfield to Mackay and then Mareeba Airports. 

Photos taken by John Palmer and Joan Mclellan  ©