Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 85" Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 11 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport after earlier flying up from Canberra and Brisbane as "Envoy 85".

It then departed North to Rockhampton Airport where it was also photographed arriving. 

Soon after it was closed and looked to be spending the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 December, A56-003 "Envoy 85" made an early departure from Rockhampton Airport and flew West to Longreach Airport.  It later continued up to Cloncurry Airport before then returning to Brisbane and Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 07" was noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport. It looked to fly up from and then return to its RAAF Base Williamtown home.

Finally, also on Wednesday 11 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 was noted completing circuits at Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photos taken by James Hackett and Steve Vit  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' Helicopters N48-002 & N48-003 Pop into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 11 December, a pair Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopters were photographed passing through Rockhampton Airport.  They were identified as N48-002 (Code 902) as "Poseidon 02" and N48-003 (Code 903) as "Tiger 03".

Both helicopters looked to fly down from Townsville and then depart to RAAF Base Amberley.

It is believed that the RAN 816 Squadron Seahawks had disembarked the Royal Australian Navy Canberra-class landing helicopter dock's (LHD) HMAS Adelaide (L01) which is in port at Townsville.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X "Navair 143" Spotted at My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 5 December, I was able to photograph Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as it rested quietly on the Clermont Aerodrome apron.  

It had arrived from Newcastle (Williamtown) the previous day and later departed back there as "Navair 131"

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ has made a late arrival into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It is due to depart to the Gold Coast and then back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 5 December, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU operated a closed charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport as RON643/4 from and back to Brisbane.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield and then flew the Curtis Island on reportedly a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight.  It then flew back to Hedlow. 

Re-registered Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield, Brisbane and Townsville before it then departed back to Brisbane and Archerfield.  The former Toowoomba-based King Air was re-registered at the end of November and this was its first flight under its new ownership.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

And Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK made a late visit to Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©

Jetstar Airways Brand New Airbus A320-251N (A320neo) VH-A5A Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Thursday 5 December, Jetstar Airways brand spanking new Airbus A320-251N (A320neo) aircraft VH-A5A made its first visit into Central Queensland touching down at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport direct from Melbourne (Tullamarine) as JST832.

VH-A5A departs the Gold Coast recently.

It later returned to Tullamarine as JST831.

VH-A5A is Jetstar’s first A320neo and it arrived two weekends agon in Australia after a ferry flight from Toulouse in France.  It then entered service on Sunday 1 December - so to see it in CQ in its first week of operations is awesome!

VH-A5A is the first of 13 A320neos on Jetstar’s order books up to the 2029 financial year, and forms part of the Qantas Group’s wider fleet renewal program.

In general, the A320neo replaces the IAE V2500 and CFM56-5B engines on the original A320 (the A320ceo) with Pratt & Whitney 1100G-JM and CFM LEAP-1A engines while being slightly larger. The A320neo also features an updated cabin with 188 Economy seats and curved ‘sharklet’ wingtips that increase fuel efficiency.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 421" Spotted at Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Maryborough Airport and then Mackay Airport.  It then continued to Townsville.

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 129" landed at Moranbah Airport from Bankstown. It then continued to Mackay Airport and then back to Bankstown.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 143" landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Newcastle (Williamtown).  Good news for me is that it looks like it is staying for the night!

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 December, VH-X8X "Navair 143" departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to Newcastle (Williamtown)

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 December, NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba then departed to Borroloola.  It later reversed this flight.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Omni Executive (Canberra) / M.I. Helicopters (Roma) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-NPI was noted completing pipe or powerline inspections just South of Rockhampton.

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

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield with reports that is new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run.  As we've mentioned, VH-VSO has been also flying into Moranbah Airport each Monday for the last couple of months from and back to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  Good to see!

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 flew into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.  It then continued out to Longreach Airport.  VH-T43 had arrived into Mackay Airport from overseas on its delivery flight in late October and looked to fly from Mackay Airport to Archerfield at the start of this week.

And the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PH (ex N117RD) made a late visit to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  We believe this is its first visit to the region since its delivery in late September.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter A15-302 "Crow 369" Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 December, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 was spotted visiting Longreach Airport. It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Crow 369" and flew down from Townsville before returning back there a couple of hours later.

Reports suggest that the pilot of the Chinook was on his last flight before retirement the next day. We wish him well!

Meanwhile, later on Wednesday 4 December, Helicorp (Australian Army operated) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Wombat 239" was noted visiting Bowen Aerodrome from Townsville.

And finally, also on Wednesday 4 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 10" was noted completing airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It looked to fly up from and then return to its RAAF Base Williamtown home.

All photos taken by Drew Mackay  ©

American-registered but Australian-based (Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet N360HP Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 3 December, American-registered but Australian-based (at Melbourne - Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N360HP was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during what has been a busy couple of days flying.

After arriving into Cairns from Essendon the previous day (as pictured above), it then flew down to Townsville.  On Tuesday, N360HP flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then visiting Rockhampton Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before it then continued down to the Sunshine Coast.

While Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived last Friday 29 November.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 3 December, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned to Cairns.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and a bit later departed to Cloncurry Airport.  It looked to have flown South from there over the weekend via Blackall Airport.

And Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU landed at Agnes Water Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Chinchilla and during the afternoon it reversed the flight.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP Pops into Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 2 December, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Archerfield to Charleville Airport and then onwards Keeroongooloo and down to Adelaide where it was spotted below.

While Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to Emerald Airport before it later returned to Toowoomba. 

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-8D8 landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  It is due to return to Toowoomba on Tuesday 3 December.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew from Brisbane to Oaky Creek Mine and then Clermont Aerodrome and back to Brisbane

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO looked to complete the weekly visit to Moranbah Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departing back to Wellcamp.

Finally, also on Monday 2 December, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV was noted completing an aerial survey flight out of and back to Gladstone Airport.  

UPDATE!  VH-AEV was photographed on the Gladstone Airport General Aviation (GA) Apron on Tuesday 3 December.

It looked to have arrived at Gladstone Airport mid-last week from Port Macquarie and the Gold Coast and has since completed daily aerial survey flights each time out of the water.

And ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' also seems to be completing aerial survey work in the region once again with it noted flying out of and into various locations last week and again into this week including Gayndah, Emerald, Biloela / Thangool and Rockhampton Airports.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Neil Richardson  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 "Wedgetail 13" Missed Approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 28 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted completing airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

File photo

It was flying as "Wedgetail 13" and looked to fly up from RAAF Williamtown to complete the airwork which included a couple of circuits and missed approaches. It then departed back to Williamtown.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Calls into Maryborough Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 22 November, new Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR was noted visiting Maryborough Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from and then later return to Brisbane.

While during the morning, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 421" flew up from Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport and then down to Brisbane. This afternoon, it reversed the flight. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Blackall Airport from Archerfield.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and then Emerald Airport before later reversing the flight.

And Wrightsair (SA) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-DJG flew from Longreach Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  

Into the next week, it was noted completing tourist charter flights out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-467 Completes Late Airwork at CQ Airports as "Trojan 51"

Late on Thursday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-467 as "Trojan 51" was noted completing a flight up from RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales to Townsville via some airwork at some airports including a couple in Central Queensland.

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After departed Richmond, it completed airwork at Dubbo and Moree before possibly landing at RAAF Base Amberle.  It then continued up to Townsville via missed approaches at both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Nice!

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QON 'Dasher-8' in Special Christmas Colour Scheme First Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport

Breaking cover on Monday 18 November and immediately calling into Central Queensland was QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QON which has had special Christmas themed stickers added. It completed the QLK2322/3 service from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport and back.

VH-QON then sadly headed South and finished the day at the Canberra.

VH-QON has been dubbed 'Dasher-8' and is designed to bring festive flair to passengers during the month of December.

A Qantas Boeing B737-800 dubbed 'Roo-dolph' will also feature special Christmas stickers - VH-VZX. Frequency Flyers travelling on either aircraft will receive double Qantas Points!

A Qantas Freight Airbus A321PF freighter aircraft will also be decorated with ‘Santa’s Freight’ livery is also set to transport thousands of presents and festive fare across the country in the coming weeks.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Jet A46-304 Touches Down at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 18 November, the much-anticipated arrival into Rockhampton Airport of a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Jets didn't quite eventuate with only one Growler being able to depart RAAF Base Amberley for the trip to the beef capital.

But it was still a spectacular visit as Growler A46-304 as "Wolf 21" arrived from Amberley via an initial and pitch before it then parked in front of the Alliance Airlines Hangar. 

Later it departed back to Amberley low level below 500ft. 

There is another visit by hopefully two more RAAF EA-18G Growler jets into Rockhampton Airport again on Tuesday 19 November, with visits to Mount Isa Airport planned over the latter part of this week.

UPDATE!  Sadly, on Tuesday 19 November, and again on Wednesday 20 November, inclement weather in different parts of Queensland prevented the planned visits.  On Thursday 21 November, RAAF EA-18G Growlers did manage to fly up to Mount Isa and back to Amberley.

The visits by the RAAF EA-18G Growlers are part of their 2024 National Defence Strategy to enhance their ability to operate across a vast network of airports, private aerodromes and airstrips across northern Australia.

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit, 'IAD' and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-HQK Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 15 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was noted visiting Emerald Airport. 

File photo

It looked to arrive from Dubbo and then depart to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 17 November, VH-HQK popped back into Emerald Airport, flying back down from Cairns and then back to Dubbo.

While Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield.  It looked to have arrived from Townsville a couple of days prior.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" landed at Blackall Airport from Townsville and then departed to Rockhampton Airport.  It is then due to fly to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane before later returning back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 15 November, one nice corporate turboprop we haven't seen for a while in the form of RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  

(Turns out that VH-WPH also visited Emerald Airport on Thursday 14 November as well as Bundaberg and Mackay Airports earlier in the week!)

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP, which had flown down to Bankstown and back earlier in the week, flew down to there from Tierawoomba then up to Keeroongooloo and back to Tierawoomba during the afternoon.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  It later returned to Cairns. 

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site before continuing to Clermont Aerodrome.  It then flew back to Brisbane. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 "Wedgetail 22" Missed Approach at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 15 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 22" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to a complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew back to Williamtown.

File photo

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 Wallaby 76 flew out from RAAF Base Amberley to a missed approach at Miles and Bundaberg Airports before it then returned to Amberley.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Dragon 05" completed a late flight out of Townsville to Cairns via a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew back to Townsville.

GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet ZK-JCJ Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 November, GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ finally departed Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew down to the Sunshine Coast and then across to Christchurch and Taupo in New Zealand.

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It had arrived into Hamo from Christchurch via the Sunny Coast last Thursday 7 November.

AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 994" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Tamworth. It later departed to Archerfield.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB as "Ambulance 624"  flew from Townsville to Cairns and then Mackay Airport before departing to Brisbane. It then flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later departing back to Townsville.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL landed at Emerald Airport from Cessnock and then later departed to Mackay Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 November, VH-PIL departed Mackay Airport for Cessnock.

While re-registered Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed back to Cairns. 

And Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-8UH as "Helitack 516" flew back down to Bundaberg Airport from a deployment to Mareeba via Mackay and Gladstone Airports. 

Finally, late on Thursday 14 November, Commando Skydivers (Victoria) GippsAero GA8-TC320 Airvan VH-SXK flew up from Morwell via Nyngan and Saint George to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then continuing to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it is believed to on delivery to a local operator.

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

A Pair of RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-671 & A32-675 Both Complete Airwork & Land at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork and landing at some Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

A32-671 as "Hudson 15" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth via overhead Roma Airport.  During the afternoon, it departed Rockhampton Airport and flew down to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport where it completed airwork and landed for some time.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

While A32-675 as "Hudson 07" also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth but via a missed approach at Charleville Airport and then up via and inland route to the West of Rocky.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and flew West to complete airwork at Emerald Airport before also returning to Rocky.

Both Super King Airs which are of 32 Squadron based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, flew up from there to Tamworth the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 November, both Super King Airs departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to RAAF Base East Sale - A32-671 "Hudson 15" flew via Brisbane Airport, while A32-675 "Hudson 07" flew there via RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Late Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Aircraft A39-001 & A39-005 at Rockhampton Airport

Late on Wednesday 13 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft were noted touching down and completed missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport.  This is their second visit for the week - see Blog post below!

File photo

First up, A39-001 as "Dragon 46" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and parked up for a little while.  It then departed back to Townsville.

Later, A39-005 as "Dragon 17" also flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport but it completed a missed approach before then also heading back to Townsville.

It was a busy night!

UPDATE!  During Thursday 14 November, both A39-005 as "Thumper 11" and A39-001 as "Thumper 12" both took to the air out of Townsville and flew together for a while before A39-005 returned to Townsville and A39-001 flew down to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Couple of Late Diversions into Rockhampton Airport due Storms at Brisbane - Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI & Jetstar Airways AirbusA321neo VH-OYD

Late on Wednesday 13 November, there was some significant weather to pass through South-East Queensland and operations at Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast Airport were impacted with several inbound flights diverting including a couple of nice aircraft to call into Rockhampton Airport.

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Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI as RON91 from Nauru was first to arrive into Rockhampton Airport.  It later continued its journey to Brisbane.

Then Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYD touched down at Rockhampton Airport as JST796 flying from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to the Sunshine Coast.  It later departed to the Sunny Coast.

It is believed that a couple of local flights also diverted with a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 flight from Emerald Airport to Brisbane noted diverting into Bundaberg Airport.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 13 November, Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Maryborough Airport.  

Reports suggest it is possibly operating in the area for some days.

UPDATE! Nope!  On Thursday 14 November, VH-UHH departed Rockhampton Airport to the North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 13 November, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. It seems to have earlier arrived from Thargomindah having arrived into there from Archerfield via Longreach Airport the previous day.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 38" departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

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

Plus LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane. It then flew up to Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 13 November, NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Borroloola. It later returned to Longreach Airport and Toowoomba.

Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville and Cairns. It had flown South from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane earlier in the day.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 20" Calls into Bundaberg Airport

On Wednesday 13 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 20" was visiting Bundaberg Airport.

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The new RAAF 34 VIP Squadron aircraft looked to fly up from Canberra and Coffs Harbour to land at Bundy.  After just over an hour on the ground, it departed back to Canberra via airwork at Tamworth.

Nice!

Photo taken by Hayden Alexander  ©

Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter N274TH "Helitak 290" Lands at Kabra near Rockhampton - Plus More!

During the afternoon on Tuesday 12 November, Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH as "Helitak 290" was noted landing at private property at Kabra, near Rockhampton.

File Photo

It looked to start the day North of Goondiwindi and possibly made a fuel stop enroute. 

The civilian Black Hawk looked to arrive into Scone in New South Wales from overseas - and via Charleville Airport - in late October and seems to be based there for the Australia bushfire season.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 November, Black Hawk N274TH "Helitak 290" departed the Kabra location for Bowen Aerodrome and then further North to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 November, Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 November, 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.

Photo taken by George Pergaminelis  ©

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW Spotted Arriving into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 11 November, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It later departed to Goondiwindi. 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then flew to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky before it then departed to Lady Eliott Island. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane. 

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

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

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 November, VH-FKB departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO looked to complete the weekly visit to Moranbah Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departing back to Wellcamp and Moorabbin.

And Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Aircraft A39-001 & A39-005 at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 11 November, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft were noted touching down and completed missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

First up, A39-001 as "Dragon 24" flew North from RAAF Base Amberley to a position near Mareeba where it then flew back South and eventually landed at Rockhampton Airport. It parked on Taxiway Juliet taxiway for a crew change and then departed to Townsville.

Later, A39-005 as "Dragon 16" also flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach at Cairns. It then flew down to complete another missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then also heading to Townsville.

UPDATE!  It seems that both KC-30A's have deployed to Townsville for Exercises with them noted flying single sorties and formation sorties over the course of the week, including more visits to Rockhampton Airport - see Blog post above!

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 10 November, Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown, Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.

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It then departed to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634” arrived into Mackay Airport from Townsville before departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back up to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©