Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' Helicopter N48-003 (903) Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 16 October, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-003 (Code 903) was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Tiger 03".

It looked to fly in from off the coast North-East of Bundaberg, firstly heading South-West to near Bundaberg before it then turned North and tracked up the coast low level to land at Rockhampton Airport.

A short time later, N48-003 departed the Rockhampton area for the North-East.

It is believed that N48-003 - seemingly of the RAN's 816 Squadron - is off a Royal Australian Navy ship which appears to be in waters off the Central Queensland coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 16 October, fellow RAN Seahawk helicopters N48-002 as "Poseidon 02" and possibly N48-001 "Poseidon 01" were heard and seen on radar in the area.

Meanwhile, during the evening and into the night, also on Wednesday 16 October, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted and spotted completing airwork and landing at a couple of Central Queensland Airports. 

A34-010 as "Wallaby 56" looked to complete airwork around Taroom Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

While A34-003 as "Wallaby 57" and A34-009 as "Wallaby 70" both flew up from Amberley and completed airwork around the Wide Bay area.

As shown, A34-003 "Wallaby 57" completed airwork before then landing at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to Amberley.  

While A34-009 "Wallaby 70" completed airwork at Hervey Bay and Bundaberg Airports before it too returned to Amberley. 

Photos taken by Steve Vit and James Hackett  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB Back at Rockhampton Airport Again!

On Sunday 13 October, Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB returned to Rockhampton Airport once again, again touching down direct from Singapore's Changi Airport but as RBA4344.

It was parked on Gate 6 on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron and looked to unload and then load fairly full flights of personnel and their bags.

The Dreamliner eventually departed Rockhampton Airport back to Changi but as RBA4345.

As mentioned below, information suggests that on Monday 14 October and Tuesday 15 October, that TWO Royal Brunei Dreamliners again visit Rockhampton Airport at the same time as this third 'wave' of heavy jet passenger charter flights ramps up.

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing to share this great photo!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVL Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 12 October, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVL was spotted on the ground at Longreach Airport before it later departed to Brisbane as HT855.

As mentioned below, VH-FVL had departed Brisbane on Thursday 10 October for Mackay Airport as HT886 before heading down to Rockhampton Airport and then out to Longreach Airport on Friday 11 October as HT855/4.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 12 October, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shiue Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 October, VH-WMY departed Shute Harbour for Adelaide (Parafield) and then back to Moorabbin.

And a pair of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets were noted visiting Mackay Airport.  VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" actually made two visits, arriving from Townsville and then departing to Brisbane before returning to Mackay Airport from Brisbane and departing to Cairns and back to Townsville.  While later, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before it then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then flew down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then back to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

Rare Weekend visit as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-007 "Wallaby 67" Completes Airwork at CQ Airports

On Saturday 12 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-007 was spotted and noted completing airwork including a couple of touch-and-go approaches at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

It was heard to be flying as "Wallaby 67" and flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete two touch-and-go approaches at Rockhampton Airport (pictured) and then one more each at Bundaberg Airport and the Sunshine Coast before it then headed back to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing to share this great photo!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB Calls Into Rockhampton Airport as Third Wave of Heavy Jet Passenger Charter Flights Begin!

On Saturday 12 October, the third wave of heavy jet passenger charter flights in and out of Rockhampton Airport in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) commenced as personnel and equipment continued to arrive, as well as head home following the end of the second phase of the Exercise.

Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB touched down at Rockhampton Airport once again, this time touching down direct from Singapore's Changi Airport as RBA4342.  It had earlier positioned across from Brunei as RBA4341.

The Dreamliner was parked on Gate 6 on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron and looked to unload and then load fairly full flights of personnel and their bags.

The Royal Brunei Airlines B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB eventually departed Rockhampton Airport back to Changi but as RBA4343.

Information suggests that on Sunday 13 October, the Royal Brunei Dreamliner V8-DLB will again arrive into and then depart Rocky for Changi at similar times to Saturday.  It also appears that two Royal Brunei Dreamliners will again visit Rockhampton Airport at the same time on both Monday and Tuesday.

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing to share this great photo!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Recently Re-Branded Easternwell Group (Ven Air P/L) Beech B200 King Airs VH-HPP & VH-EWG Both Call into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 9 October, a pair of recently re-branded Easternwell Group (Ven Air P/L) Beech B200 King Airs VH-HPP and VH-EWG were both noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from their Toowoomba base via Brisbane.

https://www.facebook.com/flindersaviation

Earlier this year, the Easternwell Group was taken over by Ventia and it seems that their three King Airs - VH-HPP, VH-EWG and VH-EWQ - have all been recently re-branded and re-painted to reflect this change.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 9 October, Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Spectrum Air Hire (of Sydney) Beech 76 Duchess VH-IPH flew down from Hamilton Island Airport and Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport.  It seems to have flown North from Bankstown late last month.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then returning there but via Maryborough Airport.

Finally, also on Wednesday 9 October, some LifeFlight helicopters and a fixed wing bizjet were all noted visiting the region.

Recently acquired Agusta A109SP VH-XNR looked to arrive into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  This appears to be the first time that VH-XNR has possibly visited the region since being acquired by LifeFlight as a training helicopter earlier in the year.

https://www.facebook.com/LifeFlightAU/

While Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Hospital then Rocky Hospital then to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Bundaberg Airport. 

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

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 8 October, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK was spotted passing through Emerald Airport.

It looked to arrive from Sydney and then depart to Cooktown.

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 9 October, VH-SHI "Navair 173" departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport and then later in the day it continued to Bundaberg Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 8 October, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Emerald Airport before later reversing this flight.

And Phoenix Air U-15 Phoenix VH-GHX flew out of Bowen Aerodrome for Emerald Airport and Charleville Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Nice Capital Jet Charter (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-88M Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 7 October, nice Capital Jet Charter (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-88M flew up from Canberra to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Sydney and back to Canberra.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 7 October, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK is back in the region flying out to Roma Airport from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast as JTE442/4.  It then flew up from Brisbane to Cairns and then down to Moranbah Airport and back to Cairns and Brisbane as JTE508/258/259/509.  Welcome back!

VH-IYK had arrived into Brisbane from Perth and Adelaide over the weekend, while fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB returned to Perth from Brisbane and Adelaide over the weekend.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then Moranbah Airport before then flying back to Wellcamp and then onwards to Archerfield.

Atlass-Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-KBO has been spotted and noted completing aerial survey flights out of Rockhampton Airport around Central Queensland.

New South Wales based Amateur-built Van's RV7 VH-ZEE flew up from Heck Field to the Old Station Farm and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

Tasmania-based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-LNZ flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Walgett, Merinbula and Devonport. 

And New South Wales based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-ZYA flew down from Shute Harbour to Narrabri and Wedderburn.

Finally, also on Monday 7 October, a bushfire just West of Maryborough saw both Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters VH-UHR "Helitack 515" and VH-8UH "Helitack 516" along with Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404" flew out of and back to Bundaberg Airport.

It appears that VH-8UH had arrived into Bundy over the weekend after ferrying all the way up from South Australia via all stops.

Photo taken by Mike Didsbury  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '735' Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 6 October, The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '735' was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying down from Darwin as 'SAF9486'.

It appears that the Herc has brought equipment and personnel for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) which is currently underway in the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  The Herc also possibly brought support to get the fellow RSAF C-130H Hercules '730' back in the air after some days stuck on the ground at Rockhampton Airport due to technical issues.

UPDATE!  On Monday 7 October, the C-130H Hercules '735' departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Darwin again as 'SAF9486'.  It also appears that fellow C-130H Hercules '730' is fixed and was noted back in the air again flying to Shoalwater Bay and back to Rockhampton Airport again as "Rider".

Of interest, the Hercs are part of six C-130H aircraft which are flown by the RSAF's 122 Squadron 'Condors' based at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in Singapore.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-VSZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 6 October, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

And Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ departed Bundaberg Airport for Winton, Brunchilly Station, Windorah and then Moree. It had arrived into Bundy from its Moree base early the previous morning.

Photo taken by and 'AC'  ©

New Zealand-registered Piper PA-24-250 Comanche ZK-BAZ Passes Through CQ Airports Heading Home After an Around-the-World Flight! - Plus More!

On Saturday 5 October, New Zealand-registered Piper PA-24-250 Comanche ZK-BAZ flew down from Charters Towers Aerodrome to Caboolture.  It looked to have arrived a couple of days earlier having recently returned to Australia following an around-the-world flight.

https://bazflyer.com/

UPDATE!  On Friday 11 October, ZK-BAZ looked to depart the Gold Coast and return to New Zealand.

Meanwhile also on Saturday 5 October, Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" departed Emerald to Longreach and Mount Isa.  It looked to have arrived the previous day from Watts Bridge.

Aerospatiale SA 341G Gazelle helicopter N341ZL departed Emerald Airport heading East.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

And Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO made a surprise arrival into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying down from Mount Isa to the South-East.

Finally, also on Saturday 5 October, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) - including a stop at Bankstown on the way up.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres Embraer ERJ-145LR jet VH-JGS visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©️

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

On Friday 4 October, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield,

File photo

UPDATE!  On Sunday 6 October, VH-VTF departed Hamo and returned to Archerfield.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to land at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to the Sunny Coast.  Of interest, we have seen that VH-ZIY is currently 'for sale'!

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 October, a surprise visitor in the form of Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-FWX which called into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as 'SKP853'.  It then continued to the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 October, VH-FWX continued from the Gold Coast to Norfolk Island and then further in the South Pacific.

Another nice Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in the form of Aero Facilities / Pay's Aviation VH-8TL was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 October, VH-8TL continued South.

And 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.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as “Envoy 99” Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 4 October, it was great to note that one of the 'new kids on the block', Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 completed a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

It was flying as "Envoy 99" and flew up from Canberra.  After the airwork at Hervey Bay Airport, it continued up to Townsville where it was photographed above by local plane spotter Graham A.

Later, A62-002 "Envoy 99" returned to Canberra but via Narrabri.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 11" was noted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown and then return there but via another missed approach at Coffs Harbour.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

And More Great Photos as Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 Departs Rockhampton Airport for the Second Time!

As predicted, early on Saturday 31 August, the visiting Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Johor Bahru in Malaysia as ADB332F

As posted below, it arrived the previous day from Paya Lebar and brought three Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Airbus H225M Medium Lift Helicopters to Rockhampton Airport for the upcoming Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24).

The Antonov is now not expected to return to Rockhampton Airport until the conclusion of Exercise Wallaby 2024 which is this year expected in early November.

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates on Exercise Wallaby 2024 via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport!

All photos taken by Michael Mallick  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124 UR-82008 Returns to Rockhampton Airport with Three RSAF H225M Helicopters

During the late afternoon on Friday 30 August, another large crowd of onlookers were on hand to see the return into Rockhampton Airport of Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 from Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore this time as ADB3832.

The giant aircraft taxied onto Gate 6 at the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron and almost immediately commenced unloading its cargo. The massive Antonov was placed into its unique 'kneeling' position - with its front landing gear raised - to allow the unloading of its cargo.

On this flight, three Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Airbus H225M Medium Lift Helicopters were unloaded and parked at Rockhampton Airport. Their serial numbers are yet to be confirmed.

UPDATE!  It appears the serial numbers of the H225M medium lift helicopters are '201', '215' and '218'.

It is the first time we have seen examples of the RSAF’s new H225M medium lift helicopter which has replaced their AS332M Super Puma helicopters.

The H225M helicopters are flown by the RSAF's 125 Squadron "Starling" based at Sembawang Air Base, Republic of Singapore Air Force. Established in 1985, the squadron goes by the motto "Swift And Bold", with the Starling as the squadron's motif.

The Airbus-made H225M Medium Lift helicopter is a modern multi-role helicopter that will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s existing fleet of AS332M Super Pumas, which have been in service since 1985.

It is expected that the H225Ms - and the Boeing AH-64D Apaches delivered during the week - will soon be re-assembled and then test flown ahead of their participation in the Singapore Armed Force's Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) which is expected to kick-off in the next week or so.

Meanwhile, after the H225M helicopters were unloaded, UR-82008 was closed up parked for the night. It is expected to depart from Rockhampton Airport during the morning on Saturday 31 August.

UPDATE!  Indeed, early on Saturday 31 August, UR-82008 departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Johor Bahru in Malaysia as ADB332F.

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates on Exercise Wallaby 2024 via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by Michael Malick, 'IAD', Lisa Jamieson and Nikita Whitcombe  ©