Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNF "Rescue 550" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 February, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" low-level North-East of Bundaberg. 

File photo

After a long time, they flew in to land at Bundaberg Airport. After a refuel VH-XNF "Rescue 550" departed Bundaberg Airport back to Cairns.  VH-XCY "Rescue 522" departed the area to the Royal Brisbane Hospital. 

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ continued flying in the region, starting the day at Moura Aerodrome and then heading to Rockhampton Airport and then Julia Creek and Alice Springs before heading to Archerfield.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" visited Dalby Aerodrome from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 February, Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM flew down from Mackay Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Quilpie.  Later, it flew back to Clermont Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport before then flying to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-SLM had flown from Rocky to Mackay Airport on Sunday 25 February.

VH-SLM also did a similar flight at the start of last week - see Blog post and photo below.

South Australia-based Gippsaero GA8 Airvan VH-ANE also popped into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying from Windorah to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Port Agusta in South Australia the previous day.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  This seems to be a weekly run. 

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Monto Aerodrome.  It had arrived last Thursday 22 February.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew back to Emerald Airport from Gympie.  It had flown down there over the weekend.

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

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew the normal HND3310/1 flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site  and back to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Labona but as HND428.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 February, VH-CVN departed Labona for Townsville again as HND428. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-CVN departed Townsville for Rockhampton Airport again as HND428.  It then completed a run to Labona and back as HND3350/1.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-005 Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 26 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

A39-005 was flying as "Dragon 47" and earlier flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to a position North-West of Rocky where it went into a 30-minute holding patter to wait for another RAAF KC-30A A39-004 as "Windsor 01" which was flying down from Cairns. 

Both KC-30A aircraft flew together to near Gayndah where they did a long holding lap before A39-004 "Windsor 01" flew on to Amberley and A39-005 "Dragon 47" turned back North for more holding and then eventually a landing at Rockhampton Airport.  After landing, it parked on taxiway Juliet for a crew change and then eventually departed back to Amberley.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQJ Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 25 February, recently registered (on Tuesday 13 February) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and later departed to Townsville.

It looked to have flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Oakey via Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Toowoomba-Wellcamp the previous day.

VH-YQJ is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and we believe is the fourth and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

VH-YQJ joins VH-YBG and VH-YQC at Townsville with these two still operating flights out and back with Australian Army flight numbers and callsigns.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 25 February, Elite Helicopters (Archerfield) Eurocopter  AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YQK departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. 

Western Australia based Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. It had come from Bendigo, Tyabb and Broken Hill yesterday.

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 February, VH-SRY departed Longreach Airport back to Bourke and Tyabb. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to return to Bundaberg Airport from North Keppel Island.  It flew into there from Archerfield and Bundy on Friday.

And the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed aerial survey work over Blackwater mine sites while on a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Sunday 25 February, a few bizjets noted around the region included AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ which flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Bankstown.

UPDATE!  In the wee small hours of Monday 26 February, VH-CCJ returned to Bundaberg Airport from Bankstown before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT called into Hamilton Island Airport from Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-VLT departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and then Melbourne (Essendon).

While S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from there on Friday 23 February.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted departing Archerfield for Charleville Airport.  It later returned to Archerfield.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Scott Harris  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 10" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 25 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as "Wallaby 61" and flew down from Townsville.

After around an hour on the ground, A34-010 "Wallaby 10" departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley.  It then departed to Wagga Wagga and then back to Amberley.

Of interest, A34-010 "Wallaby 10" originally departed Amberely on Friday 23 February and landed at Cairns.  It then flew up to RAAF Base Scherger and down to Townsville on Saturday 24 February.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Rugby League Football Charters Begin - Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC and Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVR Both Call into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 February, North Queensland Junior Rugby League games in Gladstone saw the arrival of a couple of nice turboprop passenger charter flights from Cairns as the local Central Queensland Capras took on the Northern Pride across several age divisions.

First to touch down at Gladstone Airport was Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP959 from Cairns.  During the afternoon, it departed back there as SKP960. 

Soon after, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVR as HT805 also landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and looked to return to there as HT806.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 February, Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived into Hamo from those places on Wednesday 21 February.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Moura, Emerald, Roma, Mackay and then Rockhampton Airports before then returning to Archerfield.

UPDATES!  On Sunday 25 February, VH-JSZ again flew out from Archerfield and visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before finishing the day at Moura Aerodrome.  On Monday 26 February, VH-JSZ departed Moura Aerodrome for Rockhampton Airport before it then headed out to Julia Creek and Alice Springs before then flying back to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived Emerald Airport from Brisbane before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew out to Longreach Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Saturday 24 February, Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew from Emerald Airport to Gympie.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF departed Rockhampton Airport for the North.

South Australia owned Robinson R44 helicopter VH-8CE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then departing to Bundaberg Airport.

And Melbourne-based GE Aero P/L Cirrus SR22T VH-VH-8GE departed he Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the Ballina Byron Bay Gateway Airport in Northern New South Wales.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jaymee C for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a couple of beaut visitors to Gladstone Airport.

All photos taken by Jaymee C  ©

New Zealand Registered Pacific Aerospace PAC-750 ZK-SDT Pops into Mackay Airport on Ferry Flight to PNG - Plus More!

On Thursday 22 February, New Zealand registered Pacific Aerospace PAC-750 ZK-SDT was noted passing through Mackay Airport while on a ferry flight from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

ZK-SDT in New Zealand last week

It arrived from the Gold Coast and was enroute to Cairns however, due to a technical problem, ZK-SDT diverted into Townsville.  

Of interest, ZK-SDT had flown across from New Zealand during the latter of last week.  It has been registered to Aero Dynamics Ltd of Mt Hagen in Papua New Guinea since mid September 2023.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 February, ZK-SDT departed Townsville for Cairns and in the subsequent days, it has been noted completing local flights out of and back to Carins.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 5 March, ZK-SDT finally departed Cairns and ferried up to Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 22 February, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Archerfield and during the afternoon, it flew up from there to Caldervale Station and then Lake Nash.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

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

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 February, VH-VEJ departed Emerald Airport and returned to Rolleston Aerodrome before flying back to Brisbane.  It then completed one more flight to Emerald Airport and back to Brisbane.

And Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE landed at Longreach Airport from Cairns and Charters Towers Aerodrome before then continuing to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 February, VH-RUE departed Emerald Airport for Kingaroy and Brisbane.  It then flew back up to Cairns.

Finally, also on Thursday 22 February, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC landed at Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then continued to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before later returning directly to the Sunshine Coast.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ continues to visit the region, this time flying up from Archerfield to Moura and Emerald Airports before then flying down to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Photo taken by Mike Condon  ©

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP Adds Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton Airport Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights

On Thursday 22 February, a new tail was spotted making its first ever visit into Gladstone Airport in the form of National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP.

It was operating as 'JTE392' / "Jetex 392" and arrived from Brisbane and departed to Rockhampton Airport on what seems to be a stop on the weekly closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Brisbane and Rocky which started in October 2023.

VH-IYP then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Gladstone Airport before continuing back to Brisbane all as 'JTE393' / "Jetex 393" 

This stop at Gladstone Airport is reportedly a permanent addition to the Rockhampton Airport flights.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos of a great first-time visitor to Gladstone Airport!

Photos taken by Jaymee C and 'AC'  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ passed through Rockhampton Airport while flying up from Archerfield and onwards to Mount Isa. It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and then departed back to Archerfield.

File photo

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

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 February, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down to Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane. It then flew back up to Townsville and Cairns.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then departing to Kingaroy and then back to Brisbane.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Labona before then departing back to there.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM visited Mackay Airport from its Gayndah Aerodrome base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 13 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300s VH-QQM and VH-QQL swapped over Rockhampton Airport out at Labona.  Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQL as SKP778/523 flew into Rockhampton Airport from Labona before it departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Envoy 63" Pops into at Bundaberg Airport

On Tuesday 13 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.

File photo

It was heard to be flying as "Envoy 63" and flew up from Canberra via Coffs Harbour. 

A bit later it departed back to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

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

On Monday 12 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and then Bankstown.

File photo

It had arrived on Friday 9 February from the Gold Coast via Sydney.

While Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before then departing down to Sydney.  It also visited Hamo at the end of last week.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield during a very busy day of flying which started in Adelaide

Meanwhile, also on Monday 12 February, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Goondiwindi and then back to Brisbane.

Mackay Quality Plasterers P/L Cessna 210G VH-UCT flew out of Mackay Airport for Blackall Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 16 February, VH-UCT returned to Mackay Airport.

And there was a swap of skydiving aircraft at the Lakeside Airpark near Proserpine with Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC departing to Moree and Bankstown.  While Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF flew up from Wilton and Caloundra.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 62" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 12 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet, A56-002 as "Envoy 62" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

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

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU at Roma Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 11 February, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted departing Roma Airport for Adelaide.

File photo

It seems to have arrived into Roma Airport from the South Australian capital the previous day.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 11 February, the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe no doubt ready to complete more aerial survey work in the area.

And the visiting Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport (on Saturday 10 February). It then flew from Mackay Airport to Quilpie and back to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Redcliffe.

Finally, in the wee small hours on Saturday 10 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" visited Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

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

On Friday 9 February, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and Sydney.  It later flew back to Archerfield.

File photo

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM also flew into Hamilton Island but from the Gol Coast and Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 9 February, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before then departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back into Rockhampton Airport before continuing up to Townsville and Cairns.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200C VH-HPP visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Toowoomba and Brisbane.

And late morning, Flight One Australia Cessna 172 VH-NOE departed Gladstone Airport for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  But on the way up, due to low cloud and poor visibility, it was forced to turn back and land at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 10 February, VH-NOE tried again and successfully made it into Proserpine Airport from Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 11 February, VH-NOE returned to Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine Airport before it then departed to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 9 February, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-NUU was noted flying several closed charter flights in and out of Roma Airport including down to and back from Sydney as UTY9651.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS popped into Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

It flew from Archerfield to Brisbane and then up to Townsville before flyting back down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane and Archerfield.  Busy!

Reefchange P/L (Cairns) Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSJ departed Bundaberg Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It had arrived into Bundy from Gympie the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 9 February, VH-YSJ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Townsville, Palm Island and Cairns.

While Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Goonoo Feedlot from Surat Aerodrome.  It later departed there to Brisbane.

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

UPDATE!  On Friday 9 February, VH-8HP continued to Tamworth.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 11 February, VH-8HP landed at Emerald Airport from Tamworth and then departed to Mount Isa and Tennant Creek.

UPDATE!  On Monday 12 February, VH-8HP flew from Tennant Creek to Hooker Creek, Lake Nash and back to Emerald Airport where it stayed!

Photo taken by Emily C  ©️

And Australian Army Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF Ferries South via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 February, Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was noted ferrying South from Townsville to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  It looked to fly South via airwork including missed approaches at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports, plus a fuel stop at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

VH-YBF was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

This ferry flight comes a day after recently registered (November 2023) now Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC was noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville also via some CQ Airports.  It also flew as "Finch 22".

Of interest, VH-YBF joins three other nice helicopters seemingly at Oakey - Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 421", Helicorp (Toll Helicopters) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWI "Rescue 901" and NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) BO 105 S CBS - 4 helicopter VH-JYS.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 8 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 26" was noted completing airwork around Kingaroy while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

A34-004 returned to the sky after dark but as "Wallaby 40" and again completed more airwork at both Miles and Kingaroy.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

PNG Registered Pacific Helicopters Airbus BK117 Helicopter PK-BKZ Spotted at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Wednesday 7 February, a nice 'new' helicopter was spotted passing through the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour in the form of Papua New Guinea registered Pacific Helicopters (Goroka) Airbus BK117 helicopter P2-BKZ.

Little is known about the chopper, but it did ferry up to the Whitsundays on Tuesday 6 February from the Sunshine Coast via Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports.

 

On Wednesday, P2-BKZ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Townsville, Mareeba and ports to the North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 February, the sleek SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast as "AirMed 923".

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, VH-SEQ "AirMed 923" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

And Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew up Archerfield to Townsville and then Rockhampton Airport before then departing back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 7 February, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Mackay-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX departed Mackay Airport for Cloncurry Airport.

UPDATE!  After making a few stops, VH-DWX returned to Mackay Airport on Friday 9 February.

And the visiting Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ completed a flight from Rockhampton Airport to Emerald Airport and back to Rocky.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQC "Finch 22" Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

An interesting visitor through some Central Queensland Airports on Wednesday 7 February was recently registered (November 2023) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC which noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville via airwork at Bundaberg Airport and a landing at Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to have originally flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bankstown at the end of January.

VH-YQC was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

VH-YQC is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and is the third and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 February, a fourth AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ ferried North into Townsville - see Blog post above!

The Australian Army's MRH-90 helicopters have suffered years of poor serviceability due to various technical issues so AW139 helicopters are a 'stop gap' measure.

There are reports though that the AW139 could ultimately be used by the Australian Army as a general utility helicopter.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-YQC started flying for the Australian Army at Townsville the next day and on Saturday 10 February it was photographed above visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport on a flight from and back to Townsville as "Warhorse 207".

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Finch 22" ferried South to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre from Townsville also via a stop at Rockhampton Airport and airwork at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports - see Blog post above!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG has been noted flying around Charters Towers Aerodrome as "Warhorse 203" at the start of the week and remains in Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 7 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 34" looked to complete airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Bert Van Drunick  ©️

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

On Tuesday 6 February, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  It then departed to Julia Creek and Cloncurry before then returning to Julia Creek and Rockhampton Airport where it seems to be staying for the night.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 February, VH-HQK "Navair 141" departed Rockhampton Airport for Dubbo.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 February, VH-MMC landed back at Emerald Airport from Adelaide and then departed back to Sunshine Coast.

Capital Jet Charter (Canberra) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-TCS looked to arrive into (near) Taroom Aerodrome from Canberra.  It later departed to Tamworth and back to Canberra.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 121" looked to complete airwork at Maryborough and Bundaberg Airports while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 6 February, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 11" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" was back in the region, flying up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports before returning to the Sunny Coast.

Sunshine Coast-based Rockwell International 114 VH-KSW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caboolture.

UPDATE!  Over the rest of the week, VH-KSW visited Springsure, Emerald, Middlemount, Biloela / Thangool, Agnes Water and Bundaberg Airports before returning to Caboolture on Friday 9 February.

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ "Auscal 4" also called into Longreach Airport, arriving from Alice Springs and departing to Brisbane.  It also completed some airwork at Charleville Airport while flying to Brisbane.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP as "Rescue 421" flew down from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay to Gladstone and Bundaberg Airports before then finishing the day at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Finally, also on Tuesday 6 February, it's worth noting that Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some aerial surveillance / search work in the Whitsundays area.

Earlier, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-468 "Trojan 30" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to complete a missed approach at RAAF Base Amberley and fly then up to complete similar airwork / searching around the Whitsunday Islands.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ and Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM Both Spotted at My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 5 February, there were a couple of nice visitors to my local Clermont Aerodrome including Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ which flew down from 'Natal Downs'.

It later departed to Dalby and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 February, VH-JSZ was back in the region, visiting Roma Airport from Archerfield via Dalby.

And Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM flew up from its Gayndah Aerodrome base via Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome.  It then departed to Emerald Airport and Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 February, VH-MYM departed Mackay Airport and returned home to Gayndah Aerodrome.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Bundaberg Airport.  It then returned to Wellcamp via Kingaroy.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Sydney.  It had arrived into Prosie from Cairns on Saturday 3 February having flown up from Sydney over the previous couple of days.

And Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon) after arriving from there last Friday 2 February.

Finally, also on Monday 5 February, Townsville based (West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville) Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP visited Mackay Airport twice from Townsville.

DND Aviation Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-FEM departed Gladstone Airport for Redcliffe. It looked to have arrived the previous day.

Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-VSA visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  VH-VSA did same on Tuesday 6 February and Wednesday 7 February!

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ flew down from Mackay Airport to Emerald and Quilpie Airports and then back to Mackay Airport. It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

After arriving and operating in the region in mid-to-late January, VH-TTZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport on Sunday 4 February.

Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ of Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to complete airwork from and back to the Gold Coast.

And recently re-registered Topline Aviation (Sarina) Robinson R44 II VH-LYO departed Rockhampton Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It had flown up to Rocky from the Gold Coast and Bundaberg Airports the previous day.

Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet M-LJCR Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 February, the visiting Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet M-LJCR departed Hamiton Island Airport for Darwin and then Bangkok, Thailand. 

M-LJCR arrives into Darwin Airport

It had arrived from Melbourne (Essendon) on Tuesday 30 January.

While over on the mainland, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns. It had flown into Far North Queensland the previous day.

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

UPDATE!  On Monday 5 February, VH-VSZ departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Sydney.

Also still parked at Proserpine Airport was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 17" which arrived on Friday 2 February - see Blog post below!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 February, VH-PIY "Machflight 17" departed Prosie for the Sunshine Coast.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG passed through Emerald Airport twice while flying up and down between Toowoomba (and Brisbane on the return leg) and Kidston.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 VH-MZF flew into Blackall Airport from Bankstown and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 February, VH-MZF returned to Archerfield.  It is due to return to Bankstown on Monday 5 February.

Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX looked to visit Middlemount Aerodrome from Inverell (New South Wales) and Dalby.

And Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTI, VH-EQO, VH-PQE and VH-YTZ all arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp via Archerfield before departing back to Wellcamp.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 February, there were several helicopters noted flying around the region.

Radford Harvesting (Tasmania) / Utility Helicopters (Sunshine Coast) Agusta 119 Koala helicopter VH-X6I (N803CF) was noted flying around the Mackay Hinterland area.

Frontier Helicopters (WA) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-ZBQ passed through at least Dalby and Charleville Airports while flying from Redcliffe to Alice Springs.

Omni Executive (Canberra) / M.I. Helicopters (Roma) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-NPI was seen flying out of and back to its Roma Airport base.

And Australian Army marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Warhorse 207" was noted completing airwork and eventually landing at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photos taken by Mary Marshall and James Kirk  ©

Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet M-LJCR Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 30 January, nice sleek little Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet M-LJCR arrived into Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) where it is pictured arriving last Monday 22 January from Kailua/Kona and Nadi (Fiji).

At the time of writing, it appears that the Falcon 7X is staying at Hamo for at least the night.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 30 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" called into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 January, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before it then departed to Brisbane. This afternoon it returned North.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Redcliffe.  Returned to Tierawoomba.

Camden-based Hawker Beechcraft C90GTi King Air VH-TRW arrived into the Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour from Camden via Roma Airport.

While Airlie Beach based Robinson R66 VH-VVN looked to return home to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour following a long trip away to Victoria.  It flew up from Gladstone Airport.

Rotorco Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-LDH flew back down from Townsville to Redcliffe via Emerald, Miles and Dalby Airports.  It had flown North at the end of last week.

And late on Monday 29 January, Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters EC135 P3 (CPDS) VH-ZGP flew down from Hay Point to Gladstone Airport before staying overnight and continuing sown to Roma Airport and then Toowoomba and Ballina all on Tuesday 30 January.

Photo taken by Ian Gains  ©