Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

The five victims of Queensland's worst helicopter crash will be remembered today on the anniversary of the tragedy.

In the early hours of Monday 24 July 2000, Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Bell 206 VH-FFI was operating a rescue flight, taking a sick five-year-old boy to hospital. The helicopter crashed in darkness and heavy fog, in a field near Marlborough in Central Queensland. The boy, his mum, and three crew lost their lives in the crash.

The CHRS chopper had flown to pick up the five-year-old boy with breathing problems from a remote property northwest of Rockhampton.

In 2003, an inquest found low fuel was to blame for the crash and heavy fog had been a significant factor.

Pictured above is one of the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service's current choppers - Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia operated Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR - departing Rockhampton Airport on a recent training flight. VH-YXR operates for the service as the primary "Rescue 300".

Fellow Babcock Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPR also operates out of Rockhampton Airport and has been a long-term part of the CHRS fleet as the usual "Rescue 300".

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

On Thursday 11 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK visited Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo then departed back to there. 

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While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Tocumwal.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, N227SL departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

New Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane

And Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived from there on Sunday 7 July.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 July, Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Winton and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

New Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba before later returning there via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX visited Clermont Aerodrome from Rockhampton Airport.  It has been completing aerial survey flights in the region over the last couple of days.

And Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 July, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Brisbane base.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed to Townsville.  It then returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 10 July, Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome and then departed to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane, Townsville and Mackay Airports before then departing back to Brisbane. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived from there over the weekend.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site for Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived there over the weekend too.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

A Couple of Flight One (Services) Cirrus Lighties - VH-FOE & VH-FOJ - at a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 July, Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR20 VH-FOE was spotted parked at Emerald Airport.  It was visiting from Archerfield.

And up the road at my local Clermont Aerodrome, fellow Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR22 VH-FOJ visited also from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 July, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Emerald Airport and Rolleston to Aerodrome to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then completed a return flight to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and back.  

VH-VEJ had arrived into Emerald Airport on Monday 8 July from Brisbane via Rolleston Aerodrome after earlier completing its 'usual' weekly flight into Clermont Aerodrome from and back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 10 July, VH-VEJ flew from Clermont Aerodrome to the Newlands Mine Site and then Brisbane.

NSW based Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga VH-SMY departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It had arrived from Wannervale and Goondiwindi over the weekend.

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

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport and Visiting a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 8 July, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 July, N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Proserpine Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 July, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome. It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

New South Wales-based Cessna 182C Skylane VH-NLN departed Rockhampton Airport to Barcaldine Airport and then further to the North-West.  It had arrived yesterday from Moruya via Roma Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast and later departed to Bundaberg Airport and the back to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM, which flew to Mackay Airport from Rocky yesterday, departed there for Clermont Aerodrome and Quilpie. It then returned to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.

Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK flew across from there to Clermont Aerodrome and then down to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, VH-LDK reversed the flight.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC flew down from Darwin, Katherine, Newcastle Waters and Mount Isa to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then flying back up to Middlemount Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 July, VH-UTC departed Middlemount Aerodrome for Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters.

Finally, late on Sunday 7 July, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 02" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Monday 8 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork including a missed approach at the Gold Coast before flying up to Bundaberg Airport for more airwork and a missed approach.  It then flew back down to Williamtown.

A30-006 was heard to be flying as "Wedgetail 02".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

New Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On a quiet Friday 5 July, the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  

VH-8PD then returned to Cairns.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 July, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Brisbane.

It then departed to Townsville before returning to Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rolleston Aerodrome before returning to Wellcamp but via Roma Airport.

While American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW landed at Bundaberg Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP landed at Emerald Airport from Miranda Downs and then departed to Archerfield.  Later, it returned to Miranda via Hughenden.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-8HP flew down from Miranda Downs to Mackay Airport and back and this afternoon flew down to Emerald Airport, Bundaberg Airport and then Armidale in New South Wales.

Sydney-registered Skydive Australia Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OZQ landed at Emerald Airport from Shellharbour and then departed to Cairns.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Mackay Airport from Jandakot and Alice Springs.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-OXY departed Mackay Airport for Armidale.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 July, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and then departed to Wagga Wagga.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, VH-JSZ flew back into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Wagga Wagga. It then departed to Archerfield. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 421" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast before later returning there but via Bundaberg Airport.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was in the region yet again, flying out to Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane and then across to Mackay Airport.  It then flew up Townsville and Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 3 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay from Bankstown and Cessnock and late this afternoon flew back to there.

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LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" popped into Gladstone Airport from Townsville and Brisbane. It then departed to Cairns and then back to Brisbane.

And Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 3 July, Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ as "Rescue 521" was noted completing a medical evacuation flight from Mackay Airport to Townsville.

As posted below, the two (now former) Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 helicopters VH-CQJ and VH-VAU have gone from Mackay Airport for good; while LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA, which has been at Mackay Airport since the start of the month, completed its first medical evacuation flight on Wednesday 3 July from Mackay to Proserpine Hosptial and back as "Rescue 401".

While Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Agusta AW109SP helicopter VH-CZT landed at Emerald from Townsville and then departed to Roma Airport and then Tamworth.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 4 July, VH-SGQ reversed these flights, coming down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport and then to Brisbane.

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

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Rockhampton Airport to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived on the weekend.

And Gold Coast registered Extra EA300/LT VH-XKW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

A Pair of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-OFA and VH-OFC Both Call into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was spotted visiting Gladstone Airport.  It had earlier flown out to Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane and then flew across to Gladstone Airport.

It is pictured departing back to Brisbane.

And fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Brisbane before then departing to Mount Isa and Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 2 July, now ex-CQ Rescue (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU was noted arriving into Horn Island from Cairns, Cooktown and Coen.  It departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cairns yesterday.

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

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©️

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON Pops into My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 1 July, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site but was unable to land so diverted into my local Clermont Aerodrome.

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It later departed and successfully landed at Labona before then returning to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

Also at Clermont on Monday 1 July was the familiar sight of Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 1 July, Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ landed at Emerald Airport from Moree and then departed to Pinnarendi.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and Cairns.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-PDE departed Planet Downs to Archerfield.

Cairns-based Cessna 206 VH-SQX landed at Longreach Airport from Bourke then departed to Mareeba.

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM departed Hamilton Island Airport for its Gayndah Aerodrome base.  It had flown up from there late last week.

New Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

And through the day, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Mackay Airport to Armidale and Tamworth before then flying back up to Archerfield, Bundaberg Airport and then up to Charters Towers Aerodrome and Miranda Downs and then back to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 2 July, VH-8HP flew out from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and then up to Miranda Downs and to Normanton and back to Miranda Downs.

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter A15-301 "Pegasus 9" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 1 July, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-301 was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport. 

It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pegasus 9" and flew in from Townsville.

After completing an engagement with the local Army Cadets, it departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Facebook posts suggest that it will continue further South over the week.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 July, A15-301 "Pegasus 9" returned North to Townsville this time via Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL at CQ Airports on Rugby League Charter - Plus More!

On Saturday 29 June, Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-300 VH-QQL as SKP963 departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and then Cairns.  It looked to carry the local Mackay Cutters Rugby League team up to Cairns to play the local Northern Pride in the Queensland Rugby League Competition.

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After the game, VH-QQL then departed Cairns and returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Rockhampton Airport but as SKP964.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 29 June, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" landed at Longreach Airport from Sunshine Coast and then departed to Mount Isa. 

Kirkhope Aviation newish Textron (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TKA flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Bourke to Charleville Airport and then onwards to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, and then over the next couple of days, VH-TKA returned to Longreach Airport on what looked to be a closed tourist charter.  On Tuesday 2 June, VH-TKA departed Longreach Airport for Birdsville and Alice Springs.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV flew from Longreach Airport to Archerfield.  It looked to also have completed a closed tourist flight but out of Archerfield Airport at the start of the week to Birdsville and other parts around the region including Longreach Airport over the last couple of days.

Cairns-based Air Tours Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  VH-LOA did another flight from Cairns to Hamo and back on Monday 1 June.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Bundaberg Airports.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.  VH-JIW has been operating around the state (including sometimes within CQ) operating what is believed to be aerial survey flights. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, VH-JIW departed Mackay Airport for Townsville and Cairns. 

Finally, also on Saturday 29 June, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Dalby.  It then hopped across to Alpha Aerodrome for the local races.  It then departed back to Dalby and Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then hopped to Rockhampton Airport and then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 (Ex 2-PADY) Calls into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports for Training - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 June, a great first-time visitor into Central Queensland was Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 which flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport as HT895.  After completing some training, it continued to Mackay Airport again as HT895 where it was to stay for the night.

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UPDATE!  On Friday 21 June, after more training, VH-AK3 departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane.

VH-AK3 was delivered in an all-white livery as 2-PADY and was painted at the start of April.  Its visit to the region was to provide training to ground crews for when the Aerlink ATR freighter will take over Qantas Freight services in the next week replacing the Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe 146 quad-jet services.

UPDATE!  Late on Thursday 27 June, Aerlink ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 operated its first freight flight for Qantas Freight, departing Mackay Airport for Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane as QFA7492/3.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 June, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

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

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield to Red Rock Station, Longreach Airport and further West. 

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM flew from Gayndah Aerodrome to Taroom and then Emerald Airport. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS, which had flown up to Cairns from Brisbane this morning, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from there then departed back to Brisbane. 

Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-VSA visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 20 June, several light aircraft were noted visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome with some ferrying school children home at the end of the school term.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Airs VH-NSN as "Machflight 242", VH-ZSY as "Machflight 121" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" all arrived from Cairns and departed to Horn Island.

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Private Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX arrived into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Cooktown and Cairns.

And Samaritan Aviation (Papua New Guinea) Cessna U206G Stationair P2-SAA visited Charters Towers Aerodrome from Mareeba and Cairns.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

South Australian-based Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-IYG Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 June, South Australian-based Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-IYG landed at Longreach Airport from St George and this afternoon departed to Winton. 

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

Elphinstone Group (Burnie) / Revesco Aviation (Perth) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown and then Sunshine Coast then down to Archerfield. 

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 June, VH-LXZ departed Mackay Airport for Emerald Airport and then back to Bankstown. 

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

And Australian Corporate Jet Centres Embraer ERJ-145LR jet VH-JGS completed its fifth return trip to Moranbah Airport from and back to Brisbane.  (We may not report on this weekly movement any more!)

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 June, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 20" landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Roma Airport and Archerfield. 

Cirrus SR20 VH-8P4 landed at Emerald Airport from Caboolture then departed to the South-East. 

New Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane on a training flight and parked for a crew change then departed back to Brisbane. 

NSW based Cessna 182P VH-IQV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB, which had flown up from Toowoomba to Bowen Aerodrome yesterday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from there and then departed to Toowoomba. 

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH returned back South from the Gulf of Carpentaria, arriving into Emerald Airport from Horn Island and Cairns before then departing to Archerfield.  It had flown North at the start of the week - see Blog post below!

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH departed Rockhampton Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome and then down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports. 

And Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport.

Photos taken by Brodie Lawson and Drew Mackay  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 June, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

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

While new Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR and Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX both appeared to depart Longreach Airport together bound for the Gold Coast.

They appear to have arrived together over the weekend from Ayres Rock via Winton.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC landed at Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then hopped to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Emerald Airport.  Then during the afternoon, it hopped back to Labona and then departed there to the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 18 June, the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane. 

Amateur-built Avipro Bearhawk VH-MHU landed at Gladstone Airport from Heck Field and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

Cessna 172N VH-JER also landed at Gladstone Airport but from Southport and then also departed to Shute Harbour. 

Plus Raytheon G58 Baron VH-OCC also flew up to Shute Harbour but from the Gold Coast. 

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rolleston and Yellowbank Aerodromes before then departing to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed back to Townsville.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and then headed back to Cairns. 

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW departed Bowen Aerodrome for Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It had arrived into Bowen Aerodrome from Wellcamp and Archerfield via Labona the previous day.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW continues to fly around the region - reportedly on aerial survey flights - departing Emerald Airport for the South.

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

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ Frist Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 June, National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport from Brisbane and Cairns as JTE1072/258.  It then returned to Cairns and Brisbane but as JTE259/1093.

VH-IYJ had flown across to Brisbane from Perth via Adelaide (as shown above) over the weekend and replaced fellow Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA which ferried out of Brisbane to Perth via Alice Springs for planned maintenance. 

UPDATE!  A photo has been added from Emerald Airport where it arrived late on Tuesday 18 June and stayed for the night.

The 'other' Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP continues to operate into CQ Airports from and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 June, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mount Isa. 

While fellow Flight One Australia Cessna 172 VH-NOE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed to Archerfield.

Beech 95B55 Baron VH-8D8 visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Toowoomba.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 June, VH-8HP returned to Tierawoomba from Miranda Downs.

And Aerospatiale AS.355F1 helicopter VH-SEV "Media 21" flew down from Cairns to Charter Towers and Clermont Aerodromes and then further to the South.  It had flown North via Roma and Emerald Airports to Cairns at the end of last week.

Finally, also on Monday 17 June, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Vanrook Station and then departed to the South-East.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©

Leppington Pastoral Co. (NSW) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i VH-JET at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 16 June, Leppington Pastoral Co. (NSW) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i VH-JET departed Hamilton Island Airport for its Camden (NSW) base.  It appears to have arrived at the start of the week from the Gold Coast.

File photo

Oberon Aviation Services Beech B200 King Air VH-MWZ landed at Longreach Airport from Louth and Quilpie.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 June, VH-MWZ departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa, Tennant Creek and Katherine (RAAF Base Tindal).

Monnett Sonerai VH-LCP was photographed at Gladstone Airport after earlier arriving from Heck Field.  It is due to return there on Monday 17 June.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624"  arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 16 June, American-registered Cirrus SR20 N96706 departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa and Tennant Creek. It was planned to continue to Emkaytee NT.  It appears that N96706 flew into Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast via Charleville Airport on Saturday 15 June.

Plus a few other Cirrus SR20s and SR22s were around the place.  SR22 VH-WSB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Townsville.  SR22s VH-MSF and VH-NZR departed Longreach Airport for the North West.  SR22 VH-TOL also departed Longreach Airport but for Archerfield.  All three had arrived on Saturday 15 June from Redcliffe or Goondiwindi.

Finally also on Saturday 15 June, re-registered Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT popped into Longreach Airport from Darwin.  It then departed to Bankstown.  VH-EJT had flown up to the Top End the previous day from Bankstown via Birdsville.

Photos taken by Brodie Lawson and Swavek Topolski  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 June, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to its Archerfield base.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield and then departed to Charleville and Birdsville Airports.  It then reversed the flight and returned to Archerfield.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" was in the region again, this time visiting Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was back in the region again, flying out from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before then flying up to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 June, the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before later returning direct to Cairns.

Diamond DA-62 VH-8R8, departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and returned to Archerfield.  It had flown up to there from Archerfield via Rockhampton Airport last week.

Recently re-registered LifeFlight Australia (Cronin Aviation Services) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPH as "Guardian 20" landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield, Dalby and Roma Airports.  It then departed to Mount Isa.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ completed its usual Friday pick-up from my local Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.  I don't think we will report on this common movement moving forward.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Remembering the Crash of a USAF B-17C Flying Fortress at Bakers Creek near Mackay on 14 June 1943

During the Second World War, the United States Army Air Corps established rest and recreation facilities in Mackay. From the end of January 1943 until early 1944, thousands of United States servicemen were ferried almost daily from New Guinea to Mackay by air transport to spend around 10 days R&R. They were usually carried by two B-17 Flying Fortresses converted for transport duties and an LB-30 (civil transport version of the B-24 Liberator bomber), stationed in Mackay with the 46th Troop Carrier Squadron, whose parent Unit was stationed in Townsville, Queensland.

On Monday 14 June 1943, just before dawn, at about 6 a.m., Boeing B-17C, Serial/Tail Number 40-2072, known as "Miss Every Morning Fixin", took off from Mackay headed for Port Moresby. There were six crew and 35 passengers aboard. A few minutes after take-off, it crashed, at Bakers Creek, 8km South of Mackay, killing all but one of those on board.

The cause of the crash remains a mystery. The aircraft took off into fog and, soon after, made a turn at low altitude. The crash remains Australia's worst air disaster.

The sole survivor was Foye Kenneth Roberts who died at Wichita Falls, Texas on 4 February 2004.

Local residents gathered at the Bakers Creek Memorial site to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the crash in 2013, and to mark the occasion, a booklet titled 'Biosketches of the Fallen', has been published.

The memorial was constructed in Bakers Creek in 1981 consisting of two brick columns aligned northwards on which are mounted flag poles and two brass plaques facing eastwards. Between the columns is a large aircraft propeller of a type fitted to Douglas C-47/DC-3/Dakota airplanes that was supplied by the Royal Australian Air Force. The plaques describe the crash and list the men known to have perished as well as the sole survivor. Fixed above the propeller is a bronze model of a Flying Fortress aircraft that was added on 13 June 2003.

Another memorial located behind the Australian embassy in Washington D.C. commemorates the accident. Because embassies are considered foreign soil, the Bakers Creek Memorial Association petitioned American lawmakers to relocate the memorial. After several years of negotiation, a dedication ceremony took place 11 June 2009 at the memorial's new home just north-west of the Selfridge Gate in Fort Myer, Virginia.

More information can be found at Peter Dunn's Australia At War website (www.ozatwar.com).

New Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus BK117D3 H145 Helicopter P2-PHD Pops into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 June, new Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus BK117D3 H145 helicopter P2-PHD was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports while heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Sistership P2-PHA / https://www.pacifichelicopters.aero/

It flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton Airport and the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then onwards to Mareeba.  It was due to continue into PNG on Friday 14 June.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 June, ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Bundaberg Airport for survey work.  It is due to continue to Tamworth and Canberra on Friday 14 June.

Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge then departed to Cairns. 

Eastern Air Services / Eastern Air Link Beech 58 Baron VH-SFC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from its Port Macquarie base. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 June, VH-SFC departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 13 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) new Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD landed at Bundaberg Airport from Sunshine Coast and then departed back to there. 

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Barcaldine Airport from Archerfield via Brisbane.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It is due to return to the Sunny Coast over the weekend.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 "Trojan 34" at CQ Airports - UPDATED!!

On Thursday 13 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 as "Trojan 34" was noted completing airwork including missed approaches at Saint George, Charleville and Longreach Airports.

File photo

The Herc was on a flight from RAAF Base Amberley up to Townsville.  It had earlier flown at the way up from Hobart in Tasmania.

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 June, A97-464 again as "Trojan 34" touched down at Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.  After completing a crew change, it then departed to RAAF Base Richmond.

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

On Wednesday 12 June, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 June, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 June, only recently American-registered Cirrus SR22T N181SP landed at Barcaldine Airport from the Gold Coast before it then departed to Mount Isa and Darwin.

Also recently delivered (April) Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II VH-AL2 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast via surveys along the way.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 June, VH-AL2 departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and then Cairns.

New Zealand Aerospace (Pacific Aerospace) CT/4A Airtrainer VH-APV (ex RAAF A19-074) flew into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Mareeba.

Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel VH-DTY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Mackay Airport and Townsville.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Labona for Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It had arrived from there on Sunday 9 June.

Plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI departed Rockhampton Airport for Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It had also arrived at Rocky on Sunday.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Tony Haynes   ©

Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-87X Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 June, Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then down to Mackay Airport and back to Sydney.

File photo

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ which, on Sunday, flew from Archerfield to Moura Aerodrome and then to Mount Isa and yesterday, flew back to Moura Aerodrome, this morning departed there to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 June, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew out from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and the Sunshine Coast to Rolleston and Yellowbank Aerodromes before then returning to the Sunshine Coast and Wellcamp.

While the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport also from Cairns and Townsville on a prisoner transfer flight. It then departed to Brisbane before later flying back to Cairns.

And the Cirrus Design Corporation new demonstration aircraft SR22T G7 GTS N20GH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and was on display at the Rockhampton Aero Club.

Of interest, the aircraft has a new four-blade prop and has only 15 hours up on airframe. There is also extra de-icing fitted! 

During the afternoon, N20GH then departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport where it will be on display on Wednesday 12 June.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 June, N20GH was on display at the Mackay aero Club and later departed Mackay Airport for Cairns.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, Trevor Hardsman and Drew Mackay  ©