Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE Back at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 31 January, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Canberra.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 February, VH-STE departed Bundaberg Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport and back to Bundy.

UPDATE!  On Friday 2 February, VH-STE departed Bundaberg Airport for Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 31 January, AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" landed at Theodore Aerodrome from Archerfield.  It then departed to Miles Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport. 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Lady Eliot Island and then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports. 

Mackay-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 February, VH-DWX departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport and then flew back to Mackay Airport.

Finally, late on Tuesday 30 January, it was noted that Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-300s VH-QQL and VH-QQM did a 'swap' out at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site with VH-QQL flying out there from Rockhampton Airport and VH-QQM flying back into Rockhampton Airport from Labona.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

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  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Envoy 02" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 30 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

A36-001 was heard to be using the radio callsign "Envoy 02” and looked to arrive from Canberra and Townsville.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was photographed disembarking the RAAF VIP 34 Squadron BBJ.

Later, with his engagements complete, A36-001 “Envoy 02” departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ Ferries South via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 29 January, Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ arrived into Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome. It then departed to Biloela / Thangool Airport and Watts Bridge where it will undergo planned maintenance.

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VH-URJ had flown into Charters Towers Aerodrome the previous day from Horn Island, Coen and Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 January, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew back to the Sunshine Coast and then to Archerfield.

Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS visited Labona from Townsville.

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

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU visited Mackay Airport from Quilpie.  It had flown into Quilpie from its Tamworth base the previous day.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Microflite (Melbourne) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour Once Again! - Plus More!

On Sunday 28 January, Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour once again from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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While Mackay-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX departed Mackay Airport for Charters Towers, Normanton and Mornington Island before then returning to the Towers and Mackay Airport.

After arriving from there on Australia Day, Thomson Airborne (New South Wales) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 VH-YYQ departed Rockhampton Airport for Dalby, Tamworth and Camden where it appears to be usually based.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA has had a busy few days flying out West and into the Centre of Australia.  Over this weekend, it returned to Archerfield from Alice Springs via Ambalindum, Blackall and Moura Airports.

Skydive Australia (New South Wales) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OZQ Arrives into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Saturday 27 January, Sydney-registered Skydive Australia Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OZQ flew into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the Woolongong and the Sunshine Coast. This seems to be the first time it has operated in the region for the locally-based Skydiving Airlie Beach.

While down the road at the Lakeside Airpark, fellow Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried up on Friday 26 January from Caloundra for parachuting operations by Airlie Beach Skydiving based at Laguna Quays.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 27 January, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried South from Townsville to Archerfield via Rockhampton Airport.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew into Miles Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew to Charleville Airport and the Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport before returning to Brisbane

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

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 26 January, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" landed at Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and then up to Mackay Airport before returning to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 26 January, Essendon Aviation Services (Victoria) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VTQ flew up to Charleville Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and then continued to Townsville.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up from Brisbane to Moura Aerodrome and then out to Longreach Airport and Ambilindum. 

While Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC flew up to Lakeside Airpark from Caloundra. 

And Heli Assets / Aviation Utilities Eurocopter AS.350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-UAZ departed Rockhampton Airport for the North-West.  It had arrived yesterday.

Plue NSW based Thomson Airborne Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YYQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dalby and Bundaberg Airports and then also departed to the North-West.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

PHI International (NZ) AgustaWestland AW139 Helicopter ZK-HNR Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 January, PHI International (New Zealand) AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter ZK-HNR was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a ferry flight to a new operator in Western Australia.

https://www.instagram.com/mount_isa_aviation/

ZK-HNR flew up from the Gold Coast to Roma Airport and then to Longreach Airport before ending the day at Mount Isa where it is pictured arriving.  It had come from New Zealand via Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island yesterday. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 26 January, ZK-HNR flew from Mount Isa to Broome in Western Australia via Tennant Creek and Halls Creek.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 January, ZK-HNR was de-registered and placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-UKJ to PHI International Australia Pty Ltd of Perth, Western Australia.  It seems to be operating out of Broome.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Melbourne (Essendon). 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 17" flew into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.  It then returned to the Sunny Coast.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. Later it returned from there then departed to Cairns. 

 AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON as "Navair 170" visited Labona from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS departed Labona for Archerfield.  It had arrived over the weekend.

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

New South Wales Rural Fire Service (Coulson Aviation - Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP VH-VJF "Helitack 204" & VH-NPV "Helitack 205" Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 January, a pair of New South Wales Rural Fire Service (Coulson Aviation - Australia) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopters were noted and spotted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

VH-VJF as "Helitack 204" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had come from Coffs Harbour yesterday.

While VH-NPV as "Helitack 205" was spotted at Bundaberg Airport after arriving from Bankstown, Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 January, VH-VJF "Helitack 204" departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Longreach Airport.  It appeared to be flying back into New South by the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Friday 26 January, VH-NPV "Helitack 205" departed Bundaberg Airport for the South.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 January, AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 133" and Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ flew up to Townsville from Brisbane.  Later, VH-XGV "Navair 133" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Brisbane.  A bit later, VH-SCQ also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then also departed to Brisbane. 

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

And Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZZ, which is operated by the Skydive the Beach Group, flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Tyagarah. 

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 34" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet, A56-002 as "Envoy 34" was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It flew up from Canberra and arrived at Rocky via a training approach and landing. 

A bit later it departed to Brisbane and then onwards back to Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 as "Wallaby 22" flew out of RAAF Base Amberley and up to Bundaberg Airport where it completed some airwork.  It then returned to Amberley.

Of interest, late on Tuesday 23 January, A34-009 but as "Wallaby 17" was noted completing airwork around Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into the Labona Airstrip at the Carmichael Mine - Plus More!

On Tuesday 23 January, 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.

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While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421"  arrived into Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 24 January, VH-SUY returned to Brisbane and Sunny Coast.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had flown down there from Mackay Airport over the weekend on Saturday 20 January.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 January, Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP as "Rescue 421" flew up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Cairns via Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Rockhampton Airport before it then flew out to Middlemount Aerodrome.  VH-LYI then returned to Rockhampton Airport before then heading to Lady Elliot Island. 

And Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-QQR as 'UTY551' flew down from Horn Island to Cairns and then Rockhampton Airport on 'start of the year' school run bringing kids down from Far North Queensland to local Rocky boarding schools.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 22 January, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later returned to Brisbane.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 January, VH-VKX returned to Hamilton Island Airport, flying the opposite of Monday's flight - up there from Brisbane and back to the capital but via the Sunshine Coast.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp (where it appears to be based?).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 January, Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Quilpie before later flying to Emerald and Mackay Airports and then back to Rocky.

It had flown into Rockhampton Airport from Normanton and Mareeba the previous day.

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

Fellow Beech B200 King Airs VH-ZMW of Austrek Aviation and VH-ISS of Air Link, both flew up from Brisbane to Cairns together and this afternoon returned South to Bundaberg Airport.  VH-ISS departed to Archerfield and VH-ZMW to Toowoomba. 

Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys (former Hinterland Aviation) Cessna 404 Titan VH-TFO landed at Emerald Airport from Mareeba. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 January, VH-TFO departed Emerald Airport and continued to the South.

Of interest, a fellow former Hinterland Aviation (now registered to Angel Flight) Cessna 402C VH-TFK was noted flying down from Cairns to Emerald Airport and then Archerfield on Sunday 21 January.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Brisbane and then returned back up to the Newlands Coal Mine Site near Collinsville.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that on Sunday 21 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Mackay Airport and up to Townsville.  While late on Saturday 20 January, it flew up from Brisbane to Barcaldine Airport and then to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 "Stallion 31" Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport

On Monday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 was noted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

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It departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew directly up to Bundy where it completed the missed approach. It then returned to Amberley.

Of interest, A41-208 was heard to be using the flight number and radio callsign of "Stallion 31".

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Sunshine Coast Based Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga VH-PDY Wheels up Landing at Maryborough Airport

On Monday 22 January, Sunshine Coast Based Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga II TC VH-PDY had a wheels up landing at Maryborough Airport.  It seems that while on a flight from Caloundra, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during a touch-and-go, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft.

7NEWS Wide Bay showed images of VH-PDY stopped on the runway.

The pilot walked away from the landing and was assessed by paramedics at the Airport.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokesperson said three crews were called to Maryborough Airport at 11am to reports a light aircraft had slid a short distance on the runway.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-002 "Wallaby 14" Completes Airwork at Lakeside Airpark

On Saturday 20 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Wallaby 14" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork at the Lakeside Airpark.

It then continued to Townsville where it was photographed above.  The Spartan later returned to Amberley.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC VH-SIF Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 19 January, something a little different with Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) VH-SIF operating the early morning freight flight up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports from and back to Brisbane as QFA7424.

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UPDATE!  VH-SIF in fact operated from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Cairns as QFA7424/7298.  There was no flight into Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW had been operating the flights into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during the rest of this past week.

It seems that the 'regular' airframe operating the run - Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV - could be in for some planned maintenance after flying into Pionair's Bankstown base earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back to Townsville and Cairns.

Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as Machflight 55 landed at Bundaberg Airport from Cairns and then departed to Lizard Island.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport and then departed to Archerfield.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL flew a maintenance flight as SKP543 out from Rockhampton Airport to around the Keppels and back.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 18 January, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Charters Towers Aerodrome from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. It then flew down to Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before returning to the Sunny Coast and Brisbane.

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

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 18 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV flew up from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport and then back.  It is also scheduled to fly to Brisbane and back to Rockhampton Airport on Friday 19 January.

And Narrabri (New South Wales) based Piper PA-46-350P VH-ZYR visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 January, the nice sight of Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It later flew back to Tulla but via Melbourne (Avalon).

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Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was back at Hamilton Island Airport, this time visiting from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

While 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 airwork off the coast of Proserpine in the Whitsundays.  It then returned to Cairns.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-JSZ visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield once again.

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

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 January, The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived from Brisbane then departed to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-SGQ flew back down the Queensland coast from Cairns to Brisbane via Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 January, VH-SGQ departed Brisbane for Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport yet again and then departing back to Brisbane.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-ISS flew back up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Townsville.  It then reversed the flight.

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

And Beech 58 Baron VH-PRB visited Bundaberg Airport from its Lismore (New South Wales) base.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 85" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 popped into Bundaberg Airport.  It was flying as "Envoy 85" and arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville.

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A56-002 "Envoy 85" then departed Townsville to Sydney.

While fellow RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X A56-001 as "Envoy 34" also flew up to Townsville but from Canberra and before later flying back South again.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

A Couple of Nice Cessna Citation Bizjets - VH-MMC & VH-CMK - Both Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 January, 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 the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 January, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast. It is due to continue to Bathurst on Thursday 18 January.

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" flew into Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 January, VH-HQK as "Navair 141" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Bankstown before then continuing to Dubbo.

And the beaut ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN as Bair 721 which had landed at Hamilton Island last Friday flew down from there to the Gold Coast and then Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 January, Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN (ex N700RU) seemed to complete a local flight from and back to the company's landing strip near Emerald.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before then departing to Roma Airport.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP745 landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and a bit later departed back to those places.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-466 Completes Airwork at CQ Airports

On Tuesday 16 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-466 completed airwork at Hamilton Island Airport and Charters Towers Aerodrome while on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Richmond.

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The Herc was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Trojan 22".

Nice!

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

Unexpected Emergency Landing at Rockhampton Airport by Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY - Plus More!

On Monday 15 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY made an unexpected visit into Rockhampton Airport.

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The sleek little Citation was enroute from Archerfield to Townsville when it was forced to make a rapid descent and land at Rockhampton Airport due to the smell of smoke and the loss of its ESB(?).  

It landed safely and parked on the Northern Apron.  VH-TEY was on the ground for only 40 minutes and then departed to Townsville before later returning to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Cairns.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba, near Nebo, to Archerfield and the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 January, VH-8HP flew back from the Gold Coast and Archerfield to Mackay Airport.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield.  It later departed Archerfield for Bankstown.

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

Fellow Link Airways Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Of interest, Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VEK completed their Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight to Biloela / Thangool Airport.  Plus SAAB 340B VH-VEF completed their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed passenger charter flight from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and Theodore Aerodrome and back.  

There is a temporary hold on some Link Airways flights in and out of Bundaberg Airport at the moment.

Finally, also on Monday 15 January, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed an aerial survey flight out of Rockhampton Airport before departing to Caloundra.  It had arrived into Rocky on Saturday 13 January and completed some flights on Sunday 14 January.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

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

On Saturday 13 January, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD departed Hamilton Island Airport to Newcastle (Williamtown) and Sydney.  It had arrived on Wednesday 10 January.

While Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200C VH-HPP flew into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It later returned to Toowoomba.

Finally, on Sunday 14 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew down from Townsville to Gladstone Airport.  It then continued to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 12 January, the best movement into the region so far this year touched down at Hamilton Island Airport in the form of ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN.  The smart looking bizjet flew up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) after arriving there from overseas just over a week earlier.

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At the time of writing, if appears that OK-SUN is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

Of interest, ABS Jets is a business jet operator based in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bratislava, Slovak Republic.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 January, OK-SUN departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast and then Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Sydney and back to Archerfield.

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA flew up from Shellharbour at Woolongong to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Melbourne (Essendon). 

And Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It appears to have flown North from Bankstown late last year (we missed it!)

Finally, also on Friday 12 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane. During the afternoon, it returned to Townsville and Cairns.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE flew from Mackay Airport to Townsville.  It has been parked at Mackay Airport since late last year.

Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP81 flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then continuing to Brisbane as SKP542.  Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew up from Brisbane to Townsville and Cairns as SKP541.  An aircraft swap in Brisbane meaning that next Tuesday we will likely see VH-QQC into Emerald Airport!

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

The first military visitor into the region for the new occurred on Friday 12 January when Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 was noted completing airwork, including several missed approaches, at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown and then fly down to and land at RAAF Base Amberley for a short time.  It then returned to Williamtown.

Of interest, A30-004 was heard to be flying as "Wedgetail 03".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS Bizjet VH-XCU Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later returned to Moorabbin but via Melbourne (Essendon).

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And D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF finally departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Bourke and Melbourne (Essendon).

It had originally arrived into Prosie from those places back on Saturday 23 December.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 January, Re-registered AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew to Labona as well but from and back to Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" popped into Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville and then Labona before returning there and then back to Townsville but seemingly as 'MC55'.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY also visited Labona but from the Sunshine Coast as 'MC55/38'.

While Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Brisbane to Townsville before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane and then Toowoomba.

New South Wales based EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX landed at Longreach Airport from Bankstown before it then departed to Wagga Wagga.

And Rosewood Enterprises (Narrabri) Piper PA-46-350P flew down from Julia Creek to Emerald Airport and then the Gold Coast.  It looked to have flown up to Julia Creek via Charleville Airport last Saturday 6 January.  Of interest, it also spent a couple of days in Julia Creek - completing similar up and down flights - back in mid-December.

Finally, also on Thursday 11 January, Koolardie Aviation Aerospatiale AS.350BA Squirrel helicopter VH-EGI flew up from Charleville Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then continuing to its Townsville base.  It had flown up to Charleville Airport from Seaford (Victoria) - where it has been recently operating - and Griffith the previous day.

And also noted flying around Clermont over the last few days has been locally-based GB Helicopters recently delivered Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter VH-8GB.  It appears to have been registered in late November and previously flew in New Zealand as ZK-HNN.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-002 "Wallaby 12" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Thursday 11 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 was noted completing airwork at at couple of Central Queensland Airports.

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It was flying as "Wallaby 12" and flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Bundaberg Airport where it completed some airwork including missed approaches and touch-and-go approaches.

It then flew down to complete more airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome before then returning to Amberley.

A34-002 was noted back in the air a little later in the day, flying back to Kingaroy Aerodrome (and other places) completing more airwork while on another flight out of and back to Amberley, but this time as "Wallaby 10".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 January, 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 the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

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During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

While Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 13 January, VH-PPD departed Hamo for Newcastle (Williamtown).

Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as "Zedair 110" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport.

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ visited Injune Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

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

And Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-WSF visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-8QA Calls into Emerald and Moranbah Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 January, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 VH-8QA arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane as JTE388D.  This is its first visit in Emerald Airport and the first time in a number of weeks that a National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 has touched down at Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  After spending the night, on Wednesday 10 January, VH-8QA was spotted soon before departing Emerald Airport for Moranbah Airport before it then flew down to Brisbane all as JTE381D.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 January, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport - this time flying there and back direct.

Finally, also on Tuesday 9 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before it then departed to Brisbane.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also flew down from Cairns to Townsville but then into Mackay Airport before then also continuing to Brisbane.

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.  As posted below, VH-8MT was also in the Whitsundays late last week.

UPDATE!  On Monday 15 January, VH-8MT departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And the visiting Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT looked to depart the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Birdsville and Coober Pedy.  It is due to continue to Forest and Jandakot in Western Australia the next day.

It had arrived into Shute on Saturday 30 December after a two-day flight across the country.  It appears to have completed some local flights while it has been in the Whitsundays.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

A Couple of Nice Bizjets Call into Moranbah Airport - Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-EXG & Dassault Falcon 900C VH-OAA - Plus More!

On Monday 8 January, VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG arrived into Moranbah Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Brisbane.

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It was joined by Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA which flew into Moranbah Airport from Brisbane. Of interest, it had only just flown down to there from Hamilton Island Airport over the weekend.

At the time of writing, it appears that both bizjets are staying at Moranbah Airport for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 January, both VH-EXG and VH-OAA departed Moranbah Airport for Mudgee in New South Wales.

While American-registered (but seemingly Australian-based) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet N510MW flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 January, N510MW was noted completing a flight from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Kingaroy Aerodrome and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

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

And Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO visited Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 8 January, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew back to the Sunshine Coast and the Toowoomba before returning to Archerfield.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then being spotted departing to Middlemount Aerodrome.

VH-TQW then flew down to Lady Eliott Island and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Steve Vit  ©

A Couple of Corporate Bizjets In and Out of Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 7 January, Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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It then departed to Brisbane.

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Hamilton Island Airport once again from Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew into Charleville Airport from Brisbane before then returning there but via Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Plus Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from and then back to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©