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

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 30 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Sydney and then departing to Brisbane.

File photo

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU returned to Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and then later returning there but via Melbourne (Essendon).  It also visited three days earlier.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport twice while flying between Townsville and Brisbane

Plus sistership LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Sunday 30 June, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY as 'HT821' flew into Charleville Airport from Broken Hill before then departing to Brisbane.  It has spent the weekend completing another outback Australia closed charter flight.

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Agusta A119 'Koala' helicopter VH-KOL arrived into Longreach Airport from the North-West.

And Gold Coast-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-WDN landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

The End of an Era as RACQ Ends a 22-year Sponsorship of the Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) and Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue)

It's the end of an era on Sunday 30 June as RACQ ends its 22-year naming rights sponsorship of the Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) and Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue).

Moreover, on Monday 1 July, CQ Rescue will commence operations with their own CASA Air Operator Certificate, without the need to out-source this to another company.  It also announced that they would be acquiring two new Agusta AW139 helicopters which will be faster and more fuel efficient than their current Bell 412 helicopters.

Consequently, on Sunday, the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-CQJ departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 July, VH-CQJ continued to Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga (pictured). And on Tuesday 2 July, VH-CQJ flew onwards to Griffith, Mildura and Adelaide where it will reportedly take up operations with the local rescue services.

UPDATE!  Also on Monday 1 July and Tuesday 2 July, fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-VAU also departed Mackay Airport for good, heading North to Townsville, Cairns, Cooktown, Coen and Horn Island.

And also on Sunday 30 June, seemingly arriving into Mackay Airport for operations with CQ Rescue was LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA which arrived from Toowoomba via Gladstone Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 31 July, CQ Rescue announced that BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) as their naming rights partner.

Photos taken by Robert Myers and Drew Mackay  ©

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.

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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  ©

Some Aerial Survey Aircraft Around CQ Airports - And Spotted Parked at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Monday 10 June, a nice pair of Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft were spotted parked at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after completing big days of aerial survey flights.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE arrived from Mackay Airport after completing surveying over Bowen.  It has been operating out of Mackay and Bundaberg Airports over the last week.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP also flew up from Mackay Airport and completed survey work at different parts between Mackay and the Whitsundays.  It had also been operating out of Gladstone Airport in recent days.

And also spotted at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour was Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC which arrived from the North over the weekend and is reportedly in town to complete some heavy-lift operations in the Whitsunday Islands.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 10 June, Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW looked to fly down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport.

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

Through the day the new Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT was also completing aerial survey flights in the region.

Privately registered Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG was seen overhead Clermont completing aerial surveying while on a flight out of Emerald Airport.

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-KCN flew from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and the Charleville and Quilpie Airports before returning to Mackay Airport and flying down to Rockhampton Airport. It had left Rocky for Mackay late on Sunday.

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.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ completed its usual Monday morning run from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then returning to Brisbane.

And Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) new Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport via some airwork at Maryborough Airport.

All photos taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Anniversary of TAA Fokker F27 Friendship VH-TFB Crash at Mackay to be Remembered Today

Today is the anniversary of the fateful night that TAA Fokker F27 Friendship VH-TFB "Abel Tasman" crashed into the sea on Friday June 10 1960, while on approach to Mackay Airport.  It still stands as Australia’s worst commercial air disaster.

The aircraft was on an evening flight from Brisbane to Mackay when it crashed. 29 people – including a number of local schoolboys returning home for the Queens Birthday long weekend – were on board.

There was heavy fog and the plane's first attempt at landing had to be aborted. Friends and families had been watching the plane circle when, at 10.05pm, the Fokker disappeared into the sea just off Far Beach.

This was the first crash of a TAA aircraft involving paying passengers.

VH-TFB was the flagship of their Fokker F27 Friendship fleet. This aircraft was delivered to TAA about ten weeks before VH-TFA.

Utility Helicopters (Archerfield) Agusta A119 Koala Helicopter VH-X6I Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 9 June, Utility Helicopters (Archerfield) Agusta A119 Koala helicopter VH-X6I departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone and Bundaberg Airports.  It appeared to arrive into Rocky from Mackay Airport a couple days prior.

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Of interest, VH-X6I has been operating in recent weeks and months about Mackay and the adjacent hinterland, completing work around Eungella Dam with sistership and fellow Utility Helicopters A119 Koala helicopter VH-XRH.

VH-XRH departed the region about a month ago.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 9 June, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Port MacQuarrie before then flying back up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back to Mackay Airport.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane. It then flew up to Mackay Airport and then Townsville and Cairns before later returning to Brisbane.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. It later flew down to Warwick and Toowoomba before flying down to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

ADD Aviation Services (Australian Corporate Jet Centres) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Essendon. It had flown up to Hamo from there on Friday 7 June.

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

Finally, also on Sunday 9 June, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up to Labona from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And fellow Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI "Navair 173" Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" departed Hamilton Island Airport to Bankstown and Archerfield.  It had arrived from Bankstown early on Thursday 6 June and flew down from Archerfield the previous afternoon.

File photo

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Dalby and Bundaberg Airports.  It is due to depart back to those places on Sunday 9 June.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 June, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport before continuing to Dalby and Archerfield. It then flew to Moura Aerodrome and onwards to Mount Isa.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Cairns.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 June, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport via some aerial survey work.  It then completed a local flight out of and back to Mackay Airport again via some aerial surveying.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE continued to complete aerial survey flights out of Bundaberg Airport.  It had flown up from Redcliffe last weekend and also operated out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP flew from Gladstone Airport to Mackay Airport.  It has been operated daily aerial survey flights out of Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports after flying up Archerfield last weekend.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 172RG VH-BCD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing to Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.  It looked to have flown up to Prosie the previous day flying up from the Gold Coast via Roma, Longreach and Bowen Airports.

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the North.

Victoria-based Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-BTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

And Sunshine Coast registered Aerospatiale AS.350D Squirrel VH-PIH, which possibly arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Friday, operated several charter flights over Rocky.  It took off from outside the Rockhampton Aero Club, did a wide circuit over northside of the city, the direction varied according to traffic approaches and departures, then landed at a school on the western side of the river for a short stop, then did a short hop back to the Aero Club.  It flew over a dozen flights through the morning, finishing in the early afternoon.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©