VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-EXG Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 31 October, VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG arrived into Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Archerfield and Melbourne (Essendon).

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And Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Moranbah Airport from its Brisbane base.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 31 October, American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW flew up to Mackay Airport from Adelaide.  It later departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Goondiwindi then departed back to Toowoomba. 

While re-registered Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Mackay Airport and back North.  This was the former Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) registered aircraft that looks to have been re-registered in June this year.

And Mackay based Cessna R172K VH-SPW visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from the Marian Airfield.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

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

On Wednesday 30 October, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was spotted parked at Mackay Airport.  It had earlier flown up from Archerfield and Cessnock and then during the afternoon, it returned to those places.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" made an early visit to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to my local Clermont Aerodrome, Dalby and then Sydney. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 31 October, VH-JSZ flew up from Sydney to Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Natal Downs and then to Rockhampton Airport and Archerfield.

While Mitchell Air / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-OFX flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).  It later departed to Brisbane.

Possibly Australian based but American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N5883 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  As mentioned below, it had arrived from there on Sunday 27 October.

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT also departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It too had flown up from there last Sunday 27 October.

And Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB also departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It had arrived from there last Friday 25 October.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 30 October, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew West from Tierawoomba to Keeroongooloo then to Emerald Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 31 October, VH-8HP flew from Emerald Airport to Keeroongooloo and back

Finally, also on Wednesday 30 October, Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-8UH as "Helitack 516" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Townsville (pictured) and Mareeba.

Subsequent social media posts suggest that it has deployed up to Far North Queensland for the local bushfire season.

Photos taken by Swavek Topolski and Graham Aspinall  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-005 "Thumper 11" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 30 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Thumper 11" was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The KC-30A had been earlier operating out overhead Western Queensland with fellow RAAF KC-30A A39-007 as "Thumper 12" which completed its flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley direct.

A39-005 "Thumper 11" flew to Rockhampton Airport to complete a missed approach before it then returned to Amberley. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 30 October, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook A15-305 as "Crow 327" was spotted quickly at Mackay Airport.

It looked to complete a flight from and back to Townsville.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and 'AC'  ©

Recently Acquired Alliance Airlines (Virgin Australia) Fokker F-100 VH-FNC Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 29 October, recently acquired Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-FNC made its first visit into Central Queensland, arriving into Mackay Airport from Brisbane operating on behalf of Virgin Australia Airlines as VOZ609.  It later departed back to the capital as VOZ610.  VH-FNC had earlier completed a flight to Canberra and back also on behalf of Virgin.

The Fokker which had been operating over in Perth, Western Australia for some time, flew across to Brisbane on delivery to Alliance Airlines on Thursday 24 October as UTY9822.

The 33-year-old Fokker F-100 (c/n 11334) has had a fascinating history, arriving into Australia in 2008 after being sold to Virgin Australia which then operated the aircraft for Skywest Airlines in Perth, Western Australia.  It had previously been operated by US Airways as N882US and Germania (Air Berlin) as D-AGPO.

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Following the full acquisition of Skywest Airlines by Virgin in 2012/3, VH-FNC was then re-painted into Virgin livery and was operated by the newly named Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).  VH-FNC was finally withdrawn from use in April 2024 and temporarily stored at Perth.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 29 October, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew up from the Gold Coast and Ballina to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later flew back down to the Gold Coast.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport.  Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 31 October, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport before then continuing to the Sunshine Coast and home to Orange.  Interesting to note VH-CMK did a similar pattern of flights a fortnight ago!

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Emerald Airports.

Photos taken by 'AC' and David Rowcroft  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 28 October, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It later departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Archerfield.

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While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Natal Downs before then flying down to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Archerfield.

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

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew up from Brisbane back to Mackay Airport.  It looks to have flown down last Thursday 24 October.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 October, Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to the Gold Coast. 

The 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.

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV visited Bundaberg Airport from its Denison Downs (Emerald) base.

UPDATE!  VH-VSV completed two similar flights from Denison Downs to Bundy and back on both Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then my local Clermont Aerodrome before then heading back to Brisbane. 

And Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO looked to complete the weekly visit to Moranbah Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departing back to Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

American Registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet N5883 Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 27 October, possibly Australian based but American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N5883 was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

It had appeared to arrive into Australia from overseas late on Friday night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 30 October, N5883 departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Reports suggest that this colourful bizjet could in fact be Sydney-based and research reveals that until 2022, it was on the Australian Aircraft register as VH-SPJ.

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT also flew into Hamilton Island Airport but from Bankstown.

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 188" flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to the Gold Coast and then Bankstown. It had originally arrived into Prosie from those places on Friday 25 October before departing to Cairns and Brisbane and then returning to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Saturday.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane.  

Plus fellow And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It also visited Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 26 October. 

Finally, also on Sunday 27 October, re-registered LifeFlight Australia (Cronin Aviation Services) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPH was spotted passing through Longreach Airport.  It looked to arrive from Mount Isa and departed to Emerald Airport and the Bundaberg Airport.

VH-EPH seems to be returning from a 'deployment' over the in Western Australia.

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 October, VH-EPH departed Bundaberg Airport for Archerfield.

Of interest, fellow LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY flew across to Kununurra in Western Australia from the Sunshine Coast via Bundaberg, Emerald, Longreach and Mount Isa Airports at the end of last week.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share these great photos of a great looking bizjet!

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

Photos taken by Grahame Hutchison and 'AC'  ©

Cloncurry Bushfire Sees a Number of Firefighting Aircraft Pass Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 26 October, a couple of aerial firefighting aircraft were noted and spotted passing through the region, including at Longreach Airport, while heading up towards Cloncurry where a large bushfire continues to burn outside of the town.

Kennedy Aviation (Kennedy Air Services) North American Rockwell 500S VH-XAS "Birddog 444"  arrived into Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Cloncurry.

Meandarra Aerial Spraying Air Tractor AT-802A VH-SDJ "Bomber 424" and VH-NFY "Bomber 426" were spotted taking on fuel at Longreach Airport before departing towards Cloncurry.

It is also believed that Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" also passed through Longreach Airport heading up to Cloncurry.

And the Bundaberg Airport based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141" and Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" both returned to Bundy from a night up at Townsville, flying back via a water-drop at Cloncurry.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 26 October, Interair (based at Essendon) Beech B200 King Air VH-ITH passed through Longreach Airport arriving from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke and departing to Atherton.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 October, VH-MMC returned to the Sunny Coast from Hamo.

And Inverted Downunder / Matt Hall Racing MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Dubbo and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 28 October, Matt Hall on board VH-CQE departed Rockhampton Airport for Hamilton Island Airport where he completed a performance in the early afternoon.  He then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 29 October, VH-CQE departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to its Lake Macquarie base.

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

Whitsunday Air Services Viking Air Limited (De Havilland) DHC-2 MK I Beaver VH-OHU Crashes in Waters Adjacent to Whitehaven Beach

On Saturday 26 October, the sad sight of Whitsunday Air Services Viking Air Limited (De Havilland) DHC-2 MK I Beaver VH-OHU has crashed into the water adjacent to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.

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Reports say the Seaplane crashed upon landing in the water adjacent to Whitehaven Beach at around 8.30am Saturday morning. 

According to eyewitnesses the plane’s pilot was attempting a water landing near the beach when it "nose dived into the water and flipped upside down". 

The crash will be subjected to a full investigation.

It is believed all five people (1 pilot and 4 passengers) aboard the plane which, escaped serious injury. 

A barge was dispatched from Hamilton Island to recover the aircraft.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 38" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 16 October, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 38" was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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While Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.  It then continued up to Bowen Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Friday 18 October, VH-ISS finally departed Bowen Aerodrome and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield.

And as this post was being written, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.  It then departed to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Alan Macdonald  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit and James Hackett  ©

New Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 15 October, there were a couple of nice corporate bizjets to visit Rockhampton Airport that were believed to be carrying politicians and support staff into the region to join the hustings for the upcoming State Government Election.  

The most notable was the nice still reasonably new Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR which visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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Plus McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 421" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 15 October, Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 17 October, VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport back to Toowoomba.

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up to Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport before then flying back down to Hervey Bay Airport.

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

On Tuesday 15 October, both Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners V8-DLB and V8-DLD were back at Rockhampton Airport as the third 'wave' of heavy jet passenger charter flights in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) pretty much wrapped up.

B787 V8-DLB as RBA4348 arrived from Singapore and later departed back to there as RBA4349.

And then late in the afternoon, B787 V8-DLD as Brunei RBA4353 arrived from Singapore and later departed back to there as RBA4354.

There is one more charter flight on Wednesday 16 October and then one additional charter flight next Monday 21 October which will wrap up this third 'wave' of flights.  The final 'wave' of heavy jet passenger charter flights kicks off in early November at the conclusion of Exercise Wallaby 2024.

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

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 15 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It was heard to be flying as "Dragon 53" and flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport.  The KC-30 parked on Bay 6 for a crew change before departing back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©️

Luft Aviation Charter (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet VH-8LA Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 14 October, a nice first-time visitor to the region in the form of Luft Aviation Charter (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet VH-8LA was spotted visiting Mackay Airport.

It had departed Cairns for Townville and then flew down to Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Coffs Harbour.  It seems VH-8LA arrived into Cairns from Melbourne (Essendon) the previous day.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Monday 14 October, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport.  Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 15 October, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Mackay Airport but returned to Emerald Airport later in the day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 October, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport before then continuing to the Sunshine Coast and home to Orange.

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 15 October, VH-OAA departed Bundaberg Airport for Sydney. 

While Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra and Sydney to land at Rolleston Aerodrome.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 15 October, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Maryborough Airport before later returning to Rocky.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 October, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Natal Downs and then in the afternoon it flew from there to Longreach Airport and then home to Canberra. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport.  It then departed to the Oaky Creek Mine Site but due to poor visibility, it diverted to Clermont Aerodrome.  During the afternoon, it called into Oaky Creek and the Newlands Coal Mine Site before then returning to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 October, VH-VEJ flew back up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site before it flew across to Clermont Aerodrome then back to Brisbane

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

And Koolardie Aviation (Townsville) Robinson R44 helicopters VH-HLM and VH-HTA flew down from Townsville to Gladstone Airport via Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 14 October, Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Pegasus 87" visited Mackay Airport from Townsville.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©️

Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners V8-DLB and V8-DLD Both Call into Rockhampton Airport

As predicted, a busy day at Rockhampton Airport on Monday 14 October with two Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft calling in to both transport personnel and equipment in and out of Rocky in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24).

During the morning, Dreamliner V8-DLB returned to Rockhampton Airport once again, again touching down direct from Singapore's Changi Airport but as RBA4346.  It later departed back to Changi but as RBA4347.

Later still, fellow Dreamliner V8-DLD made another appearance at Rockhampton Airport during one of the 'waves' of heavy jet passenger charters, touching down from Singapore as RBA4351.

It also later departed back to Singapore but as RBA4352.

As mentioned, both V8-DLB and V8-DLD will most likely return to Rockhampton Airport one final time on Tuesday 15 October which just about wrap up this third 'wave' of charters.  There is another flight expected on Wednesday and then one more at the start of next week but this seems of a stand-alone one-day flight.

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

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/flindersaviation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Mike Didsbury  ©

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

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

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

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

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

The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

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

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©