UPDATED! A Pair of The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Pops into Rockhampton Airport Heading to Townsville

Late on Tuesday 4 February, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter '88168' was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as "Celtic" after flying up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

It looked to be staying at Rocky for the night and it is speculated that it will continue up to Townsivlle to assist with clean-up efforts after the heavy rains and flooding in those parts in the North Queensland.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, after some speculation, a second RSAF CH-47F Chinook helicopter touched down at Rockhampton Airport with '88166' also flying up from Oakey but as "Cyclops".

Always great to see the RSAF Chinook helicopters in town.  They are flown by the RSAF's 127 Helicopter Squadron which is based at the Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) in Singapore, however as mentioned, with a detachment at Oakey.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YBF & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 3 February, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as VH-YBF, flying as "Finch 85" and VH-YBG as "Finch 23".

Both helicopters arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then later departed to Mackay Airport where they looked to stay for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 February, VH-YBG "Finch 23" then VH-YBF "Finch 85" both departed Mackay Airport for Townsville. Later, VH-YBG returned South to Mackay Airport as "Warhorse 203" and then flew back to Townsville again.  While VH-YBF operated North of Townsville as "Warhorse 85". 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 February, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA flew up from Toowoomba to Mount Isa and later flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to Clermont Aerodrome. During the afternoon it departed for Collinsville Aerodrome but could not land due to weather and diverted to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-VEW departed Mackay Airport bound for Oaky Creek Coal Mine site but again due to weather had to divert, this time to Emerald Airport.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Karumba.  

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew from Mackay Airport as "Rescue 402" to Proserpine Hospital and then Townsville.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 14" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork including a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport. It then flew back down to Williamtown.

A30-006 was heard to be flying as "Wedgetail 13".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 as "Stallion 46" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to a position South of Emerald where it descended to low level and flew up past Emerald and Clermont before then climbing back up to 13000ft.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport where it completed a missed approach and then returned to Amberley.

Finally, also on Friday 31 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Kaos 01" flew up from Amberley and completed airwork and then landed at Bundaberg Airport. It then took off and completed more airwork before then returning to Amberley.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Brand New Pilatus Australia (SA) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 30 January, brand new Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS was noted visiting Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

As shown, the sleek new PC-24 bizjet only arrived into Australia from overseas via Darwin two weeks ago and is pictured above arriving into Adelaide on delivery to its new operator.

While re-registered and AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF visited Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

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It was re-registered in July last year and was re-painted at Flinders Aviation at Redcliffe in November last year.

And South Australian-based Agusta AW119 MKII helicopter VH-CGW flew up from Wagga Wagga via a few stops to Roma Airport and then Emerald Airport. It later departed Emerald Airport for the North and was last noted around the Whitsundays area. VH-CGW had flown up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) the previous day.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-008 "Wallaby 74" Spotted Completing Airwork at Gladstone Airport

On Thursday 30 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 was spotted at completing airwork at Gladstone Airport.

It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley towards Biggenden where it descended to low level and then flew to Gladstone. After completing a missed approach at Gladstone Airport, A34-008 continued towards Moura before being seen near Taroom. It then returned to Amberley.

Of interest, A34-008 was flying as "Wallaby 74".

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-IYV First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 January, National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYV made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) chart flight from and back to Brisbane as JTE356/7. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 January, VH-IYV completed the JTE392/3 FIFO charter flight into Rockhampton Airport also from and back to Brisbane.

VH-IYV had flown across to Brisbane from Adelaide over the weekend (pictured above) and completed a charter flight to Far North Queensland at the start of the week. 

Both 'usual' NJE Dash-8-Q400s VH-8QA and VH-8QB continue to operate their FIFO charter flights into Moranbah Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEB was also noted visiting Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO completed a visit to Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp. It also looks to be making a visit on Thursday 30 January.

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Griffith.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up to Middlemount Aerodrome from Lady Eliott Island. It then flew down to Maryborough Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-319 VH-XNU Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 January, Nauru Airlines 'classic' Boeing B737-319 VH-XNU was spotted on the ground soon after arriving into Mackay Airport from Brisbane as RON642.  After some time on the ground, it returned to Brisbane after dark but as RON643.

It has been suggested that this flight - like the one by Air Nauru B737-300 VH-PNI last week - was a closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 January, VH-XNU returned to Mackay Airport again from and back to Brisbane as RON642/3.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 January, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport again from the Gold Coast.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Biloela / Thangool Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 January, VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport for Miles Airport and then back to Archerfield.

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Natal Downs and then down to Clermont Aerodrome and across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 29 January, VH-JSZ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mackay Airport and Clermont Aerodrome before then returning to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 31 January, VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.

Finally, also on Tuesday 28 January, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba, Port Macquarie and Archerfield.  It then departed back to Toowoomba.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW made yet another visit to my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  VH-VSO completed its weekly visits to Emerald Airport from and back to Tooowoomba-Wellcamp and/or Archerfield on Wednesday 29 January and Thursday 30 January.

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Bundaberg Airport before later returning to Toowoomba.

And Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew East from Tobermorey to Longreach Airport, Red Rock Station and then Hedlow Airfield.  It looks to have flown out there the previous day.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet 9H-VJH Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 25 January, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet 9H-VJH was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

It was flying as 'VJT884' / "Vistajet 884" and flew down from Cairns after arriving there the previous day from Hawaii (as shown above).

The sleek bizjet then departed back to Cairns to meet Australian Border Force requirements before it then continued to Phuket.

This is the second lovely VistaJet Global Express bizjet to call into Hamilton Island Airport within a week with VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet 9H-VIK as 'VJT712' / "Vistajet 712" visiting last Saturday - see Blog post below!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 25 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport before continuing to Brisbane.

Also during the week, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport as well as Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Of interest, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" operated more flights to overseas destinations.

Finally, late on Friday 24 January, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Jonanthan Williams  ©

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500 Aircraft VH-TZS & VH-TXE Come and Go and Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 January, Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-S VH-TZS was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville.

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Sistership Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE was then noted departing Mackay Airport bound for Townsville.  It has been undergoing planned maintenance at Mackay Airport.

Of interest, Tex Assets P/L also operates Aero Commander 500-S VH-JPO and Aero Commander 500-U VH-TQA.

Finally, also on Friday 24 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 13" Completes Airwork at Hamilton Island Airport

On Friday 24 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 was noted completing airwork at Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork including a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport. It then flew back down to Williamtown.

A30-006 was heard to be flying as "Wedgetail 13".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC Calls into Some CQ Airports - Plus More!

Since the start of this week, Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC has been noted visiting some different Central Queensland Airports.  It originally flew down from Darwin and landed at Longreach Airport on Monday 20 January.

https://www.jetphotos.com/

It has then visited various locations and looked to call into Rockhampton Airport from the South on Thursday 23 January.  It then returned in that direction towards Biloela / Thangool Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 January, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Archerfield and back to Toowoomba.

While The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before ending at Brisbane.  It had flown up to Cairns from Brisbane, making the same stops, on Wednesday 22 January.

Finally, also on Wednesday 22 January, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up to my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Archerfield before later returning directly back to Toowoomba.

Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI Pops into Mackay Airport on a Charter Flight - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 January, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI was noted visiting Mackay Airport on what appeared to be a closed charter fight from and back to Brisbane.

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The colourful little Boeing touched down at Mackay Airport from Brisbane as RON906 and returned to the capital soon after as RON907.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport base for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Monday 27 January, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then flying down to Melbourne (Essendon).

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY had another busy day of flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Mackay Airport via Melbourne (Essendon), Ararat and Adelaide (Parafield). It later departed Mackay Airport and returned to Moorabbin.

And ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Avalon).

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 "Wedgetail 11" Missed Approach at Mackay Airport

On Thursday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted completing airwork at Mackay Airport.

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It was flying as "Wedgetail 11" and looked to fly up to Mackay Airport from RAAF Williamtown to complete the airwork which included a missed approach.  It then departed back to Williamtown.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 Low Level over Mackay Airport as "Stallion 32"

On Wednesday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 was noted completing a low-level pass at Mackay Airport.

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The Globemaster flew out of RAAF Base Amberley as "Stallion 32" and headed up to North of Rockhampton where it descended into Mackay and completed a low pass over Mackay Airport.  It then headed over water and then flew South at low-level to East of Gladstone where it climbed and tracked overhead Bundaberg and back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 January, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA was noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

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It arrived from Toowoomba, Brisbane and Mount Isa and later returned to Brisbane and Toowoomba.

While both Sydney-registered Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Christian VH-JVD and Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-CYY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. They both then returned to Townsville.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Archerfield and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. It later flew back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Gareth Ruhe  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YQJ & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 20 January, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

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They were identified as VH-YQJ, flying as "Warhorse 203" and VH-YBG as "Wombat".

Both helicopters arrived from Townsville and then later departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 20 January, 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 Wednesday 22 January, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin). It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon). VH-XCU also visited Hamo last Monday 13 January.

While re-registered Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-88N arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Latrobe Valley via Dubbo and Saint George.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and the Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, Maryborough Airport and Rockhampton Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew back to Rockhampton Airport and then Hervey Bay Airport.

And late last week, Perri Air / South Burnett Air Services Quest Kodiak 100 VH-8FV looked to fly up from its Dalby base to land at the Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) facility just North of Emerald.  It then looked to spend the weekend flying from there to places like Barcaldine, Longreach and Blackall Airports before returning to Dalby on Monday 20 January.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet 9H-VIK Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 18 January, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet 9H-VIK as 'VJT712' / "Vistajet 712" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Washington, Denver, Honolulu and Cairns where it cleared Australian Border Force requirements.

After a short time on the ground 9H-VIK departed Hamo and returned to Cairns for parking (as shown).

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ returned to its Mackay Airport base from Brisbane after flying down last weekend.

While a nice little corporate we haven't seen for a little while in the form of Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was noted flying down from Longreach Airport to Brisbane. It had arrived from Mount Isa the previous day as shown.

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It seems that VH-ILJ has spent a lot of recent times flying from Brisbane to various destinations in Asia and the Middle East.

Also noted visiting Longreach Airport also on Saturday 18 January was Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41".  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and later returned there but via Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Longreach Airport.  It then flew to Cairns and then down to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport before it then returned to Brisbane.

It was a busy week for VH-OFA which also visited Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports during the latter part of the week.

Plus LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has completed two big overseas trips in the last week or so but managed to visit both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports on Wednesday 15 January.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 18 January, Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455" arrived into Longreach Airport from Gunnedah and departed to Mount Isa to assist with a bushfire emergency.

It joined VH-AWU which arrived into Mount Isa on Thursday 16 January, flying up from Toowoomba via Roma Airport and Longreach Airport.

Photo taken by Jonathan Willimas ©

Virgin Australia (ex REX Airlines) Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-REX (ex VH-VUU) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 18 January, there was an interesting 'first visit' into Central Queensland with Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-REX calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Brisbane as VOZ1117/8.

But technically, it isn't the first visit by this particular airframe - MSN 36609 / LN 3232.

The 14.8-year-old airframe was originally flown by Virgin Blue / Virgin Australia from 2010 to 2020 with the registration marking of VH-VUU.

In 2020, it was initially stored at Melbourne (Tullamarine) before being stored at Jakarta in Indonesia.  The aircraft was then re-registered as VH-REX and re-painted into full Regional Express (REX) Airlines livery with it being delivered and entering service in February 2021.

When REX's jet operations collapsed in 2024, VH-REX was withdrawn from service and again stored at Tullamarine before being again moved to Jakarta.  In November 2024, VH-REX returned to Tullamarine before then being re-painted back into full Virgin Australia Airlines livery at Wagga Wagga.

VH-REX entered service with Virgin Australia on Tuesday 24 December.

Of interest, VH-REX is the first of two former Virgin Australia and REX Airlines aircraft to re-enter service with Virgin with Boeing B737-800 VH-RQP also starting flying with Virgin on earlier this month after also arriving back from Jakarta in December and then also being re-painted at Wagga Wagga.

Photos taken by Ryan Hothersall, Bernie Proctor and Robert Myers  ©

Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PF & VH-8PE Both Pop into Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 16 January, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PF passed through Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane and departed to Townsville and then back to Brisbane.

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And fellow Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PE also passed through Rockhampton Airport. It arrived from Cairns and Mount Isa and then returned to Cairns.

Nice!

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 "Stallion 31" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 16 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 was noted completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as "Stallion 25" and flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Rocky where it completed two missed approaches.  The Globemaster then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and back to Amberley.

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Meanwhile, also on Thursday 16 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Wallaby 47" flew up from Amberley at low level to a complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and back to Amberley.

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 January, the sleek looking GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 143" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

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While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

And Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Lizard Island. It then departed back to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 January, Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It then departed to Cairns.

And Aviair (WA) Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 Airvan VH-URB landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Photo taken by Jamie C  ©

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VZX 'Roo-dolph' Christmas Stickers Finally Visits CQ at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

Finally!  On Tuesday 14 January, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VZX finally visited Central Queensland while still wearing the special Christmas themed stickers it had added late last year, it completed the QFA578/9 service from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport and back.

VH-VZX arrives into Darwin on the weekend

VH-VZX was dubbed 'Roo-dolph' and was designed to bring festive flair to passengers during the month of December.

As posted below, a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QON also featured special Christmas stickers - although these have already been removed!

A Qantas Freight Airbus A321PF freighter aircraft VH-XF4 was also decorated with ‘Santa’s Freight’ livery is also set to transport thousands of presents and festive fare across the country over the Christmas period.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 15" Completes Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 23" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete missed approaches at Maryborough, Rockhampton and Mackay Airports. 

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It then climbed and continued North to complete a missed approach at Townsville before flying back down to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before then returning to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 as "Kaos 41" was noted completing airwork around Kingaroy Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Jet Travel Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-8TP Calls into Whitsundays Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 13 January, Jet Travel Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-8TP flew up from Bankstown to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It then flew across to Hamilton Island Airport and later completed a local flight.

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At the time of writing, it seems that VH-8TP is spending at least the night at Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 14 January, VH-8TP appeared to complete a pair of local flights out of and back to Hamilton Island Airport with it noted flying around nearby Hayman Island.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 January, VH-8TP departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Proserpine Airport before then flying back down to Bankstown.

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) also to Hamilton Island Airport. It then departed back directly to Moorabbin.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" arrived into Moranbah Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then back to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, on Sunday 12 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Yet Another Busy Week for the LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjets - VH-OFA - VH-OFB - VH-OFC - All at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 12 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and soon after departed back to there.

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It marked another busy week for the LifeFlight Challenger bizjets with VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visiting Mackay Airport on Wednesday 8 January.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Bundaberg, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports last weekend an into the start of the week.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Finally, also on Sunday 12 January, the aircraft used for the skydiving out of Lakeside Airpark was swapped over with Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF departing to Bankstown and Sydney Skydivers Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL VH-XLC arriving from Caloundra.

Of interest, on Saturday 11 January, Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZZ, which is operated by the Skydive the Beach Group, flew back up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the Shellharbour Airport at Woolongong.  It had flown down there in December.

UPDATE!  Australia Skydive Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZQ departed Shute Harbour for Tully on Monday 13 January.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Virgin Australia (ex REX Airlines) Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-RQP (ex VH-BZG) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 10 January, there was an interesting 'first visit' into Central Queensland with Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-RQP calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Brisbane as VOZ1117/8.

But technically, it isn't the first visit by this particular airframe - MSN 37822 / LN 3355.

The 14.5-year-old airframe was originally flown by Virgin Blue / Virgin Australia from 2010 to 2020 with the registration marking of VH-BZG.

In 2020, it was initially stored at Melbourne (Tullamarine) before being stored at Jakarta in Indonesia.  The aircraft was then re-registered as VH-RQP and re-painted into full Regional Express (REX) Airlines livery with it being delivered and entering service in March 2021.

When REX's jet operations collapsed in 2024, VH-RQP was withdrawn from service and again stored at Tullamarine before being again moved to Jakarta.  In December 2024, VH-RQP returned to Tullamarine before then being re-painted back into full Virgin Australia Airlines livery at Wagga Wagga.

VH-RQP entered service with Virgin Australia on Saturday 4 January.

Of interest, VH-RQP is the second of two former Virgin Australia and REX Airlines aircraft to re-enter service with Virgin with Boeing B737-800 VH-REX starting flying with Virgin on Christmas Eve after also arriving back from Jakarta in late November and then also being re-painted at Wagga Wagga.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 January, Kirkhope Aviation (of Melbourne) Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOK landed at Mackay Airport after flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 January, VH-ZOK departed Mackay Airport for Hamilton Island Airport before then returning to Moorabbin but via Bourke.  

After operating the Whitsundays on tourist flights since arriving in November 2024, Commando Skydivers (Victoria) GippsAero GA8-TC320 Airvan VH-SXK flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Morwell (Latrobe Valley) via Goondiwindi and Temora.  It since looks like it has taken up parachuting operations back at Latrobe Valley.

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP has had another busy week flying around the region departing Tierawoomba at the start of the week and landing back there today after visiting such places as Mackay Airport, Tumbar Station, Lake Nash and Mount Isa.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams, Bernie Proctor and Robert Myers  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Dragon 21" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 10 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT had originally departed from RAAF Base Amberley and flew all the way up to Townsville where it landed for a short time.  A39-004 then flew back South via the airwork at Rockhampton Airport and then onwards back to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 21".

Of interest, fellow RAAF KC-30A MRTT A39-005 as "Dragon 20" was also in the air at the same time, also flying out of Amberley but all the way up to Cairns.  It then returned directly to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©️

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom Bizjet VH-PNM

On Thursday 9 January, Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Port Macquarie. It later departed back to Archerfield.

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McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield. 

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast 

While the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane before returning to the Sugar City later in the day.

And FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-001 "Wallaby 25" Spotted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 9 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

It was flying as "Wallaby 25" and flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport then to land at Hervey Bay Airport.  A bit later it departed to complete airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome and then return to Amberley.

Later A34-001, now as "Wallaby 24", was noted completing airwork at Miles Airport while on another flight out of and back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Garth Coad  ©

New Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus Helicopters H125 Helicopter P2-PHU Pops into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 January, Pacific Helicopters (PNG) new Airbus Helicopters H125 helicopter P2-PHU was noted flying North via a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on delivery to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

https://www.instagram.com/pacificcrownheli/

It departed from the Sunshine Coast and then called into Rockhampton Airport before then finishing the day at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 January, P2-PHU departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and continued it delivery flight North, finishing the day near the tip of Cape York.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 January, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM looked to fly up from Tamworth to Longreach Airport before then continuing up to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 January, VH-KXM looked to fly down from Vanrook Station to Emerald Airport and then flying to the Gold Coast and back to Tamworth.

And NSW based EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX landed at Longreach Airport from Bankstown and a bit later departed to Roma Airport and then back to Bankstown.

Spectaculr RAAF Air-to-Air Refeulling with KC-30A MRTT A39-004 "Dragon 10" and C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 16" Over Parts of CQ - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 8 January, many people saw and captured the spectacular sight of two heavy Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) transport aircraft flying in close quarters and then eventually completing air-to-air refuelling exercises over parts of Central Queensland.

The two aircraft were identified as RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 as "Dragon 10" and RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 16".

After they both earlier departed RAAF Base Amberley, they looked to rendezvous near Bundaberg and looked to fly together up the CQ Coast over Gladstone and Rockhampton before they both returned South, separated, and then both returned to Amberley.

Spectacular!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Wallaby 20" was noted completing airwork around Miles Airport while on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

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

On Tuesday 7 January, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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It then flew down to Sydney and then back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 January, Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mareeba and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then departed to Gold Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 January, VH-IZH continued to Watts Bridge Airfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.

And Sydneyean Air (Sydney) Piper PA-31-350 VH-JVD flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before departing to Labona and then back to Townsville.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©