Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet N605JL Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 30 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL was spotted parked at Mackay Airport.

It looked to have arrived the previous day from the Sunshine Coast via Brisbane as "Machflight 01" and then later on Friday, it returned to those places.

While Howton Aircraft (Newcastle) Beech 58 Baron VH-SNP passed through Emerald Airport while flying up from Cessnock and Armidale up to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Monday 2 June, VH-SNP arrived into Longreach Airport from Townsville and Hughenden before then continuing South the next day.

Several Pilatus PC-12s At Various Central Queensland Airports!

On Thursday 29 May, there were some Pilatus PC-12s around some various Central Queensland Airports.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew up from Archerfield to Moura Airport then West to Blackall Airport and then Alice Springs.  It later returned back to Archerfield.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then up to Barcaldine Airport.  Of interest, it completed a flight to Planet Downs and back from Archerfield the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-PDE departed Barcaldine Airport for Hughenden. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 31 May, VH-PDE landed back at Barcaldine Airport from Hughenden and then departed to Archerfield

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE, which had flown up to Springsure Aerodrome from Canberra and Warren yesterday, departed Springsure Aerodrome to Rolleston Aerodrome and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Warren and Canberra. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew West from Tierawoomba to Longreach Airport then down to Keeroongooloo then to Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-8HP flew out from Archerfield to Longreach Airport and then down to Keeroongooloo.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH landed at Longreach Airport from and departed back to Devoncourt Station.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 73" Completes Airwork at Emerald Airport Twice!

On Wednesday 28 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 73" was spotted completing airwork at Emerald Airport.  It had flown up from RAAF Base Amberley and then continued up to Townsville.

Later, A41-207 "Stallion 73" flew back down from Townsville to complete more airwork at Emerald Airport, as well as Roma Airport, before then returning to Amberley.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

ConocoPhillips Gulfstream G600 (GVII-G600) Bizjet N793CP Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 May, the sleek ConocoPhillips Gulfstream G600 (GVII-G600) bizjet N793CP was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

N793CP photographed at Brisbane over the weekend.

It arrived early from Brisbane and then returned to the capital late in the day.

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted flying up from Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then returning there via Ararat.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Aircraft - A97-441 & A97-448 - Complete Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 26 May, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft were spotted and noted completing airwork at some Central Queensland Airports.

C-130Js A97-441 as "Trojan 52" and A97-448 as "Trojan 51" both flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach each at Hamilton Island, Emerald and Charleville Airports before then continuing to land at RAAF Base Amberley. Later, they continued on to complete more airwork at Tamworth and then RAAF Base Richmond.

It appears that both Hercs - both of the RAAF's No. 37 Squadron medium tactical airlift squadron based at RAAF Base Richmond, in New South Wales - departed there last week and have complete a flight all over Australia to South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory before flying across to Townsville yesterday.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Alliance Airlines / Airnorth (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N236JB Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 25 May, Alliance Airlines / Airnorth (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N236JB arrived into Rockhampton Airport at the end of a delivery flight as 'SXI2521' / "Southern Cross 2521".

It arrived from Brisbane having started its delivery flight at San Jose (Costa Rica) and flying via SanDiego, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.

As shown, N236JB was delivered in full Airnorth livery and looks to be going to be placed on the Australian Aircraft register as VH-A2I - as shown on the front of the aircraft.

N236JB was promptly parked inside the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

Photos taken by Don Williams and Evan Dougherty  ©

McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D Transport Aircraft VH-RPR at Old Station Airshow - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 May, and before we prepare our official Blog post on the Old Station Airshow, it was awesome to see McDermott Aviation Group Transall C-160D transport aircraft VH-RPR arrive into The Old Station Farm at Raglan from Scone in New South Wales.

The massive aircraft made a spectacular low pass over Old Station before coming back around and parking for the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 May, VH-RPR departed the Old Station and returned to Scone - where the other two Transall C-160D aircraft - VH-TIT and VH-RFW - are all presented stored.

Stand-by for more from the Old Station Airshow!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI completed a sports charter into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Cairns as SKP841/2.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.  It then departed back to Archerfield.

While the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ, which had flown up to Emerald Airport from Brisbane yesterday, flew across to Alpha Aerodrome and later departed there back to Brisbane.

And Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport before flying down to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to Moorabbin.

Photos taken by Jo AwBlake  ©

New Zealand-based American-registered Cessna T206H N63PH Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 23 May, New Zealand-based American-registered Cessna T206H N63PH was noted calling into a couple of Central Queensland Airports.  It looked to fly up from the Gold Coast to land at Gladstone Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It looks to have arrived into the Gold Coast from New Zealand earlier in the week.

https://nzcivair.blogspot.com/

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 May, N63PH departed Hamilton Island Airport for Normanton.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 June, after completing a flight up to Darwin, N63PH returned to the region, landing at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.  It then flew down to Roma Airport.  On Thursday 12 June, N63PH departed Roma Airport for the Gold Coast before eventually returning 'across the ditch'.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 May,  Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns.

Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNC landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome and then departed to the Sunshine Coast and Watts Bridge.  It had flown down from Horn Island yesterday. 

Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Airs VH-8UY as "Machflight 242" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island and are staying the night. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 May, it appears that VH-PUY "Machflight 11" departed Rockhampton Airport to Horn Island and VH-8UY "Machflight 242" departed to Cairns. 

And finally, some notable General Aviation (GA) aircraft that landed at the Old Station Farm today for the fly-in and Airshow this weekend included:  Nanchang CJ-6A VH-XXB, Brisbane-based North American P51-D-30NT Mustang VH-FST, and the Paul Bennet Airshows contingent arrived led by Amateur-built Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB.

Volkswagen Air Service (Germany) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet D-AGBF Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 22 May, Volkswagen Air Service (Germany) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet D-AGBF as BTX6F made a before dawn departure from Hamilton Island Airport for Darwin and then overseas.  As posted below, it had arrived into Hamo on Tuesday 20 May from overseas via Townsville.

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

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 22 May, Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airport before it then departed to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and back to Brisbane.

These Queensland Government Super King Air are definitely becoming familiar sights in Central Queensland with VH-8PF flying North via Rockhampton Airport yesterday.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC hopped from Hedlow Airfield to Rockhampton Airport and then flew the FIFO to North Curtis Island along with Peace Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MMB which flew to North Curtis Island and back to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-RTC then returned to Hedlow. 

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

And Brisbane-based Caboolture-based North American T-28B Trojan VH-RPX flew up from there to the Old Station Farm for the fly-in and Airshow this weekend.  Several other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft also landed there.

Plus Rockhampton Helicopters Robinson R44 Raven II VH-TBT also flew down to the Old Station Farm where it will operate joyflights over the weekend.

Finally, also on Thursday 22 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 99" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and Tamworth and a bit later departed to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew up to Cairns and back down to Townsville. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 May, RAAF Falcon 7X A56-003 again as "Envoy 99" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then to land at Gladstone Airport. A bit later it departed to the Gold Coast and Roma Airport and then back to Canberra. 

Photo taken by Gerard Collins  ©

Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-XDU Passes Through Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 May, Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-XDU passed through Rockhampton Airport arriving from Redcliffe and departing to Cairns as SKP588.  It looked to fly down in late February from Cairns again via Rockhampton Airport for re-painting at Redcliffe.

https://www.facebook.com/flindersaviation

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

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172s VH-MAO and VH-WLX landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 May, both Cessna 172s departed Longreach Airport with VH-MAO heading to Townsville and VH-WLX heading up to Mareeba.

Finally, also on Wednesday 21 May, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before returning to Moorabbin.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 "Wedgetail 25" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 25" was noted completing airwork, including a missed approach, at Bundaberg Airport.

File photo

It looked to flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and the Sunshine Coast to Bundy before then flying back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Canberra as "Envoy 01".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Volkswagen Air Service (Germany) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet D-AGBF Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 20 May, Volkswagen Air Service (Germany) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet D-AGBF arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Townsville after earlier flying from overseas.

It seems to be spending at least the night!

While Polar Aviation (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-T29 popped back into Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Cairns and departing to Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It had flown North bound on Saturday 17 May - see Blog post below!

And WA based Rutan Long-EZ VH-LDL, which started from Kalgoorlie on the weekend, arrived into Blackall Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 21 May, VH-LDL flew down from Rockhampton Airport to the Old Station Farm.  The Airshow is on there this weekend!!

Finally, also on Tuesday 20 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 15" was noted completing airwork, including a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport while on a flight up from and back to RAAF Base Williamtown - returning via more airwork at the Sunshine Coast.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Graham A for allowing us to share these great photos of Falcon 7X on finals to Townsville.

All photos taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-KXM Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 19 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM looked to fly up from Moree to Longreach Airport before then continuing up to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

File photo

While the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ departed Longreach Airport for Brisbane.  It seems to have arrived there over the weekend from Winton after completing a tour of small regional towns over the previous few days.

Fellow Queensland Government B300 Super King Air VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed directly back to Cairns.

And Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW made yet another visit into my local Clermont Aerodrome, this time arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Nathan Pawley  ©

Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQJ Ferries North via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 18 May, Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Finch 23" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and later departed to Townsville.

File photo

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 was noted ferrying down from Mackay Airport to Archerfield via Bundaberg Airport.

And former Rockhampton resident, Emma MacDonald flew down to Old Station from Rockhampton Airport in her Extra 300 VH-LXT.  She later returned to Rockhampton Airport and did some flying to the West of the airport.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Recently Delivered Polar Aviation (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-T29 Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 17 May, a nice first-time visitor to the region in the form of recently delivered Polar Aviation (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-T29 was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

aideenkhan13 / https://www.jetphotos.com/

It looked to arrive from Melbourne (Tullamarine) and then depart to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 20 May, VH-T29 flew back down from Cairns to Hamilton Island Airport and then back to Tullamarine. 

While Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Stars VH-UEX "Astra 235" and VH-UEM "Astra 202" both arrived into Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base Amberley and started operating a series of local flights each.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 18 May, both Diamonds completed more local flights and then eventually departed Bundy and returned to Amberley.

And Outback Aero Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FTT flew up from Roma Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Cooktown.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 May, VH-FTT was noted flying into Longreach Airport from Horn Island and Karumba. 

Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N238JB Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 16 May, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N238JB arrived into Rockhampton Airport at the end of a delivery flight as 'SXI2518' / "Southern Cross 2518".

It arrived from Brisbane having started its delivery flight at San Jose (Costa Rica) and flying via Oakland, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.

As shown, N238JB was delivered in full Alliance Airlines livery and looks to be going to be placed on the Australian Aircraft register as VH-A2J - as shown on the front of the aircraft.

Garrison27 / https://www.flickr.com/

N238JB was promptly parked inside the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 16 May, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew down from Winton Airport to Windorah and this afternoon returned to Winton.  It looks to have been in flying around the Central-West of the state since flying up from Brisbane to Richmond on Tuesday 13 May.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 17 May, VH-SGQ flew to Longreach Airport from Winton.

UPDATE!  On Monday 19 May, VH-SGQ departed Longreach Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Wrightsair Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 Airvan VH-WRU landed at Longreach Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It was due to depart to Birdsville on Saturday 17 May.

Finally, also on Friday 16 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports a couple of times over the last couple of weeks.  Sisterships VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has also visited Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports and VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" appears to have been offline.

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

Photos taken by John Lee  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 May, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 86" visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 206 VH-KQM landed at Alpha Aerodrome from Vanrook Station near Normanton and Hughenden and then departed back to Hughenden.

And Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and then across to South of Middlemount and then back to Brisbane.

Finally, on a quiet Wednesday 14 May, American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew up to Moura from the Gold Coast before then flying down to Archerfield.  It has also visited Chinchilla Aerodrome and had been across to Alice Springs and back over last weekend and into the early part of this week.

And FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It later departed back to Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©

NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T1 Helicopter VH-MXW "Energy 404" Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 May, sleek looking NQ Heli-Worx (Meridian Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T1 helicopter VH-MXW as "Energy 404" looked to fly down from Emerald Airport to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Archerfield.

https://www.facebook.com/SharpWingsPhotography

It appears to have flown down to Emerald Airport the previous day from Townsville via Mackay and Clermont Airports.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 May, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before then flying to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 May, VH-MIF departed Rockhampton Airport and flew to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rocky before then flying down to Gladstone Airport and then Hervey Bay Airport. 

During the afternoon, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS and Cleveland Bay Aviation Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC both flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before then flying out to Labona.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and this afternoon departed to Archerfield. 

UPDATES!  On Thursday 15 May, VH-WPH visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba.  Then on Friday 16 May, VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba to Bundaberg Airport and then Emerald Airport before then flying back to Toowoomba.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield via Dalby.  Of interest, it appears to be being utilized by those that usually fly in Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ which seems to be grounded at Mount Isa since last month.

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

A Pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Ospreys Complete Missed Approaches at Mackay Airport

Late on Tuesday 13 May, a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were noted completing missed approaches at Mackay Airport.  The pre-planned airwork was completed by the pair while flying down from Townsville and back - where these Ospreys are currently based.

The Ospreys were identified as 168687 (YZ-13) as "Lucky 12" and 168670 (YZ-21) as "Lucky 11" and are part of a deployment that flew across from Darwin to Townsville around a week earlier.  They are flown by the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) ‘Lucky Red Lions’ (‘YZ’) and form part of the latest Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D).

UPDATE!  On Thursday 15 May, 168670 (YZ-21) as "Lucky 21" was noted completing airwork at Bowen Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Ian Hitchcock  ©

New Zealand Based (American Registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX Bizjet N146EX Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 9 May, New Zealand based (American registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N146EX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Perth.

File photo

After a short time on the ground, it departed to Brisbane.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Cairns. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 May, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.  It later flew back to Mackay Airport.

File photo

While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried North from Archerfield to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Thursday 8 May, what appeared to be a Heli-Biz helicopter safari departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Charters Towers Aerodrome and points further to the North West.

Helicopters participating looked to include:

- Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-NIK and VH-XUN and Robinson R66s VH-LHG, VH-IGP and VH-AD6.

- New South Wales-based Robinson R44s VH-KNK and VH-JGO and Robinson R66s VH-VVY and VH-E9S.

- Queensland-based Robinson R44 VH-8BT and Robinson R66 VH-CSG.

- Eurocopter EC120 VH-KHR was also part of the group.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 962" Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 7 May, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 962" flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Walgett. 

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While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 May, VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" departed Longreach Airport for Windorah and the Sunshine Coast. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed Denison Downs to Toowoomba and back. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 May, VH-VSV did the same flight again!

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport to Maryborough Airport and then Bathurst and Canberra.  It had flown up flown up from those places at the start of the week.

Dalydine P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FMM landed at Longreach Airport from Newcastle and then departed to Dinah Island and this afternoon flew down to Mount Isa. 

At the same time Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up to Dinah Island direct from Archerfield and this arvo returned to Archerfield via a stop at Normanton. 

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Guardian 10" landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports and then departed to Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

New QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-84F (ex C-GJWE) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 May, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84F completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane as QLK2376.  It then returned to Brisbane as QLK2377 before completing another return flight to Hervey Bay Airport and back to Brisbane as QLK2380/1.

Photo added

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the fourth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore.  VH-84F previously operated as C-GJWE and operated with the airline from December 2013 until April 2024 when it looked to suffer a tail strike at Calgary in Canada.

File photo

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia at Brisbane on Friday 25 April, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GJWE, completing a massive delivery flight from Canada via Honolulu and Majuro.  

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and named 'Horn Island Ngurupai'.  It recently completed a test flight before entering service as described above.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 6 May, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up to Natal Downs from Dalby and then back.

And Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew up from Adelaide to Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Tuesday 6 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying down to land at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photos taken by Paul Corfiatis and Wally H  ©

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84F (ex C-GJWE) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Tuesday 6 May, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84F completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport as QLK2376/7 from and back to Brisbane.

It later called back into Hervey Bay Airport again from and back to Brisbane as QLK2380/1 before it then positioned down to Canberra.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the fourth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore. VH-84F previously operated as C-GJWE and operated with the airline from December 2013 until April 2024 when it suffered a tail strike on landing at Calgary in Canada.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Friday 25 April, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GJWE, completing a delivery flight from Canada across the Pacific.

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and also given the name 'Horn Island Ngurupai'.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 May, VH-84F was back in CQ and completed a flight to and from Bundaberg Airport.

Photos taken by Paul Corfiatis, Bill Wong and Tim Martin  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 5 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" made a couple of visits to Central Queensland, visiting Rockhampton Airport and then Gladstone Airport, both times arriving from and then departing back to Brisbane.

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It's been a few weeks since we've mentioned the LifeFlight Challengers, but of interest, this is the first flight that VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has completed in almost a month after a visit to Mackay Airport. 

While VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has completed several international medical evacuation flights but also visited Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton and Longreach Airports.

And VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has visited those places too, as well as Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Gladstone Airports.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW continues to ply its trade in the region, this time flying up from Cessnock to Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Emerald Airport before later reversing the flight.

And American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG which, this morning, flew up from Bankstown to Chinchilla and then Archerfield, flew up to near Moura and back to Archerfield

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAX Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 May, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAX was noted passing through Longreach Airport. It arrived from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

P2-NAX at Longreach Airport in March on its way to Adelaide  (File photo)

It has been in Adelaide since the start of March where it appears to be going for planned maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAX wears the colours and titles.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 May, and probably in support of the Federal Election, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 Freighter VH-HPE as "Sharp 174", which had landed at Charleville Airport from Brisbane yesterday, departed there to Longreach Airport and then to St George and Toowoomba as "Sharp 174/3".

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 55" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 2 May, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Cairns.

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

Wrightsair (SA) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-DJG landed at Longreach Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then departed to the south west.

And American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew up to Degunnie from and back to Archerfield.  It did the same flight a couple of days prior and in the mean time, also completed a flight to Planet Downs and back.

Finally, also on Thursday 1 May, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 May, VH-RIU departed Hamo for Sydney and Melbourne (Essendon).

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 "Stallion 23" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 2 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 was noted completing a missed approach and low overshoot at Rockhampton Airport. 

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It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley before returning back down there and completing many circuits at Amberley. 

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 "Trojan 74" Pops into Shoalwater Bay Training Area - Plus More!

On Thursday 1 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 as "Trojan 74" flew down from Townsville to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and a bit later returned to Townsville and this afternoon flew down to the Bay again. 

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 2 May, A97-464 "Trojan 74" departed Williamson Airfield for RAAF Base Williamtown.

Of interest, A97-464 again as "Trojan 74" looked to also visit the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) at Williamson Airfield also on Tuesday 29 April.  It was noted departing Williamson Airfield to RAAF Base Williamtown.

And at least two Boeing C-17 Globemaster II transport aircraft as "Charger" flew out from RAAF Base Amberley to the South-West and then back.  They appeared to be USAF C-17 05-5151 and RAAF C-17 A41-209.

The RCAF CC-177 (C-17) 177704 flew North from Amberley as "Canforce 3677".