Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-87X Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 June, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up to Hamilton Island from Essendon then down to Sydney. 

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While Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-325 Navajo VH-ZMJ visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC, which flew West on Saturday, returned to Hedlow Airfield via Barcaldine and Emerald Airports.

And MKR Helicopters (NSW) Bell Helicopter Textron 407GXP VH-8Y8 was noted flying up from Mudgee towards Clermont way.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 1 July, VH-8Y8 looked to continue to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey Tilt-rotor Aircraft 168655 (EP-08) 'ODIN21' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 June, the lead-up to the combined Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) continued with United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168655 (EP-08) spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then depart back to the United States Navy ship USS America and was heard to use the radio callsign of 'ODIN21'.

Of interest, the Osprey is of VMM-265 'Dragons' and is presently embarked on board the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 170285 (Tail Code QD-0285) as 'SUMO88' flew up to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Brisbane. 

The Herc, which is of the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos", is pictured (above) parked at Brisbane Airport before it then flew up to RAAF Base Darwin on Tuesday 1 July.

Finally, also on Monday 30 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 25" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed back to there.

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Dylan Hardie  ©

Skytrans Airlines (now SmartLynx Australia) Starts Flights to Moranbah Airport from Cairns with Dash-8-100 VH-QQI

On Monday 30 June, Skytrans Airlines started flying between Cairns and Moranbah Airport with the first flight being operated by Dash-8-100 VH-QQI as SKP101/2.

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The flights are only Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights and operate each Monday and Tuesday.

At the time of writing, VH-QQI was due to fly back to Moranbah Airport twice from and back to Cairns on Tuesday 1 July as SKP103/4/5/6.

UPDATE!  In late July, Skytrans, part of the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider Avia Solutions Group, will now be known as SmartLynx Australia.  Avia Solutions Group acquired Skytrans in March 2024.

UPDATE!  From Monday, 22 September, SmartLynx Australia, in partnership with Whitehaven Coal, opened part of its FIFO charter services to the public, providing new travel opportunities for the Moranbah community. Ten seats on selected services between Cairns and Moranbah are available for community members at a fare of $299 each way.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-ACC Pops into Roma Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 29 June, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC flew into Roma Airport from Archerfield. It then continued to the North West.

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S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Re-registered Cleveland Bay Aviation (Townsville) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-CYY visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Townsville.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Archerfield. It appears to have arrived the previous day.

Finally, also on Saturday 28 June, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 55" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey Tilt-rotor Aircraft 168217 (EP-01) 'ODIN21' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 June, the lead-up to the combined Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) continued with United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168217 (EP-01) spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then depart back to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and was heard to use the radio callsign of 'ODIN21'.

Of interest, the Osprey is of VMM-265 'Dragons' and is presently embarked on board the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 170285 as 'SUMO88' operated out off the coast from Shoalwater Bay while on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

At the same time, fellow USMC KC-130J 170272 as 'HCLS51' flew up from Amberley to Port Moresby.

Plus United States Navy (USN) Lockheed KC-130T Hercules 162311 as "Bonow 405" flew up from Brisbane to Darwin.

Finally, on Thursday 26 June, it is believed that United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167873 / RB-01 visited Rockhampton Airport once again as "Valkyrie 62".

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

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©

Textron Aviation Inc (Wichita, Kansas) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 26 June, Textron Aviation Inc of Wichita, Kansas Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Katherine and Mount Isa. 

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Then on Friday 27 June, N813EX flew to Rolleston Aerodrome and back and this afternoon departed Rockhampton Airport for the Gold Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 June, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed back to Cairns.

And Scone (NSW) based Textron Aviation B200GT King Air VH-8PO landed at Emerald Airport from Scone and then departed to Lizard Island. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 30 June, VH-8PO looked to fly back South, again calling into Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 27 June, Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet N616TS landed at Gladstone Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then departing back to there. 

Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew up from Archerfield and Warwick to Alpha Aerodrome.  Races this weekend!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 29 June, VH-YWS departed Alpha Aerodrome for Roma Airport and then back to Warwick and Archerfield.

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

Of interest, over the last couple of weeks, VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also visited Gladstone, and Longreach Airports, and made mutiple visits to Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

While sistership  VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" did some cross-country and international flights.  And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" mostly remained in the hangar at Brisbane.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 Bizjet VH-EJT Pops into Roma Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 26 June, Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT flew down from Cairns to Roma Airport and then Bankstown.  It had flown North also via Roma Airport on Monday 23 June.

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And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then returned to Moorabbin.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 26 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed back to Cairns. 

Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa. 

And Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Croydon.  It returned to Hedlow later in the day, flying via Gladstone Airport. 

Finally, also on Thursday 26 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYZ as "Choppa 22" finally departed Emerald Airport for Roma Airport and then RAAF Base Amberley.

As mentioned below, on Friday 13 June, it made an emergency landing at Emerald Airport and has been undergoing maintenance ever since.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) Turboprop VH-OTE Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 25 June, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was spotted visiting Emerald Airport on what seems to now be a permanent Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

VH-OTE arrived from there and departed back as PE745/6 and is expected to return to Emerald Airport again on Thursday 26 June from Archerfield and Wellcamp but as PE743/4.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 June, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports.  It then departed to Burketown before later returning back to Roma Airport and then Toowoomba. 

While  NSW based Whitestar Aviation Diamond 62 VH-TZI landed at Longreach Airport from Ballina and Roma Airports before it then departed to Mount Isa. 

And during the afternoon, Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and Archerfield.  Given that CQ Rescue has taken delivery of VH-XQ7 in full new livery - see Blog post below - this could be the last time we see VH-XQ9 in the region.

The other AW139 helicopter that CQ Rescue operates in its full new livery is VH-XQ8 which is currently at Archerfield and presumably will return North tomorrow. 

UPDATE!  Indeed on Thursday 26 June, AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield via Bundaberg Airport. 

Photo taken by AC  ©️

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168220 / EP-00 "ODIN21" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 24 June, the attractive United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168220 / EP-00 was a surprise arrival into Rockhampton Airport.

US DoD Image...

It was believed to be conducting a medical evacuation flight from and back to the USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

And fellow US Marines Lockheed Martin KC-130J as "Hercules 51" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete air-to-air refuelling work off the Shoalwater Bay coast.  It then returned to Amberley.

And also on late on Tuesday 24 June,  Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 was noted completing airwork around Roma Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Three Shell Aviation Dassault Falcon 8X Bizjets - VQ-BXH & VQ-BXG at Gladstone Airport - VQ-BXD at Miles Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 24 June, three Shell Aviation Dassault Aviation Falcon 8X bizjets were noted and spotted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports in spectacular fashion.  Two of them - VQ-BXH as 'Pexan 57H' and VQ-BXG as 'Pexan 32G' both landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

They later returned Brisbane.

At around the same time as these two were flying, the third Shell Falcon 8X - VQ-BXD as 'Pexan 49D' landed at Miles Airport also from Brisbane and then later returned back to the capital - as shown below.

Of interest, they had all arrived from Japan over the weekend.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 24 June, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 86" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Sunshine Coast.  It appears to have arrived into Hamo from Melbourne (Tullamarine) over the weekend. 

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

Finally, also on Tuesday 24 June, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Normanton.  It was due to return South the next day.

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

And Easternwell Group (Ven Air P/L) Beech B200 King Air VH-HPP visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Jamie C and Lloyd Fox  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FMZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 June, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba - returning via Cairns.

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Re-registered Flight Options (Australia) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-LJX visited Emerald Airport from its new Sunshine Coast base.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS arrived into Mackay Airport from Cessnock. It then looked to continue to Alice Springs.

Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ flew up from Warrnambool and Ballarat to Roma Airport.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" looked to fly into Moura Aerodrome from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 June, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane before later returning back to Cairns.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Longreach Airport from Armidale and Goondiwindi then departed to the North-West.

Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/45 turboprop VH-XAQ, which landed at Longreach Airport from Cooktown yesterday, departed there to Bankstown.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 Completes Airwork at CQ Airports

On Monday 23 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 01" was noted completing airwork, including a missed approach, at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and Coffs Harbour to Hervey Bay Airport before then flying back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-004 - now as "Wedgetail 02" - then returned to the region from Williamtown, completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before yet again returning to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

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

On Sunday 22 June, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before flying back down to Moorabbin.

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While Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/45 turboprop VH-XAQ flew South from Cooktown to Longreach Airport.  It flew North last weekend.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG which flew West last week, landed at Blackall Airport from Ambilindum and then departed to a property northwest of Theodore before continuing 'home' to Archerfield. 

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Chinchilla Aerodrome. It had flown up from there on Friday 20 June.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP which had previously flown to Darwin, flew across from Inverway to Brunette Downs, Mount Isa and Mackay Airport. 

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

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 22 June, civilian Black Hawk helicopter Sikorsky EH-60A N61AA, which flew up from the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong to Bourke and Birdsville over the last couple of days, continued up to the North-West today.

And the Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ flew to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rockhampton Airport both today and yesterday.

Finally, on Saturday 21 June, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Cairns.

United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk 167873 / RB-01 of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) DET-6 'Archangels' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport as "Valkyrie 62"

On Sunday 22 June, United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167873 / RB-01 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport. It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Valkyrie 62".

It is believed that the Knighthawk arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the USS America (LHA-6).

It came to Rockhampton Airport reportedly on a medevac flight but flew down the coast to come in via the southern tip and did not need an Ambulance on arrival. It then departed back the way it came.

The Knighthawk is flown by the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Five (HSC-25) DET-6 "Archangels" and is presently deployed on board USS America (LHA-6). It is also reported that the "Archangels" squadron is based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 113" Pops into Mackay Airport

On a quiet Friday 20 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 113" was noted flying into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

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It later flew down to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Spotted by me Again at my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 June, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was again spotted by me visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby. 

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and then returned to there. 

And Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM, which had landed at Hamilton Island Airport on Monday, flew down from there to the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 19 June, Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350s VH-8PE and VH-8PF were both noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  Fellow Queensland Government Airwing Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was spotted at Bundaberg Airport, arriving from Brisbane and then later departing back there but via Miles Airport.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport and headed West to Mount Isa, Brunette Downs and Inverway and then up to Darwin.

As they do each and every week, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 179" flew from Archerfield to Labona and back. 

Melbourne-based Raytheon 58 Baron VH-CNN landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, VH-CNN departed Longreach Airport for Walgett. 

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 18 June.

And Textron Aviation Inc of Wichita, Kansas Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX flew up from Goondiwindi to Tumbar Station and then to the West.  It seems to be a tour of Australia and New Zealand although it has been down under for quite some time!

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UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, N813EX flew into Charleville Airport before heading to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 June, N813EX arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane before continuing up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Thursday 19 June, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2J (ex N238JB which arrived back in mid-May) departed Rockhampton Airport and completed a test flight as UTY9820 down to about Gayndah and then back to Rockhampton Airport.  During the late afternoon, it then departed to Brisbane as UTY9821.

Photos taken by Ross Huntington and Tony Haynes  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (QD-9227) "Sumo 89" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 19 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227) was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

It was flying as "Sumo 89" and arrived from RAAF Base Amberley.

The Herc later departed to an Exercise area off South East Queensland for air-to-air refuelling ops before then returning to Amberley.

Of interest, 169227 (QD-9227) is flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".

 

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, USMC KC-130J Hercules 169227 again as "Sumo 89" flew up from Amberley to offshore East of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and operated there for a while before returning to Amberley. 

Of interest, also on Friday 20 June, a pair of USMC Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft as 'ODIN21 FLT' were operating from the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and back.

There were also a pair of Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters flying in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area also from the USS America.  Online flight tracking websites suggest they were 165244 and 161540 and were flying as "THOR34 FLT".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84G (ex C-GWEO) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport

On Thursday 19 June, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84G completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Bundaberg Airport as QLK2320/1 from and back to Brisbane.

It then completed a run to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport also from and back to Brisbane.  VH-84G looks to be due to complete flights into Hervey Bay and Bundaberg Airports again on Friday 20 June.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the fifth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore. VH-84G previously operated as C-GWEO and operated with the airline from February 2014 until April 2023.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Saturday 7 June, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GWEO, completing a delivery flight from Canada across the Pacific.

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and also given the name 'Armidale'.

Photos taken by Liam Nash, Darcy Stevens and Tim Martin  ©

Australian Border Force (Microflite P/L) Airbus Helicopters EC135 T3H Helicopter VH-8JA Pops into CQ Airports Heading to Cairns - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 June, Australian Border Force (ABF) (Microflite P/L) Airbus Helicopters EC135 T3H helicopter VH-8JA flew up from Charleville and Charters Towers Airports to Cairns after originally departing Melbourne (Moorabbin) the previous day.

And Lake Macquarie Helicopters' Airbus AS.350BA Squirrel helicopter VH-XLM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the south via the Capricorn Coast. 

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

U.S. Army Boeing MH-47G Block II Chinook Helicopters 21-02928 and 21-02929 as ‘ARMY928’ Pass Through Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 18 June, two U.S. Army Boeing MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters were noted flying down from Townsville to land at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, they were photographed departing to RAAF Base Amberley, before they later continued to the Gold Coast for the night.  Both Chinooks have ended up continuing further South and were spotted later in the week arriving into RAAF Base Williamtown.

The two Chinooks were identified as 21-02928 and 21-02929 and were heard to be flying as ‘ARMY928’.

These highly modified Chinooks are flown by the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) (Airborne) known as the "Night Stalkers", 4th Battalion based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.  They are utilised for a variety of specialised attack, assault, and reconnaissance missions.

The "Night Stalkers" are returning for their third consecutive iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre, and are expected to remain in the country over the coming weeks with the exercise officially starting on Sunday 13 July.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Zac Mason  ©

Photos of Stirling Helicopters New Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter N137WZ at Rockhampton Airport and Hedlow Airfield

Over the last few days, Stirling Helicopters newly delivered Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ has been photographed completing crew training flights from Rockhampton Airport to Hedlow Airfield where it then has completed several flights including carrying sling loads.

Each time, N137WZ eventually returned to Rockhampton Airport where it remains in the Stirling Helicopters hangar on the General Aviation (GA) side of the Airport.

Stirling Helicopters is an Australian owned family company that is the premier utility charter, pilot training course provider and aerial work specialist in Central Queensland, continuing to be a preferred supplier of services to the government, communication and resource sectors. With an extensive owned fleet of modern helicopters and an exemplary safety record, the company provides services for utility surveillance and maintenance, aerial crane and sling operations, fire-fighting and fire management, agricultural industry support, photography, passenger charter, Private Pilot Licence training course, Commercial Pilot Licence training course and more.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©