Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 12" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 31 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 was spotted on the ground at Rockhampton Airport.

It was flying as "Envoy 12" and arrived from Canberra and RAAF Base Williamtown then departed back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 March, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB as "Jetex 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns and Horn Island as "Jetex 442" on a school holiday charter.  Later it returned to Townsville as "Jetex 445".

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew out from Sunshine Coast to Rolleston Aerodrome and then down to Injune Aerodrome and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Monday 30 March, NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome again.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW also made its usual Monday run up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Archerfield.

North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 29 March, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU was spotted at Emerald Airport.  It had arrived from Port MacQuarrie.

UPDATE!  On Monday 30 March, VH-MBU departed Emerald Airport for Mareeba.

And Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Toowoomba and Cessnock.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Friday 27 March.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 28 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-007 as "Aussie 495" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before it then continued on to Townsville.

Whitsunday Helicopter Group / Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Mackay) Eurocopter EC135 P2 helicopter VH-ZGZ departed Gladstone Airport to Toowoomba, Armidale and Dyke Point/Newcastle.

And during the evening, Skytrans Dash-8-200B VH-TQX as "Skytrans 552" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Sydney.

Of interest, Skytrans, which took the SmartLynx brand in July last year to bring it into alignment with other airlines in the Avia Solutions Group, has recently brought back its former branding following the collapse of SmartLynx Latvia at the end of November.

Finally, also on Saturday 28 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-200 VH-YXW departed Australia for good.  It departed Darwin for Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru) in Malaysia as "Southern Cross 2611". 

It is reportedly due to continue to Toulouse in France via Gaya (India) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Of interest, VH-YXW made its final visit to Central Queensland on last visit on Wednesday 28 January as JST832/3 into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

VH-YXW then ferried from Tulla to Singapore the next day on Thursday 29 January before returning to Melbourne at the start of March and the next day, ferrying to Alice Springs for storage.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" flew up from Port MacQuarrie to Mackay Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast.

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Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed to Emerald Airport to Young and Canberra.

It had arrived into CQ from Canberra at the start of the week and has spent the week visiting Rockhampton, Rolleston, Emerald, Bundaberg and Maryborough Airports - with some multiple visits!

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-003 as "Hudson 07" flew up to Mackay Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Coffs Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 March, RAAF Super King Air A32-003 "Hudson 07" flew down from Mackay Airport to Birdsville and Port Lincoln.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

TWO FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) Turboprops VH-OTE & VH-NTL Both Pop into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 25 March, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) as PE95.

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Soon after, fellow FlyPelican Jetstream 32 turboprop VH-NTL also arrived into Emerald Airport as PE745 on the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

VH-NTL later returned to Wellcamp and Archerfield as PE746 and then returned to Emerald Airport again on Thursday 26 March operating today's FIFO charter flight over the same route as PE743/4

While also on Thursday 26 March, VH-OTE departed Emerald Airport and returned to Williamtown again as PE95.

And Cirrus SR22 N312GM visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Plus Helicom AU P/L Bell 206L-4 helicopter VH-SHA landed at Gladstone Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Mackay Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 25 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had flown up from it Orange be the previous day and at the time of writing, it expected to return there on Thursday 26 March.

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While a couple of Pilatus PC-12s visited various places in Central Queensland.

S. Kidman & Co. Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-SKW visited Winton Airport from Archerfield and Dalby.

And Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from a property near Moura - possibly Degunnie - before it then departed to Wagga Wagga.  It had arrived into Rocky earlier in the week from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  Over the remainder of the week, VH-8HG flew between Rockhampton Airport and Alpha Aerodrome before continuing out to Longreach Airport and then back to Archerfield.  A busy week!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 March, R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT departed Rockhampton Airport for The Old Station farm.

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

And McDermott Aviation Bell 214B-1 BigLifter VH-SZV (ex P2-MBH) landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville.

Photo taken by Ross Huntington  ©

A Pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Ospreys Spotted at Cloncurry Airport Heading to Darwin

On Wednesday 25 March, a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were spotted passing through Cloncurry Airport.

The two Ospreys were identified as 168642 (YZ-04) and 168678 (YZ-07) and flew up as 'KONA91' from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Cloncurry Airport and then Darwin.

They are two of four Ospreys 'stored' at Wellcamp that were designated to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) ‘Lucky Red Lions’ (‘YZ’).

They have seemingly now been reassigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) (Reinforced) ‘Red Dragons' ('YQ') with 168642 since noted re-coded YQ-03 of VMM-268.

The remaining two Ospreys at Wellcamp are expected to also fly up to Darwin in the coming days where they will be part of this year's Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) Aviation Combat Element (ACE).

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Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 88" Spotted at Gladstone Airport

Late on Tuesday 24 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 was spotted arriving into Gladstone Airport. It flew up from Canberra and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Envoy 88".

Then on Wednesday 25 March, A62-001 "Envoy 88" departed Gladstone Airport and returned to Canberra.

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  ©

American-Registered Cirrus SR22T N312GM pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 24 March, American-Registered Cirrus SR22T N312GM was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Of interest, over the weekend, another Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY flew across from Exmouth in Western Australia to Newman and Ayers Rock before it then continued to Longreach Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Tuesday 24 March, Yak 52 Aerostar (Yakovlev) YAK-52 VH-YDB completed a run out of Rockhampton Airport to the Capricorn Coast and back.

Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 March, Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Search ops off the Central coast and after a refuel it departed back to the search area and then back to Cairns.

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Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour then down to Stawell and back to Moorabbin.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane.

Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCX as "Careflight 24" flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Port Macquarie.  It later departed to Bankstown.

And GBR Helicopters Bell 206B JetRanger III VH-YEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 April, VH-YEC departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns again via Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Finally, late last Friday 20 March, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Gladstone Airport and then departed back to Brisbane now in the wee small hours of Saturday 21 March.

Photo taken by Wally H  ©

Two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters - A60-006 & A60-009 as "Valkyrie" Return South via CQ Airports After Exercises in Townsville - Plus More!

On Monday 23 March, the two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters that deployed to Townsville a couple of weeks ago, were noted flying back South to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre from there via Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports.  They were identified as A60-006 and A60-009 and were heard flying together as "Valkyrie".

Defence image...

The two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the 16th Aviation Brigade were in Townsville to participate in Exercise Valkyrie Crawl at Townsville Field Training Area.  This training saw infantry soldiers integrate with the Black Hawk helicopters to conduct familiarisation training which enables them to support future operations.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 83" flew up from Canberra to complete a missed approach at Longreach Airport before then flying back to Canberra.

And RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-448 as "Trojan 74" visited Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from RAAF Base Richmond.

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" Spotted at Clermont Hospital - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 19 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" was spotted by me as it flew into Clermont Hospital on what we believe to be a medical retrieval flight.

It flew down from Townsville and Moranbah and then to Clermont Hospital before it then completed a medical evacuation flight to Mackay Airport. It then flew back to Townsville. This aircraft was at Longreach Airport last week - as posted below.

UPDATE!  On Monday 23 March, AW139 VH-XIA as "Rescue 599" flew down from Townsville to Archerfield via Mackay, Gladstone and Caloundra Airports.

Then on Friday 20 March, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B-1 BigLifter VH-SZV (ex P2-MBH) passed through Rockhampton Airport from the South to the North. 

UPDATE!  VH-SZV was spotted at Cooktown on Saturday 21 March.

Photo taken by Chris Vela  ©

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up to Hamilton Island from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 March, VH-VTF departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.

Finally, also on Friday 20 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-206 as "Stallion 61" flew up the inland from RAAF Base Amberley via overhead Emerald to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew South to complete one more missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to Amberley.

And Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 as "Wallaby 52" flew low level up the inland from Amberley to near Emerald before then flying East to near Bundaberg and then back to Amberley.

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Photographed at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 March, the two visiting bizjets that arrived into Gladstone Airport late the previous day departed but not before one of them was spotted in spectacular early morning light.

Local plane spotter Glenn L captured some stunning photos as S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA rested in the early morning light before it later departed Gladstone to Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 01" departed Gladstone Airport to Warwick, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba and this afternoon returned to those places.

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-8DE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then Moorabbin.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Avalon).

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew down from Mackay Airport to Roma Airport and then Dubbo.

NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome. This seems to be now a regular flight and note worth mentioning much more!

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 179" flew up from Archerfield to Clermont Aerodrome and then Labona and this afternoon returned to Archerfield.

And Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Sincere thanks to Gladstone plane spotter Glenn L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 72" Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 flying  as "Envoy 72" was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Canberra

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While Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Kaos 73" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Edinburgh and then departed to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 March, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

Angel Flight Australia Cessna Cessna 402C VH-AF3 (ex VH-TFK) departed Clermont Aerodrome to Normanton.

Navajo ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville on its regular weekly flight. We probably won’t mention it much more!

Cirrus SR22 VH-ZYH (ex N191CP) was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

And Kimberley Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TWX landed at Longreach Airport from Redcliffe and then departed to Mount Isa.

Finally, late on Wednesday 18 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 01" and S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA both landed at Gladstone Airport from Roma Airport.

Photos taken by Daniel Gorza and Swavek Topolski  ©

Tea Extracts Australia Pty Ltd (Malanda) Grumman American G-164B Ag Cat VH-IZF Crashes near Charters Towers Aerodrome - Was Earlier Spotted at Emerald Airport

On Wednesday 18 March, Tea Extracts Australia Pty Ltd (Malanda) based Grumman American G-164B Ag Cat B VH-IZF sadly crashed near Charters Towers Aerodrome suffering significant damage.  The female pilot on-board was not injured.

https://7news.com.au/

https://7news.com.au/

VH-IZF was earlier spotted taking on fuel at Emerald Airport after flying up from the South.  It then headed up towards Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-465 "Trojan 53" Missed Approach at Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 17 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-465 as "Trojan 53", which yesterday had flown from RAAF Base Richmond to Launceston via a missed approach at Canberra and low level work in northeast Tasmania, flew up from Launceston to a missed approach each at RAAF Base East Sale, Griffith, Walgett and Charleville Airports and then up to land at Cairns (pictured).

While RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 as "Dingo 02" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin and then departed to RAAF Base East Sale.

And RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft  A30-001 as "Wedgetail 17" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast then up to complete four at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned south.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 17 March, South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF flew up from Cessnock to Collinsville Aerodrome then hopped to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back. This seems to be a now regular flight.

And Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD departed Longreach Airport for Isisford and Archerfield. It actually landed at Isisford yesterday too.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 March, VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ Out and About at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 March, 'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ flew from Hedlow Airfield to 'Red Rock' and back before later departing Hedlow to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back. 

'JB' / https://www.jetphotos.com/

Of interest, their 'usual' ride of Cessna 208 Caravan VH-RTC has reportedly been parked at Archerfield since October last year. 

While Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe.

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

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 March, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back down to Archerfield. 

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL  made a late visit to Longreach Airport arriving from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and down to Gladstone Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 15 March, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

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

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 March, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD which had flown North yesterday from Archerfield to North of Middlemount and back down to near Moura, this morning departed to Emerald Airport, Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters (NT). 

UPDATE!  On Monday 16 March, VH-ZGD flew down from Newcastle Waters to Isis Downs near Longreach and was then due into Longreach Airport. 

Angel Flight Australia Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-AF4, which landed at Barcaldine Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed back to there today. 

And Cirrus SR22 N12AU landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast.  N12AU then operated a local demonstration flight.

UPDATE!  On Monday 16 March, N12AU completed another local flight before departing Emerald Airport and flying down to the Sunshine Coast.

Kirsh Air (NSW) Cessna 340A VH-DRA Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 March, NSW based Kirsh Air (NSW) Cessna 340A VH-DRA flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.  It had flown into the Goldie from its Bankstown base the previous day.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 March, VH-DRA finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to the Gold Coast and Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 13 March, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew from Mackay Airport to Melbourne (Essendon).

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

Finally, also on Friday 13 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" flew up to Longreach Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Roma Airport.

Of interest, fellow LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU as "Guardian 10" looks to be still operating out of Bundaberg Airport after arriving in the middle of the week from the Sunshine Coast via Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend, VH-XIU "Guardian 10" departed Bundaberg Airport for Archerfield.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH Spotted at Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 March, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH was spotted at Bowen Aerodrome.  It had flown up from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site where it arrived yesterday - see Blog post below.

It later departed back to Archerfield.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Mackay Airport from Toowoomba.

And Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

McDermott Aviation Bell 214ST helicopter N724HT at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 11 March, McDermott Aviation Bell 214ST helicopter N724HT departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It had arrived late last week.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 March, N724HT arrived back into Emerald Airport from Bundaberg Airport before it then departed to Longreach Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 March, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then Rockhampton Airport and this afternoon departed to Coffs Harbour.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 Freighter VH-HPE visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane as TFX172/3.  Fellow Sharp Airlines Metro Freighters VH-UZN and VH-UZP also operated the 'usual' week-daily freight services passing through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then down to Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Labona.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 March, VH-UVH departed Labona and was spotted at Bowen Aerodrome - see Blog Post above.  It later departed back to Archerfield.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-MQX "Navair 131" Calls into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 10 March, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 131" landed at Moranbah Airport from Bankstown.

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It was then due to fly to Mackay Airport but on departure had a technical problem and returned to Moranbah Airport - where it stayed!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 10 March, RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then to Bundaberg Airport before then flying back to Toowoomba.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Lady Elliott Island and Rockhampton Airport before it then flew down to Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU as "Guardian 10" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Kingaroy.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 March, VH-XIU "Guardian 10" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and a bit later returned to Bundy.

Plus fellow LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIH flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then Gladstone Airport and then back to Bundaberg.

Photo taken by Neil Richardson  ©

Two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters - A60-006 & A60-009 as "Valkyrie" Call into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Tuesday 10 March, two Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters were noted flying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville via Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.  They were identified as A60-006 and A60-009 and were heard flying together as "Valkyrie".

They were photographed above as they arrived into Townsville where they are believed to be staying for a week with reports they will fly back South again via CQ next week some time.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 10 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 44" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and Coffs Harbour and a bit later departed back South, calling into Albury before returning to Canberra.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Graham A and Gillian T for allowing us to share these great photos from Townsville and from Bundaberg today!

Photos taken by Graham Aspinall and Gillian Tulk  ©️

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 9 March, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast and then depart to Ballina.

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Meanwhile, over the weekend, on Saturday 7 March,  Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF (c/n 602) visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.

While down at Mackay Airport Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQC operated a charter flight into from and back to Brisbane as UTY500/1.

And Aerlink ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 flew across from Alice Springs to Mackay Airport as AL575.  It had flown out to Alice Springs from Brisbane on Friday 6 March and completed a couple of runs to The Granites from and back to Alice Springs before then flying across to Mackay Airport as mentioned.

Late on Friday 6 March, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  This aircraft is becoming quite a familiar sight in Central Queensland, believed to be operating medical evacuation flights similarly to the LifeFlight Canadair Challenger 604 bizjets so we may not report on its movements as much as we did previously.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYR First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYR made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

VH-OYR was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg, Germany in late October 2024 and entered service at the end of that month.

Of interest, making it a double, also on Friday 6 March, fellow Jetstar A321 VH-VWX was back at Proserpine Airport operating the JST832/3 service from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

Would have been a great sight to see two A321s on the deck at the same time!

File photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-LEP at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 March, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

It had flown up from there earlier in the week on Tuesday 3 March.

And Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) via Sydney.  It later departed back directly to Moorabbin.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3C (ex 9V-JSL) Makes First Visit to CQ at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 5 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3C was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport as it completed the JST890/1 service from and back to Sydney.

Of interest, VH-X3C is one of nine twelve recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with the collapsed Jetstar Asia. This A320 was previously operated by Jetstar Asia as 9V-JSL.

9V-JSL was ferried from Singapore to Melbourne (Tullamarine) at the start of October last year. It was then placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-X3C with this registration marking 'taped' over the Singaporean registration marking.

It was 'delivered' to Jetstar on Thursday 8 January after ferrying from Alice Springs to Melbourne (Tullamarine) with VH-X3C then entering service around a week later.

Of interest, the collapse of Jetstar Asia has seen nine twelve of their Airbus A320 ‘classic’ aircraft joining (or for three of them re-joining) the Jetstar Australia fleet.  We have provided details on all the 'original' nine A320s to join the Jetstar Australia fleet and it appears that an additional three are also now joining the fleet down under.  They are VH-X3A which is ex-, VH-X3R which is ex 9V-TRD & 9V-JSY and VH-X3C which is ex 9V-JSL (as described above).

File photos taken by Ryan Hothersall and Paul Howard  ©

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 4 March, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS landed at Emerald Airport from Perth.

After staying for the night, on Thursday 5 March, VH-DMS was photographed still parked up at Emerald Airport before it later departed down to Cessnock.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 5 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange. It appears to have flown up earlier in the week.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Ararat, Charleville Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne (Moorabbin).

While Austrek Aviation Cessna 310 VH-DZX visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.

And RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 27" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 5 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 27" flew low level up inland up from RAAF Base Amberley to West of Bundaberg before it then turned in and completed two touch-and-go approaches at Bundaberg Airport before it then climbed up to flight levels back to Amberley. 

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Meanwhile, after flying up the day before, also on Thursday 5 March, RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet  A56-003 as "Envoy 24" flew down from Townsville to land at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Gladstone Airport before continuing to the Gold Coast and further south.

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Completes New FIFO Charter Flight into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 3 March, Aerlink ATR72-500 VH-FVY completed what is the second of a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter route to Emerald Airport from and back to Brisbane as AL428/9.  It also completed a similar run last Tuesday night - see Blog post below!

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Of interest, Aerlink looked to reportedly take delivery of another ATR at Perth airport in the early hours of Saturday 28 February currently registered as 2-ISLM which will reportedly become VH-FVX.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 4 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Mackay Airport before then flying back down to the Sunshine Coast.

And Koolardie Aviation (ZephAir Australia) Raytheon 58 Baron VH-NSM as 'ZD550' landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville then departed back to there.

Of interest, Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-YJY made yet another visit to Clermont Aerodrome from its Archerfield base but on Tuesday 3 March.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 24" Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 flying as "Envoy 24" flew up from Canberra and Coffs Harbour to Bundaberg Airport.

A56-003 EVY24 arrives into Townsville

It then departed to Hamilton Island Airport and then later completed a missed approach at Cairns and then to Townsville where it appears to be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 March, RAAF Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 again as "Envoy 24" flew down from Townsville to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Gladstone Airport. It then flew back to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-001 as "Wedgetail 20" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying down to complete another missed approach at Coffs Harbour before then returning back to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" Completes Medical Evacuation from 'Carnival Adventure' off Bundaberg - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and then down to the Sunshine Coast before later returning to Bundaberg Airport and then completing two Search and Rescue (SAR) flights to the North-East of Bundy. 

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Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to oversee the SAR operations by VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" for a few hours then returned to Cairns.  It is believed this may have also included a passenger extraction from the cruise ship 'Carnival Adventure'.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were noted at Rockhampton Airport. VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then departed onwards to Archerfield as "Rescue 500", while VH-EGK arrived from Archerfield as "Rescue 500" and then departed to Townsville.

And Far North Queensland based Diamond DA 50 C VH-88R visited Mackay Airport from Mareeba.

Finally, over the weekend on both Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK continued to operate flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport - including three return flights on Sunday.  VH-8GK operated one more flight (which seems to be the last one for now) on Monday 2 March.

And also on Saturday 28 February,  the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ  flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane after flying down to there at the start of last week.

Plus Cirrus SR22 N312GM looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 "Mitchel 11" Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-001 as "Mitchel 11" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and was noted to complete a couple of missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then flew back to Williamtown.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 as "Dingo 02" arrived into Longreach Airport from RAAF Base East Sale before it then continued to Darwin.

And fellow RAAF Super King Air A32-021 as "Hudson 02" also flew up to Longreach Airport also from RAAF Base East Sale before it then continued up to Darwin.

Of interest, a third RAAF Super King Air A32-651 has been operating up at Darwin as "Dingo 01" and looked to fly down to Alice Springs and East Sale on Tuesday 3 March.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) (Emerald) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN Out and About to Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 February, Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted flying from their landing site near Emerald to Rockhampton Airport and then back.

And Koolardie Aviation (ZephAir Australia) Raytheon 58 Baron VH-NSM as 'ZD550 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 26 February, M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH flew up from Archerfield to Kierawonga this morning, then flew from there to Rockhampton Airport and back.

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 February, PC-12 VH-MDH departed Kierawonga to Devoncourt Station.

And also on Thursday 26 February, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew out from Bundaberg Airport to Biloela Sports Field, beside the Hospital, and a bit later departed to Rockhampton Base Hospital and then a bit later departed there back to Bundaberg Airport.

Of interest, VH-XIJ becomes the 23rd different helicopter to land on the Rockhampton Base Hospital.

Two RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetails A30-002 & A30-004 Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Thursday 26 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft were noted completing airwork at a couple of different Central Queensland Airports during two separate visits.

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Wedgetail A30-002 as "Wedgetail 14" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete three missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

Later, A30-004 as "Wedgetail 36" flew up also from Williamtown but to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then also returning back to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Aerlink ATR72-500 VH-FVY Calls into Emerald Airport on New Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Run - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 24 February, Aerlink ATR72-500 VH-FVY started a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter route to Emerald Airport from and back to Brisbane as AL428/9.

File photo

Also late on Tuesday 24 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-003 as "Wallaby 12" was noted completing airwork around Taroom Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 25 February, Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-YJY flew up from Archerfield and Caloundra to Middlemount and then Dysart Aerodromes before then returning to Middlemount and then flying down to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Caloundra and Archerfield.

And Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY flew from Cloncurry Airport to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 March, VH-CUY departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cloncurry Airport.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©