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  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 63" Spotted Completing Airwork at Emerald Airport - Plus Some Overnight Action Sunday Night!

On Monday 23 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 63" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to complete more circuits at Amberley.

Meanwhile, late on Sunday 22 February, 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 a loop overhead Bourke in New South Wales.  It then departed to Cairns.

And also late on Sunday 22 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton A57-002 as "Albatross 1" flew from RAAF Base Tindal and flew across Far North Queensland and then down and back up the Queensland coast before returning to Tindal in the early hours of the morning.

Several other RAAF assets were noted operating out of RAAF Bases Amberley and Townsville including RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 01" which was noted flying at low level through inland Central Queensland.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter (Darwin) Dassault Falcon 900 Bizjet VH-PPD Pops into Williamson Airfield within The Shoalwater Bay Training Area - Plus More!

On Thursday 3 July, an interesting visitor into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flying up from Canberra to land at the Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It later departed there for Brisbane.

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While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Natal Downs and this afternoon returned to Thangool Airport and Archerfield. 

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.

And during the morning Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to North East of Yeppoon and operated there until mid afternoon before returning to Cairns. 

During the afternoon, fellow Surveillance Australia (Leidos) Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNE as "Rescue 330" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to out from Yeppoon, replacing VH-XNC "Rescue 440".  It later landed at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Essendon. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 4 July, Challengers VH-XNC "Rescue 440" from Cairns and VH-XNE "Rescue 330" from Essendon reached the area North East of Yeppoon about the same time.  Early afternoon, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" returned to Cairns and VH-XNE "Rescue 330" again landed at Rockhampton Airport for fuel before then returning once again to Essendon. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 3 July, Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ visited Gladstone Airport from the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

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

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Airnorth (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2I (ex N236JB) Departs Rockhampton Airport to Darwin - Plus More!

On Sunday 8 June, Airnorth (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2I (ex N236JB) departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin as ANO4001.

VH-A2I arrives into Darwin Airport

As mentioned below, the aircraft had arrived into Rockhampton Airport as N236JB on Sunday 25 May after completing its delivery flight from the USA.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 June, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC visited Hamilton Island Airport again from Archerfield.  It looked to fly to the Central West the previous day.

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX also visited Hamo from Archerfield.  It then flew to the Sunshine Coast.

Tindal Air (NT) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NNA departed Hamilton Island Airport and also flew down to Archerfield.  It looked to have flown into Hamo from there on Thursday 5 June.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down to search ops off the coast between Gladstone and Bundaberg and on completion returned to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Sunday 8 June, Gold Coast based Cessna 310R VH-CSX flew up from Southport to Blackall Airport and then to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Southport. 

And Diamond DA40 NG Diamond Star N29MT landed at Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Search for Trans-Pacific Rower Stranded in Seas Whipped up by Cyclone Alfred Brings AMSA Challenger 604 VH-XNF "Rescue 550" to Rockhampton Airport Plus ADF Support

Across the weekend, a search was launched for Lithuanian national Aurimas Mockus who is in a row-boat, some 740km off the coast of Mackay.  He was attempting to cross the ocean between San Diego and Brisbane, but reportedly ran into trouble on Friday night in massive seas being whipped up Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Consequently, on Saturday 1 March, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Rockhampton Airport before embarking on a near-6-hour search mission.  It then landed back at Rockhampton Airport and departed back to Essendon on Sunday 2 March.

UPDATE!  VH-XNF "Resue 550" returned to the region, again landing at Rockhampton Airport, in the wee small hours of Monday 3 March as the rescue looked to take place.

Also landing at Rockhampton Airport, also on Sunday 2 March, was fellow AMSA Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" which flew down from Cairns and also patrolled the search area.  It later returned to Cairns but looks to be due to return to Rockhampton Airport on Monday 3 March.

Finally, during the evening on Saturday 1 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-009 as "Rescue 251" flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh to the search area before it then landed at Townsville - after an 8+ hour flight.

It looked to return to Edinburgh on Sunday 2 March.

Finally, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) amphibious Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) ship HMAS Choules has set sail from Brisbane to the search area in an effort to rescue the stranded the rower.

UPDATE!  On Monday 3 March, sailors from HMAS Choules completed the rescue!  Good news!

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Additional Images from Defence...

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

On Wednesday 12 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

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Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Archerfield and Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning directly to Archerfield.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some aerial surveillance / search work South of Roma.  It then landed at Emerald Airport to refuel before returning to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" flew back down to the search area near Roma and completed more airwork while on a flight out of and back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 February. Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE, which had landed at Planet Downs yesterday, departed there back to Archerfield.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP, which flew down from Keeroongooloo to Warwick and Toowoomba the previous day, flew out of Toowoomba to Warwick, Caldervale Station, Keeroongooloo and Tumbah Station this morning, continued on to Emerald Airport and then Tierawoomba.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as HND455.

And APA Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 VH-83Q arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South and parked at Stirling Helicopters.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNC "Rescue 440" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 January, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" was noted flying down from Cairns to complete airwork of the Central Queensland coast and then landing at Rockhampton Airport.  It later returned to Cairns.

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It seemed to coordinate a search and rescue flight by the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR as "Rescue 300" which flew out of Rockhampton Airport and headed out on a SAR flight East of Gladstone.

It later refuelled at Heron Island before then returning to Rockhampton Base Hospital. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 January, Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew up from Archerfield to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Gladstone Airport before later returning to Archerfield.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNF "Rescue 550" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 February, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" low-level North-East of Bundaberg. 

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After a long time, they flew in to land at Bundaberg Airport. After a refuel VH-XNF "Rescue 550" departed Bundaberg Airport back to Cairns.  VH-XCY "Rescue 522" departed the area to the Royal Brisbane Hospital. 

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ continued flying in the region, starting the day at Moura Aerodrome and then heading to Rockhampton Airport and then Julia Creek and Alice Springs before heading to Archerfield.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" visited Dalby Aerodrome from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 February, Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM flew down from Mackay Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Quilpie.  Later, it flew back to Clermont Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport before then flying to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-SLM had flown from Rocky to Mackay Airport on Sunday 25 February.

VH-SLM also did a similar flight at the start of last week - see Blog post and photo below.

South Australia-based Gippsaero GA8 Airvan VH-ANE also popped into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying from Windorah to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Port Agusta in South Australia the previous day.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  This seems to be a weekly run. 

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Monto Aerodrome.  It had arrived last Thursday 22 February.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew back to Emerald Airport from Gympie.  It had flown down there over the weekend.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport before it later returned to Archerfield and then Toowoomba. 

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew the normal HND3310/1 flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site  and back to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Labona but as HND428.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 February, VH-CVN departed Labona for Townsville again as HND428. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-CVN departed Townsville for Rockhampton Airport again as HND428.  It then completed a run to Labona and back as HND3350/1.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK "Navair 141" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 February, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  It then departed to Julia Creek and Cloncurry before then returning to Julia Creek and Rockhampton Airport where it seems to be staying for the night.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 February, VH-HQK "Navair 141" departed Rockhampton Airport for Dubbo.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 February, VH-MMC landed back at Emerald Airport from Adelaide and then departed back to Sunshine Coast.

Capital Jet Charter (Canberra) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-TCS looked to arrive into (near) Taroom Aerodrome from Canberra.  It later departed to Tamworth and back to Canberra.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 121" looked to complete airwork at Maryborough and Bundaberg Airports while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 6 February, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 11" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" was back in the region, flying up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports before returning to the Sunny Coast.

Sunshine Coast-based Rockwell International 114 VH-KSW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caboolture.

UPDATE!  Over the rest of the week, VH-KSW visited Springsure, Emerald, Middlemount, Biloela / Thangool, Agnes Water and Bundaberg Airports before returning to Caboolture on Friday 9 February.

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ "Auscal 4" also called into Longreach Airport, arriving from Alice Springs and departing to Brisbane.  It also completed some airwork at Charleville Airport while flying to Brisbane.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP as "Rescue 421" flew down from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay to Gladstone and Bundaberg Airports before then finishing the day at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Finally, also on Tuesday 6 February, it's worth noting that Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some aerial surveillance / search work in the Whitsundays area.

Earlier, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-468 "Trojan 30" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to complete a missed approach at RAAF Base Amberley and fly then up to complete similar airwork / searching around the Whitsunday Islands.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 January, the nice sight of Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It later flew back to Tulla but via Melbourne (Avalon).

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Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was back at Hamilton Island Airport, this time visiting from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

While Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some airwork off the coast of Proserpine in the Whitsundays.  It then returned to Cairns.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-JSZ visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield once again.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 January, The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived from Brisbane then departed to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-SGQ flew back down the Queensland coast from Cairns to Brisbane via Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 January, VH-SGQ departed Brisbane for Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport yet again and then departing back to Brisbane.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-ISS flew back up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Townsville.  It then reversed the flight.

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

And Beech 58 Baron VH-PRB visited Bundaberg Airport from its Lismore (New South Wales) base.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 6 January, Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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The smart looking Global Express arrived from Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Melbourne (Avalon) and later looked to depart to Brisbane before returning to Tulla.

Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC landed at Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Oakey and then back to the Sunny Coast.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then onwards to Carins.  It then flew to Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns landed at Longreach Airport via airwork near Georgetown.  It then departed back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 6 January, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp.

Sisterships VH-YTI and VH-YTU were also noted in the region, flying up towards Maryborough Airport from and back to Wellcamp.

A pair of Victoria-based visitors in the form of New Day Aviation Services Piper PA-31 VH-MWC and Piper PA-23-250 VH-CUW flew out of Gladstone Airport together heading for Coffs Harbour and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  They both had arrived into the Port City from Victoria on Boxing Day.

Cessna 182 VH-PNA flew from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Emerald Airport before returning to Gladstone Airport.

Fellow Cessna 182 VH-SGN flew down from Ayr to Emerald Airport and then Roma Airport before continuing to Coonamble.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 14 January, VH-SGN flew into Charleville Airport from Parkes and Walgett.  On Monday 15 January, VH-SGN continued to Emerald Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Flys into Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 22 December, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ flew up from Bankstown to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 December, VH-IEQ now as "Navair 131" departed Bowen Aerodrome for Townsville.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew into Mackay Airport from Cairns via low level airwork off the Whitsunday Coast.  It then returned to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Brisbane. 

JV Regional P/L Cessna 421B VH-DEG flew into Charleville Airport from Shepparton.  It then continued up to Ingham.

While National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP visited Charleville Airport from Brisbane as JET398/9.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and back as SKP745/6.

And Philippines registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 RP-C1728, which had landed at Toowoomba around seven months ago, flew out and to the North-West from there.

Finally, also on Friday 22 December, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR making a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7425.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7298.  

The Loss of Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY "Birddog 370" Near Mount Isa

Sadly, on Saturday 4 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY "Birddog 370" crashed between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Gavin Merten   ©

The aircraft was out on a bushfire-related flight out of Toowoomba and was uncontactable before vanishing from radar between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) reportedly tried for over an hour to contact the aircraft and as it got up past the Winton area, ATC had some other aircraft call "oxygen, oxygen, oxygen - descend to 10000 feet" over the radio as a warning. 

An aircraft up near Normanton got through to VH-HPY and got them on to the area frequency and the pilot of VH-HPY said they were 'ops normal' and told ATC what frequency they had been on.  The pilot also described the GPS point they were going to work at and what they were doing there. 

ATC cleared them to there at 28000 feet but a little bit later the aircraft dropped altitude and started heading North-East to East and was again uncontactable. 

RFDS King Air VH-VJU "Flydoc445" was diverted towards Cloncurry and eventually found a crash site.

The Mount Isa based LifeFlight rescue helicopter VH-EHQ "Rescue 400" also headed out to look.  They eventually landed on the site of a large fire. Ground crews were on-site as well. 

AMSA Challenger VH-XNE "Rescue 330" was also noted circling the area too.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-FGJ Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 31 October, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from Griffith and then later depart to Melbourne (Essendon).

While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK arrived into Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It is due to return to those places on Wednesday 1 November. 

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed back to Archerfield. 

Meawhile. also on Tuesday 31 December, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR arrived into Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba.  It later departed back to those places and then Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Oaky Creek Mine Site. 

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP arrived into Mackay Airport from the North-East.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 October, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCK as "Rescue 522" on some search operations North-East of Bundaberg.  The Challenger then landed at Bundy and later departed back to Essendon.

VH-XCK "Rescue 522" then flew to the Bundaberg Hospital. 

Photos taken by 'AC' and Swavek Topolski  ©

Visiting Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon (B737-800A) NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" Assists with Rescue off the Keppels

On Saturday 21 October, a visiting Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon (B737-800A) NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" had departed RAAF Base Amberley and was operating off the Central Queensland coast and heard a distress beacon.  They opted to locate it and found two people in the water wearing lifejackets East of the Keppels. 

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The Poseidon flew around them until the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR "Rescue 300", and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" were on scene. 

VH-XNC "Rescue 440" had flown down from Cairns earlier to complete search operations near Longreach and had refuelled at Longreach Airport and had departed back to Cairns when it was re-tasked out to the search and rescue near the Keppels.  It eventually landed at Rockhampton Airport for fuel and then later returned to Cairns.

When they arrived NZ4804 "Kiwi 903" left and went back to what it was doing.  Of interest, it had also operated off the CQ Coast over the last couple of days.

Gulf Aircraft Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-PYN Calls into Both Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 September, Gulf Aircraft Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-PYN was noted flying into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

After a short time on the ground, it then flew down to Mackay Airport where it appears to be parking.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 30 September, VH-PYN finally departed Mackay Airport and returned to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then flying back down to Brisbane.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 September, VH-TEY departed Emerald Airport for Charters Towers Aerodrome before then returning to Archerfield.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later departed to Waikerie, Mildura and then back to Moorabbin. 

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns landed at Longreach Airport via a search operation North of there.  It then departed back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 September, Skytrans Airlines commenced a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Emerald Airport.  Dash-8-100 VH-QQB was spotted at Emerald Airport after arriving from Brisbane and Wellcamp as SKP744/5.

It later returned to those places as SKP746/7.

While over at Rockhampton Airport, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived from Townsville as SKP529 and a little later, fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed to Townsville as SKP530.  VH-QQI then proceeded to fly the closed FIFO charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 September, RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and then later departed back to there. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport from the capital before returning back North to Townsville and then Cairns.

While Dasap P/L Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MDM landed at Winton Airport from its Burketown base.  It is due to return North on Wednesday 27 September.

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU landed at Winton Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 28 September, VH-DZU returned to Roma Airport and then Toowoomba.

And overnight on Monday 25 September, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS made a visit to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and 'AC'  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Australian Army MRH-90 Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" Crashes in the Whitsundays - The Grim Search Begins for Wreckage and Crew - Plus More!

Late on Friday 28 July, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" ditched into waters close to Hamilton Island during low-level flight operations in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23).  

Almost immediately, a search and rescue operation commenced involving several military aircraft and helicopters from both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States Armed Forces, as well as several civilian aircraft and helicopters.

United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules aircraft 18-5891 "Jackal 92" was on the scene on Friday night searched the area most of the night before then being spotted at Mackay Airport taking on fuel.  It then departed to RAAF Base Richmond where it has been deployed to during TS23.

On Saturday 29 July, fellow USAF AC-130J Ghostrider Herc 18-5905 "Jackal 93" looked to fly out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and also search in the area of crash.

Later, USAF Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules 11-5731 "Rogue 72" came up from Richmond to search and then land at Mackay Airport as pictured below.

While fellow Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-029 looked to join the search while on a flight out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  There seems to be several MRH-90s based at Prosie at the moment.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-007 as "Rescue 251" flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh and then RAAF Base Amberley to the search area at the Whitsundays.

And it appeared that RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 as 'ASY667' did a low pass over the search area while flying from Canberra to Townsville.

Meanwhile, some of the civil aircraft and helicopters noted in the search efforts, also on Saturday 29 July, included the Cairns-based Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" which flew down and spent several hours seemingly coordinating some of the search efforts.

Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME "Careflight 2" operated in the search area out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - where it seems to be currently deployed for TS23.

And the two Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 helicopters VH-CQJ and then VH-VAU were both noted in the search area as "Rescue 412" while on flights out of and back to Mackay Airport.

Finally, also on Saturday 29 July, while it seemed that most flying for the day was called off out of respect of the overnight incident, there was still some action around the Lakeside Airpark and other large airports nearby as the United States Marine Corps (USMC) looked to complete troop insertion and extraction exercises.

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 165735 (Tail Code QB-5735) was noted departing Proserpine Airport for the North. It looked to use the radio callsign of "Raider 51".

USMC Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168243 (EP-00) and 168217 (EP-01) of VMM-265 'Dragons', flew as "Bowser 31" from the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) to Rockhampton Airport before then departing up to Lakeside Airpark.

They both then flew down to Mackay Airport and landed for a short time to refuel.  

They later returned to Rockhampton Airport for the night.

While after dark, three MV-22B Ospreys of VMM-363 'Lucky Red Lions' appeared to depart Lakeside Airpark and also then arrive into Mackay Airport for the night.

UPDATE!  Early on Sunday 30 July, the three Ospreys were identified as 168687 (YZ-13) "Dumptruck 11", 168686 (YZ-11) "Dumptruck 12" and 168234 (YZ-03) "Dumptruck 13".

These Ospreys are a part of the latest Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) and have deployed from the top end to RAAF Base Scherger in Far North Queensland for TS23.

And finally, some more ADF action saw Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-018 (Code 918) "Tiger 18" visit Mackay Airport.

It is believed that the Seahawk arrived from and departed back to the Royal Australian Navy's Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) which is in the area.

And a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft looked to also visit Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport during the day with A97-442 as "Trojan 04" noted departing to Richmond, while A97-468 as "Trojan 03" looked to visit from RAAF Base Scherger.

Thanks to the local plane spotters and enthusiasts for their help in compiling this post!

Photos taken by 'AC', Steve Vit, Dan Bishop and 'JM'  ©