Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 Bizjet VH-JSO Calls into Rolleston Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 18 June, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Rolleston Aerodrome from Canberra and the Sunshine Coast. 

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UPDATE!  On Friday 19 June, Citation VH-JSO departed Rolleston Aerodrome for Emerald Airport and then back down to Canberra.

While Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY as 'AL416' / "Aerolink 416" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Horn Island as 'AL878'.  It later flew to Cairns and back to Brisbane as AL879/880.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Mitchell 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete to a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport and then down to one at Tamworth and back to Williamtown. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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  ©

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  ©

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.

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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  ©

Both Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) Aircraft VH-AK2 & VH-AK3 Ferry Through Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 4 January, both Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) cargo aircraft VH-AK2 and VH-AK3 were noted and spotted passing through Mackay Airport.

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ATR 72 VH-AK2 as 'AL996' flew up from Brisbane and was photographed arriving into Mackay Airport where it then parked up in preparation for operating the week-daily cargo flights to Rockhampton Airport and Brisbane and back.

Later, fellow ATR 72 VH-AK3 as 'AL998' flew up from Mackay Airport to Cairns reportedly for planned maintenance.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 4 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ballina Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 January, VH-EWB departed Hamilton Island Airport (on the second attempt) to Cairns before then heading up to Hong Kong and Taipei.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport once again from Brisbane.

And over on the mainland, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew up from the Gold Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew down to Warwick and Archerfield before returning to the Gold Coast.

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84P 'Dasher-8' in Special Christmas Colour Scheme First Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 November, QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84P was revealed as having special Christmas themed stickers added and was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane as QLK2322/3.  It has previously been operating in Far North Queensland and so is assumed that it had the decals applied up there over the last few days.

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VH-84P was then due to head to Moranbah Airport.

VH-84P has been dubbed 'Dasher-8' and is designed to bring festive flair to passengers during the months of November and December.

A Qantas Boeing B737-800 dubbed 'Roo-dolph' will also feature special Christmas stickers - VH-XZP. Frequent Flyers travelling on either aircraft will receive double Qantas Points!

A Qantas Freight Airbus A321PF freighter aircraft VH-XF4 will also be decorated with ‘Santa’s Freight’ livery is also set to transport thousands of presents and festive fare across the country in the coming weeks.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 November, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Longreach Airport and then to Natal Downs.  It then flew back down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Tindal Air (NT) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NNA flew into Barcaldine Airport on Monday from Brisbane via Biloela / Thangool Airport and then returned to Brisbane today.

While late in the day, Cirrus SR22T N51GH was tracking from Dili and Darwin to the Gold Coast but due to weather out West, it diverted into Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 November, Cirrus SR22T N51GH departed Longreach Airport for the Gold Coast.

And Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter ZK-HKU also made a late arrival into Longreach Airport from the North-West.  It is assumed that it is heading back down South.

Finally, also on Tuesday 25 November, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2S (ex N274JB) departed Rockhampton Airport for Wagga Wagga (pictured) as UTY9810.

It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport in a full JetBlue Airways livery in mid-August.  It is assumed that the aircraft will be painted into the standard Alliance Airlines livery while at Wagga Wagga.

While National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cairns and Horn Island as JTE444/6.  It then returned to Cairns as JTE447. 

And Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVI was scheduled to make a late visit into Mackay Airport from Brisbane as AL520/1.

Photos taken by Robert Myers, 'AC' and Liam Sellick  ©

XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 November, XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 November, VH-OTK departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

And Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-JII flew up from Sydney and the Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before then hopping down to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking.

UPDATE!  On Monday 17 November, VH-JII flew back from Prosie to Hamo and then departed back to Sydney and then Adelaide.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 November, Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Cessna 402C Utiliner/Businessliner VH-UCM visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns on the scheduled EA1/2 flight service for East Air.

SFC Farming (of Goondiwindi) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT also flew into Hamilton Island Airport but from its Mundine base.

UPDATE!  On Monday 17 November, VH-TXT departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Mundine.

And Aerlink ATR72-500 VH-FVY as AL511 popped into Mackay Airport from Brisbane for fuel before then continuing to Horn Island as AL510.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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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 11 June.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 June, it was noted that the Qantas/QantasLink Embraer E-190 flights have started using the callsign "Qlink" and the Aerlink ATR-72s have started using the "Aerolink" callsign plus flight numbers with the code 'AL'. 

Finally, Skytrans Airlines recently commenced operations out of Sydney to Lord Howe Island operating Dash-8-Q200 aircraft acquired from Qantas/QantasLink.  The first flight operated with a Skytrans flight number and callsign was on Saturday 10 May.

The acquired aircraft include VH-TQG which looked to position to Sydney from Cairns via Roma Airport on Wednesday 11 June.

The other aircraft acquired by Skytrans are VH-TQS and VH-TQX and we reckon could definitely make an appearance on the airline's flights from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - as well as Moranbah Airport with scheduled services from Cairns recently announced to start in July.

The Moranbah Airport flights will be operated by Dash-8-100/200 aircraft with the proposed schedule showing 3 weekly flights starting from Monday 30 June.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 3 April,  Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY popped into Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from and departed back to Brisbane as HT869/870.

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Meanwhile, also on Thursday 3 April, Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Mackay Airport from Cairns and then departed to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed back to Brisbane via a missed approach at Miles Airport. 

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Moura Aerodrome. 

Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Toowoomba. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV landed at Denison Downs from Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew into Longreach Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 4 April, VH-YWS flew down to Blackall Airport from Longreach Airport before then returning to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVL Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 12 October, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVL was spotted on the ground at Longreach Airport before it later departed to Brisbane as HT855.

As mentioned below, VH-FVL had departed Brisbane on Thursday 10 October for Mackay Airport as HT886 before heading down to Rockhampton Airport and then out to Longreach Airport on Friday 11 October as HT855/4.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 12 October, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shiue Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 October, VH-WMY departed Shute Harbour for Adelaide (Parafield) and then back to Moorabbin.

And a pair of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets were noted visiting Mackay Airport.  VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" actually made two visits, arriving from Townsville and then departing to Brisbane before returning to Mackay Airport from Brisbane and departing to Cairns and back to Townsville.  While later, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before it then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then flew down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then back to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 30 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Sydney and then departing to Brisbane.

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While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU returned to Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and then later returning there but via Melbourne (Essendon).  It also visited three days earlier.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport twice while flying between Townsville and Brisbane

Plus sistership LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Sunday 30 June, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY as 'HT821' flew into Charleville Airport from Broken Hill before then departing to Brisbane.  It has spent the weekend completing another outback Australia closed charter flight.

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Agusta A119 'Koala' helicopter VH-KOL arrived into Longreach Airport from the North-West.

And Gold Coast-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-WDN landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 (Ex 2-PADY) Calls into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports for Training - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 June, a great first-time visitor into Central Queensland was Aerlink Freight ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 which flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport as HT895.  After completing some training, it continued to Mackay Airport again as HT895 where it was to stay for the night.

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UPDATE!  On Friday 21 June, after more training, VH-AK3 departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane.

VH-AK3 was delivered in an all-white livery as 2-PADY and was painted at the start of April.  Its visit to the region was to provide training to ground crews for when the Aerlink ATR freighter will take over Qantas Freight services in the next week replacing the Pionair Australia British Aerospace BAe 146 quad-jet services.

UPDATE!  Late on Thursday 27 June, Aerlink ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 operated its first freight flight for Qantas Freight, departing Mackay Airport for Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane as QFA7492/3.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 June, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Mackay Airport and then to Townsville.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield to Red Rock Station, Longreach Airport and further West. 

Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM flew from Gayndah Aerodrome to Taroom and then Emerald Airport. 

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS, which had flown up to Cairns from Brisbane this morning, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from there then departed back to Brisbane. 

Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-VSA visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 20 June, several light aircraft were noted visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome with some ferrying school children home at the end of the school term.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Airs VH-NSN as "Machflight 242", VH-ZSY as "Machflight 121" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" all arrived from Cairns and departed to Horn Island.

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Private Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX arrived into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Cooktown and Cairns.

And Samaritan Aviation (Papua New Guinea) Cessna U206G Stationair P2-SAA visited Charters Towers Aerodrome from Mareeba and Cairns.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Rugby League Football Charters Begin - Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC and Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVR Both Call into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 February, North Queensland Junior Rugby League games in Gladstone saw the arrival of a couple of nice turboprop passenger charter flights from Cairns as the local Central Queensland Capras took on the Northern Pride across several age divisions.

First to touch down at Gladstone Airport was Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP959 from Cairns.  During the afternoon, it departed back there as SKP960. 

Soon after, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVR as HT805 also landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and looked to return to there as HT806.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 February, Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived into Hamo from those places on Wednesday 21 February.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Moura, Emerald, Roma, Mackay and then Rockhampton Airports before then returning to Archerfield.

UPDATES!  On Sunday 25 February, VH-JSZ again flew out from Archerfield and visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before finishing the day at Moura Aerodrome.  On Monday 26 February, VH-JSZ departed Moura Aerodrome for Rockhampton Airport before it then headed out to Julia Creek and Alice Springs before then flying back to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived Emerald Airport from Brisbane before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew out to Longreach Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Saturday 24 February, Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew from Emerald Airport to Gympie.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF departed Rockhampton Airport for the North.

South Australia owned Robinson R44 helicopter VH-8CE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then departing to Bundaberg Airport.

And Melbourne-based GE Aero P/L Cirrus SR22T VH-VH-8GE departed he Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the Ballina Byron Bay Gateway Airport in Northern New South Wales.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jaymee C for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a couple of beaut visitors to Gladstone Airport.

All photos taken by Jaymee C  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 December, Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY called into Bundaberg Airport, arriving from Townsville and Cairns as HT806/7.

It later departed to Townsville as HT808.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 December, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 121" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH visited Rockhampton Airport from its Devoncourt Station base.

Photos taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY - Plus Multiple Hinterland Aviation Cessnas and McDermott Aviation (Machjet) King Airs - All Call into Charters Towers Aerodrome on School Holiday Flights - Plus More!

It was a very busy day at the normally quiet Charters Towers Aerodrome on Friday 15 September with multiple closed charter flights departing to all parts of rural and remote Far North Queensland reportedly starting to transport boarding school children to their hometowns for the school holidays.

The biggest aircraft of the visitors was Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY which arrived from Townsville and departed to Horn Island as HT801/2.

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While several Machjet( Machjet International) / McDermott Aviation Group Beech King Air turboprops were also noted including VH-ZPY "Machflight 55" to Normanton, plus VH-PUY and VH-NSN and VH-ZSY.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TFS as HND494, VH-HLL as HND479, VH-ETF as HND412, VH-TQV as HND421 and VH-MRZ as HND424, plus Cessna 404 Titan VH-TFU as HND466 from Cairns all visited and headed off in different directions.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 15 September, Horizon Airways Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-WZS flew 'home' to Mackay Airport from the North.

NSW based Beech 35-B33 Bonanza VH-CPL landed at Gladstone Airport from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway and then departed to Townsville. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville. 

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Griffith and then departed to Coffs Harbour. 

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Alice Springs and Napperby and then departed to Degunnie Station. 

WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR landed at Emerald Airport from Kidston then departed to Archerfield.  It looks to have flown up there from its Chinchilla Aerodrome base via Archerfield and Emerald Airports the previous day.

LDS Aero Group (Brisbane) Cessna A185F VH-OZA departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Longreach Airport.  It appears to have flown North the previous day.

New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO flew up to Shute Harbour from the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 16 September, VH-YGO flew from Shute Harbour to Mount Isa then down to Mungindi.

Finally, also on Friday 15 September, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Archerfield. 

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 Turboprop VH-FVR Makes First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport

On Tuesday 29 August, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVR was noted making what is believed to be its first ever visit into Central Queensland, operating a closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight in and out of Moranbah Airport.

It arrived from Brisbane as HT720 and later departed back to the capital as HT719.

Of interest, VH-FVR was delivered to Aerlink in Brisbane at the end of May as 2-NEIL.  It had previously operated for low-cost carrier subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, as 9M-FYA.

Of further interest, the registration marking of VH-FVR was previously worn by a Virgin Australia ATR 72-600.  After a period of storage at Mareeba and then Cairns in Far North Queensland, VH-FVR left Australia at the start of 2022.  It was then re-painted into the colours of Greece-based Olympic Air and was registered as SX-OBM.

It appears to still be operating with Olympic Air and also operates alongside fellow former Virgin Australia ATR 72-600s VH-FVY (now SX-OBN) and VH-FVQ (now SX-OBO).

Finally, as mentioned previously, during 2022, the Brisbane-based Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) was reported to have re-branded as Aerlink. However, it wasn’t until mid-January 2023 that Hevilift official ceased operations and Aerlink commenced operations with the fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft transferring over.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox, Paul Watson, Daniel Follett and A1 Aviation (via Flickr)  ©

A Couple of McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air Turboprops Around CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 8 August, Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before then departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It then departed back to the Sunny Coast.

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Fellow Machjet King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight" 242 flew down from Cairns to Labona and back to Cairns, plus Machjet King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" flew down from Cairns to Labona and then across to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Cairns.

New South Wales based Cirrus SR22 VH-JPD was noted flying from Clermont Aerodrome to the Sunshine Coast.  It seems to have been flying around the local area over the last couple of days with visits possible at Roma, Emerald and Dysart Airports, as well as Clermont Aerodrome.

While there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back to Bundy direct.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

And Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY hopped across to Mackay Airport from Moranbah Airport as HT722.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport as HT715.  This seems to be a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run and it seems to have operated since the start of June.

VH-FVY then departed Mackay Airport and returned to Moranbah Airport and then Brisbane as HT721/719.

Finally, also on Tuesday 8 August, Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK117 D-2 VH-ZFM flew up from Archerfield, Redcliffe and Bundaberg to Gladstone and Mackay Airports.  This seems to be a new 'addition' to local Mackay Airport scene.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

South-East Helicopters / Trecked Pty Ltd (New South Wales) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-FHD Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 6 August, South-East Helicopters / Trecked Pty Ltd (New South Wales) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-FHD landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Roma Airport.  It had flown across from Darwin the previous day.

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UPDATE!  On Monday 7 August, it looked like VH-FHD continued down from Roma Airport to Bankstown.

And New South Wales based lighties - Rockwell Commander 114B VH-CXE and Cessna 182 VH-MVL - both arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra before they then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  Both flew up from Maitland on Friday 4 August.

Piper PA-32-300 Saratoga VH-CDK landed at Gladstone Airport from Caloundra before later also departing to Shute Harbour.  It had flown up from Bankstown on Friday 4 August.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 5 August, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVI was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport on what appears to be a closed sports team charter. It arrived from and then later departed (after dark) back to Townsville as HT701/2.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY also visited Rockhampton Airport but from Armidale and Archerfield.

Finally, late on Friday 4 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Longreach Airport from Cairns before later departing to Brisbane.  It had earlier flown up to Cairns from Brisbane and Winton.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Cirrus (Australia) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-NFP Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 July, Cirrus (Australia) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NFP was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Cairns.  It had flown up from Launceston and Wagga Wagga to Longreach Airport last Thursday 20 July before then flying up to Cairns.

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying at Mackay Airport for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 July, VH-NFP flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 July, VH-NFP departed Bundaberg Airport for Moree, Wagga Wagga and Launceston.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Normanton and Darwin.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 July, VH-JSZ returned to Rockhampton Airport directly from Darwin before then continuing down to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 July, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK called into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane before later returning to Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  VH-PSK also visited Rockhampton Airport completing similar patterns of flights on Wednesday 26 July and Friday 28 July.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew from Brisbane to Newcastle (Williamtown) before then flying up to Roma Airport and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 July, VH-VEJ flew back down from Mackay Airport to Williamtown before then returning to Brisbane.

And the usual Tuesday Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights took place yet again...

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visited Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport to Mackay Airport and back - not Nebo.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL looked to fly down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and then to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS continues to operate their FIFO flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.

And yet again, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY looked to complete a flight from Moranbah Airport to Mackay Airport and back to Moranbah. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 25 July, Surf Life Saving Queensland Eurocopter EC-135P-2 helicopter VH-NVG "Lifesaver 45" visited Bundaberg Airport from its Caloundra base.

And Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV was photographed as it arrived into Rockhampton Airport.

It had started from Adelaide yesterday morning, and arrived from Dubbo, Moree, Toowoomba and Bundaberg Airports.

Photos taken by Paul Tyler and Steve Vit  ©

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 July, there were quite a few lighties around including Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE which looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 July, VH-STE flew to Maryborough and Bundaberg Airports before returning to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Canberra.

Another nice PC-12 in the form of the new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP was back in the air again.  It's been doing quite a number of flights and today flew from Emerald Airport to Quilpie and Armidale and then back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived yesterday from Keeroongooloo after arriving there over the weekend.

UPDATE!  VH-8HP spent each day this week, flying out of Emerald Airport and visiting various places (including Clermont Aerodrome on Wednesday 19 July) before later returning to Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to Mackay Airport on Friday 21 July.

And Private Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YKG landed at Longreach Airport from Camooweal and Mount Isa before it then departed to Winton and back to Camooweal. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 18 July, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to Kidston before then flying down to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then departing back to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Recently re-registered Piper PA-31 VH-DWX flew down from Innisfail and Mareeba to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 July, VH-DWX departed Mackay Airport and returned to those places.

Reefchange P/L (Cairns) Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSJ flew down from Mareeba to Rockhampton Airport and then Bundaberg Airport.  It is due to return to Mareena on Wednesday 19 July.

While Brisbane-based Robinson R44 II VH-SMD flew up from Archerfield and Gayndah Aerodrome to land at Rockhampton Airport before then continuing up to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  VH-SMD looks to have continued up through Far North Queensland and into the Northern Territory, landing and flying out of and back to Emkaytee near Darwin.

Privately-owned Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 D-2 (H145) Helicopter N163WT possibly called into Gladstone and Mackay Airports while flying up from the Sunshine Coast to points further North.

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 July, N163WT looked to return South again via Mackay and Gladstone Airports before finishing the day at Redcliffe.

And normally Darwin-based Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME "Careflight 2" was spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after flying down from Townsville.

I suspect it is in town to support operations during the upcoming joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) which will have some focus this time around the Proserpine and Whitsundays area.

Finally, also on Tuesday 18 July, there were the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charters into the region including Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO which visited Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back direct.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL looked to fly down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and then to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF continues to operate their FIFO flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.  Plus Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ looked to fly into Labona from Cairns before later returning.

And yet again, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 turboprop VH-FVY looked to complete a flight from Moranbah Airport to Mackay Airport and back to Moranbah. 

Photos taken by 'AC' and James Kirk  ©