Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopters VH-ESH & VH-EZJ Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 June, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport.  VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-EZJ arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.  

A bit unusual to see both stopped at Emerald Airport at the same time. 

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from the Gold Coast to Mackay Airport and then down to Archerfield and late this afternoon is heading back to Mackay Airport. 

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Blackall Airport and then Birdsville. 

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO flew down from Mackay Airport to Brisbane.

And AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Alice Springs. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 13 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" landed at Jundah from Brisbane and then departed to Thargomindah and back to Brisbane. 

Private American-Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (GLF6) bizjet N720LE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport again from Sydney.

UPDATE!  Monday 16 June, N720LE departed Hamo and returned to Sydney.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Longreach Airport and back to Townsville.

Of interest, since the start of the month, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has also visited Gladstone, Barcaldine and Mackay Airports with a couple of repeated visits.

While sistership VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.  And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" remained in the hangar at Brisbane.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 4 November, Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew up from Archerfield to Moura Aerodrome and then West to Longreach Airport and then Alice Springs and then Ambalindum.

File photo

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and then West to Keeroongooloo then up to Hamilton Island Airport and then to Tierawoomba.

While AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ as "Auscal 4" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin and then departed to Brisbane.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Clermont Aerodrome before continuing to the Oaky Creek Mine Site.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 4 November, New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" which had landed at Longreach Airport on Saturday, departed there to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport via a fire area near Hughenden and this afternoon flew down from Proserpine Airport to its RAAF Base Richmond home.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" landed at Winton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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.

File photo

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  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 Bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 22" Back at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Friday 6 October, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 22" was back at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport once again.  It flew up from the Sunshine Coast and then down to Albury and back to the Sunshine Coast.

VH-PIY at Proserpine Airport earlier in the week  (File photo)

As mentioned below, this is now the third time in a week that VH-PIY has visited Prosie.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY departed Mackay Airport and Proserpine Airport and then to Archerfield.  It had arrived into Mackay Airport from Archerfield and Hamilton Island Airports earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 6 October, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Brisbane to complete airwork over Gladstone Harbour and Moura Mine before it then landed at Moura Aerodrome. It later departed to Brisbane. 

Re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM landed at Barcaldine Airport from Lethbridge Park.  

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ "Auscal 4" flew down from Cairns to complete airwork and then at Gladstone Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane. 

And Spectrum Air Hire (of Sydney) Beech 76 Duchess VH-IPH flew down from Proserpine Airport to Goondiwindi and Taree. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Holypeak Pty Ltd Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet N360SL Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 26 April, Holypeak Pty Ltd Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet N360SL was noted visiting some Central Queensland Airports. The smart little Challenger looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It had arrived into Cairns from its Melbourne (Essendon) base earlier in day - as shown below.

After some time on the ground, N360SL departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone and Bundaberg Airports where it appeared to be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 April, N360SL departed Bundaberg Airport for the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 April, Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU also visited Bundaberg Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

And Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR visited Maryborough Airport, arriving from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast before later departing back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 April, it appears that VH-NJR called into Maryborough Airport again, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

Colville Aviation Services Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2B-26 VH-ZOU was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Mareeba and Charters Towers Airports.  It then continued to the South-East corner of the state - possibly Watts Bridge - where it will undergo planned maintenance. 

Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield before then departing to Avon Downs and Mount Isa. 

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ "Auscal 4" also called into Longreach Airport, arriving from Darwin and departing to Brisbane. 

VH-FIZ had called into Longreach Airport enroute to the Northern Territory earlier in the week - see Blog post below!

And Airborne Research Australia Diamond HK-36 TTC-ECO Motor Glider VH-EOS departed Rockhampton Airport to complete aerial survey work to the West but had trouble with its instruments and returned to the field.

VH-EOS was photographed above after arriving back from its flight.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South-West the previous day.

Finally, also on Monday 26 April, a few departures from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour following the weekend Fly-in that were noted included:

Cirrus SR22 VH-CFP departed to Emerald Airport and then Gold Coast. 

Cessna 172 VH-EGL departed to Rockhampton Airport. 

Both New South Wales-based Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga VH-GKF and Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee VH-URD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hamilton Island Airport.  They later departed to Bundaberg Airport.

Flight One Cirrus SR20 VH-FOL departed Shute to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Bundaberg and then Archerfield Airports.

While sister-ship and fellow Cirrus SR20 VH-FOH departed from Prosie to Bundy via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

UPDATE!  VH-FOH continued to Archerfield on Tuesday 27 April.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Trevor H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great visitor to Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Trevor Hardsman  ©

A Quick Look Outside and Inside of Paspaley Pearling Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

As mentioned below, over the previous weekend, the Seaplane Pilots Association Australia (SPAA) annual conference "Splashdown 2021" was held in the Whitsundays with most aircraft arriving and parking at the Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour. Perhaps the nicest aircraft to come to Whitsundays for the conference was the Paspaley Pearling Company Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT "Pearling 66".

VH-PPT (serial number J-26) has had a fascinating history with the 1947-built aircraft mostly operating as a VIP and luxury transport aircraft before being sold to Air Whitsunday in 1983. It wore the delivery registration of N2419X for the flight to Australia, where it arrived on 9 March 1983. The Mallard entered service as VH-JAW in June 1983 and was later sold to Vowell Air Services in June 1985 before later being owned by Helicopter Resources.

In May 1990, it was exported to the USA as N73AH but returned again as VH-JAW in June 1994, when it was bought by Paspaley Pearling, operating in Darwin and the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It was reregistered VH-PPT in 2001 and is still in service with them.

Paspaley Pearling in fact operates a fleet of three 1947-built Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallards – VH-PPE, VH-PPI & VH-PPT – from its hangars at Darwin International Airport which provide scenic joyflights over the region, as well as regularly service the company’s Kimberley based pearling operations.

The G-73 Mallard was originally designed in 1944 with 59 aircraft built between 1946 and 1951. The aircraft was a step up from the smaller Grumman G-21 Goose and Grumman G-44 Widgeon aircraft, having a larger passenger capacity, wingtip fuel tanks, a double stepped hull, fully stressed skin and tricycle undercarriage.

The G-73 Mallard was powered by Pratt and Whitney R-1340 radial engines and it soon established itself as a strong, reliable and stable aircraft.

During the 1970’s, the idea of re-engineering the aircraft produced the modified Frakes Aviation G-73T Turbo Mallard, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turbines. In a further model development, the three Grumman Mallards of Paspaley based in Darwin underwent the Pearl Aviation G-73AT Turbo Mallard program at approximately $5 million which saw a renewing of the airframe life and installation of new engine nacelles housing PT6A-34 turbines, plus the associated engine instrumentation.

The new turbines also drive 4 blade Hartzell propellers which improve performance of the aircraft both on water and when airborne. Additional modifications are constantly being implemented by Paspaley such as updated avionics and navigation systems.

Inside the Mallard, I found it reasonably spacious with interior and the dark-blue cloth seating, featuring the Paspaley Pearl logo, well maintained given the operations flying employees to and from the company's Kimberley locations. The normal seating capacity is 13 in a 2-1 and 1-2 arrangement, plus two technical crew.

The flight deck has some obvious changes with most if the original gauges gone and replaced by modern instrumentation including electronic checklists.

iPad/Tablets on each control column yoke are often the standard these days, but it was also great to see the overhead panel was looking quite authentic. This panel houses electrical controls, engine fuel selectors and gauges, plus the underslung throttle/pitch quadrant levers.

One of those quirky features of the Mallard is located behind the co-pilot’s smaller rudder pedals – the access passage to the forward compartment. This is where one of the crew crawls through to open the front deck hatch which will allow them to secure a mooring line after landing on the water.

I did enjoy waiting the short time for the turbine engines on the Mallard to fire up and then watch and listen as VH-PPT "Pearling 66" depart the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on the long journey back to Darwin via Burketown.

Sincere thanks to Dan from Paspaley Pearling for the opportunity to have a quick look and learn a little bit more about this fascinating amphibious aircraft. Do check out more information and great social media content at the following websites:

http://www.paspaleygroup.com/aviation

http://www.goodall.com.au/grumman-amphibians/grummanmallard.pdf

https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Super King Air VH-FIY "Auscal 03" Completes Airwork and Lands at CQ Airports

On Monday 5 October, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY was noted passing through Central Queensland.  It looked to complete a navigational aid (nav aid) check at Gladstone Airport before flying up to and landing at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

VH-FIY then departed Rocky via more nav aid testing at Rockhampton Airport before then flying up to Townsville and eventually Cairns.  VH-FIY was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 03".

This afternoon Eclipse 500 N257AK flew down to Archerfield and back to Shute Harbour. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 October, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA visited Moura Airport from its Archerfield base.

And finally, also on Monday 5 October, the often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted completing a return flight to Archerfield and then back to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It had arrived into the Whitsundays over the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 October, N257AK departed the Whitsunday Airport for Archerfield at the conclusion of another weekly visit!

Photo taken by Terry Purcell  ©

Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH at CQ Airports This Week - Spotted at Bundaberg Airport Friday - Plus More!

Over the last couple of days, Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH has been noted visiting a couple Central Queensland Airports.  As shown below, on Friday 3 July, VH-WPH was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It arrived from Biloela / Thangool Airport and later departed to its Toowoomba base.

On Wednesday 1 July, VH-WPH flew into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba before then continuing to Mackay and Biloela / Thangool Airports on Thursday 2 July.

Fellow Vanderfield Cessna 210N VH-JSC has also been noted visiting some CQ Airports over the last week or so.  On Tuesday 30 June it looked to fly into Longreach Airport from Toowoomba.  Then on Wednesday 1 July, VH-JSC was noted visiting Charleville and Roma Airports.

VH-JSC also looked to visit Maryborough Airport last Friday 26 June.

Meanwhile, another PC-12/47E VH-MDH was noted visiting Barcaldine Airport on Friday 3 July.  It then departed to its Cloncurry base.

Back in the Wide Bay region, also noted visiting Maryborough Airport but this week on Thursday 2 July was Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW which arrived from Wanella Station (near Coppabella) on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight.  It had earlier flown up from Rockhampton Airport and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

VH-TQW had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay Airport early on Wednesday 1 July.

While also on Wednesday 1 July, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-ZKF completed its weekly run from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before flying up to Collinsville Airport and then Townsville.  It then returned South over the same route.

Another Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH was noted arriving into Longreach Airport on Tuesday 30 June from the Gold Coast and Texas.  It departed to Lady Elliot Island Airport the Gold Coast on Thursday 2 July.

And one other Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMZ was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast late on Friday 3 July.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 4 July, VH-LMZ looked to complete four local flights out of, around and back to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  As at the end of July, VH-LMZ was re-registered to Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) which is based at Emerald.

Up at my local Clermont Aerodrome, on Thursday 2 July, Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ was noted visiting from Cessnock in New South Wales.

And at Charters Towers Aerodrome, Brisbane-based Altitude Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS completed its weekly FIFO run, arriving from Archerfield also on Wednesday 1 July and returning South on Thursday 2 July.

Finally, noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport on Tuesday 30 June was AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY which appeared to complete a post-maintenance test flight from and back to Brisbane.

Sincere thanks to Dan B from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Dan B  ©

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ Pops into Longreach Airport

On Wednesday 3 June, AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ was noted arriving into Longreach Airport.  It looked to fly down from Darwin in the Northern Territory and was using the flight number ADA4 and the radio callsign of "Auscal 4".

File photo

VH-FIZ had flown to the 'top end' at the start of the week and looked to complete some local NAVAID / ILS calibration flight around Darwin Airport on Tuesday 2 June.

Meanwhile, also calling into Longreach Airport on both Wednesday 3 June and Tuesday 2 June was Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY.  On Tuesday it arrived from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and departed to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory before returning home to the Sunny Coast over the same route on Wednesday.

Nice!

Photo taken by Col B  ©

AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Super King Air VH-FIY "Auscal 03" Pops into Longreach Airport

On Thursday 23 April, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Darwin.

File photo

After taking on fuel, it departed to Brisbane.

VH-FIY was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 03".

It appears that VH-FIY has spent some time in the 'top end' completing navigational aid (navaid) calibration flights around both RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine along with at Darwin Airport.

Photo taken by Terry Purcell  ©

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl (Pearl Aviation) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-FIX Airwork at Gladstone Airport

On Tuesday 18 February, AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl (Pearl Aviation) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-FIX was noted completing a pair of navigational aid (navaid) calibration flights from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport and back.

File photo

Both flights lasted over two hours and on both occasions, VH-FIX - which was flying as 'ADA2' / "Auscal 2" - completed several missed approaches and low overshoots at Gladstone Airport.

It's worth noting that after operating overseas for some time, VH-FIX returned to Australia at Brisbane via Darwin and Mount Isa in December last year.

Photo taken by Sid Mitchell  ©

Aerorescue / Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG Pops into Longreach Airport - UPDATED!

Another interesting visitor into Longreach Airport also on Friday 17 January was Aerorescue (ex-AMSA) Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPG.  It looked to call in directly from Darwin where it has been parked for some time.

File photo

After taking on fuel, VH-PPG departed Longreach Airport for HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales.  It has reportedly been acquired by the locally-based Air Affairs (Australia).

Of interest, VH-PPG is one of five Dorniers that Aerorescue previously operated for AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority - at various ports around Australia.  The other Dorniers are registered VH-PPF, VH-PPJ, VH-PPQ and VH-PPV.

As seen below, a new search and rescue agreement was signed in October 2014 seeing Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd (Cobham) contracted to provide four Bombardier Challenger CL-604 bizjets from late 2016 for a period of 12 years.

UPDATE!  In late February, VH-PPG was photographed at HMAS Albatross now wearing titles of Air Affairs (Australia).

Air Affairs (Australia) was established in 1984 with headquarters based at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park at Nowra in New South Wales.  They have been providing target services, fire surveillance and precision engineering support services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), other military forces and Governments since 1995.

Since October 2015, Air Affairs (Australia) has been providing specific services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the Jet Air Support Contract which provides Training Support Tasks including Aerial Target Towing and Tactical Flight Missions in various locations across Australia.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Calum Gibson  ©

AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Super King Air VH-FIY "Auscal 03" Pops into Longreach Airport - UPDATED!

On Monday 16 December, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane.

File photo

After taking on fuel, VH-FIY departed to RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine in the Northern Territory.

VH-FIY was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 03".

UPDATES...
VH-FIY possibly encountered a problem at Tindal as remained parked before it then returned to Brisbane on Wednesday 18 December.

Meanwhile, fellow AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ flew into Tindal from Brisbane via Mount Isa on Tuesday 17 December.  It looked to complete navigational aid calibration on Wednesday 18 December and then return to Brisbane via Longreach Airport on Thursday 19 December.

VH-FIZ was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 04".

Finally, it's worth noting that after operating overseas for some time, fellow AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl (Pearl Aviation) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-FIX returned to Australia via Darwin on Friday 20 December.  It then continued to Brisbane via Mount Isa on Saturday 21 December.

Photo taken by Terry Purcell  ©

Dick Smith's New Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 3 December, Dick Smith's new Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from the North, possibly the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  It appeared that VH-MIF spent the night at Bundy and departed South to Bankstown via Toowoomba on Wednesday 4 December.

Flight tracking websites suggest that VH-MIF flew North into the region on Sunday 1 December from Bankstown via stops in Far North Queensland.

Of interest, VH-MIF was delivered new to the Australian adventurer in April this year, flying in from the USA into Sydney (as shown) with the American delivery registration marking of N859BT.  Dick Smith previously flew a Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 also registered VH-MIF when visiting locations around Australia - as shown below at Mackay Airport in 2015.

File photo

The Citation looked to be disposed of in 2016 and was placed on the American Aircraft Register as N523CB.

Meanwhile, it's also worth mentioning a couple of other interesting light General Aviation (GA) aircraft that have been noted also visiting CQ Airports over the last couple of days.

Also visiting Bundaberg Airport, but on Monday 2 December, was Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY which arrived from Armidale and the Gold Coast and later departed back to its Armidale base.  Also on Monday 2 December, Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM was noted visiting Roma Airport as 'WA669' / "Wagga Air 669".  While up at Mackay Airport, Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DJG was noted arriving from its Natal Downs base also on Monday 2 December.

Finally, also on Monday 2 December, AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ flew into Charleville Airport from Brisbane.  Then on Tuesday 3 December, it looked to complete navigational aid (NAVAID) calibration flights from Charleville Airport to Ballera and back.  As per usual, VH-FIZ was using the flight number 'ADA4' and the radio callsign of "Auscal 4".

UPDATE!  VH-FIZ returned to Brisbane from Charleville Airport on Wednesday 4 December.

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Super King Air VH-FIY "Auscal 03" Arrives into Gladstone Airport

On Monday 30 September, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY was noted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane. 

File photo

It then completed a three-and-a-bit hour calibration flight of the Gladstone Airport Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other navigational aids (navaids) in the area.

VH-FIY then returned to the Gladstone Airport and at the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 1 October, VH-FIY departed Gladstone Airport and completed a navaid check at Clermont Aerodrome before it then headed to the Whitsundays, completing airwork and then eventually landing at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  After taking on fuel, VH-FIY then flew West to Hughenden before heading to Townsville.

For all of its flights, VH-FIY was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 03".

Photo taken by Terry Purcell  ©

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ at Gladstone Airport

AirServices Australia / Aero Pearl-operated Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIZ touched down at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane on Thursday 27 June.  Again, VH-FIZ was using the flight number 'ADA4' and the radio callsign of "Auscal 4".

File photo

Later, VH-FIZ operated a local NAVAID / ILS calibration flight around Gladstone Airport.

VH-FIZ then departed Gladstone Airport and returned to Brisbane.

As mentioned previously, Airservices Australia is an Australian Government owned corporation, responsible for providing safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry such as air traffic control, airways navigation, communication facilities and aeronautical data within the Australian Flight Information Region (FIR) as well as airport fire fighting and rescue services.

Employing more than 4000 staff, approximately 1000 personnel are dedicated to air traffic control alone working from two major centres - one in Melbourne and another in Brisbane - as well as 29 towers at other international and regional airports across Australia.

Of interest, Australian airspace covers approximately 11 per cent of the earth’s surface and includes continental Australia, territorial waters and international boundaries over the Pacific and Indian Oceans.  Airservices Australia also manages upper-level airspace (above 30 000 ft) under contract to the neighbouring Pacific Island Flight Information Regions of the Solomon Islands and Nauru.

With approximately 500 navigational aids (NAVAIDS) throughout the country, Airservices Australia is tasked with testing and calibrating these vital pieces of equipment on a three-year rotational basis to ensure they remain within the required high tolerances.

Equipment checked include distance measuring equipment (DMEs), VHF Omni-directional range transmitters, non-directional beacons and approach lighting, while instrument landing systems (ILS) are tested every six months.

Using three-dimensional laser measuring equipment and GPS technology, information from the navaid is relayed to an aircraft and interpreted by specialist aircrew.  The data is then analysed by Airservices maintenance engineers to ensure each navaid is operating accurately.

Photo taken by Col B  ©

AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Super King Air VH-FIY "Auscal 03" Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 June, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane.

File photo

VH-FIY was originally due to fly from Brisbane to Mount Isa but diverted to Longreach Airport.  After taking on fuel, it departed to RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine in the Northern Territory.

VH-FIY was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Auscal 03".

UPDATE!  VH-FIY didn't stay at Tindal for long - it returned direct to Brisbane on Thursday 6 June.

Meanwhile, another Super King Air noted also visiting Longreach Airport also on Wednesday 5 June was Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 A32-671 which looked to visit from Brisbane.  It was noted using the radio callsign of "Beaufort 11".

Finally, also noted around Longreach Airport also on Wednesday 5 June was Neabrean P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-JOZ.

Photo taken by Terry Purcell  ©

Paspaley Pearling Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT Back at Hamilton Island and Longreach Airports After Weekend at Rathmines

After spending the weekend being the major draw-card at the the Rathmines Catalina Association Festival, Paspaley Pearling Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT was noted back at Central Queensland Airports this week while heading back to its Darwin base in the Northern Territory.

VH-PPT emerges from Lake Macquarie  (https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/)

On Monday 20 May, VH-PPT landed on the water at the Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island before it then positioned across to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for parking.  On Tuesday 21 May, VH-PPT then flew up to Hamilton Island Airport, before on Wednesday 22 May, it flew across to Longreach Airport.

VH-PPT at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays  (https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/)

It was due to continue back to Darwin via the McArthur River Mine on Thursday 24 May.

As we posted below, VH-PPT was on a closed tourist charter flight from its Darwin base to the Rathmines Catalina Festival at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales.  It was again heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pearling 66".

Paspaley Pearling Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT Pops into Longreach and Hamilton Island Airports

An interesting and certainly most welcome visitor into Central Queensland this week in the form of Paspaley Pearling Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard VH-PPT which touched down at Longreach Airport during the afternoon on Tuesday 14 May from Mount Isa.

https://www.facebook.com/QantasFoundersMuseum/

VH-PPT was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pearling 66" and is on a closed tourist charter flight from its Darwin base to the Rathmines Catalina Festival at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales.

After spending the night, on Wednesday 15 May, VH-PPT "Pearling 66" departed Longreach Airport and flew across to Hamilton Island Airport where it was again looking to spend the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 May, VH-PPT departed Hamilton Island Airport and landed on the water at the Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island.  After dropping off its passengers, it appears that VH-PPT then positioned across to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for parking.

Of interest, the Rathmines Catalina Association Festival is due to take place at the spectacular Lake Macquarie on Sunday 19 May with an airshow, static Seaplanes on display and other live entertainment.  See more at:  https://www.rathminescatalinafestival.com/

It appears too, that VH-PPT will return to Darwin over the same route - Fraser Island to Hamilton Island to Longreach - after the Festival is complete.

Meanwhile, Paspaley Pearling operates a fleet of three Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallards from their Darwin Airport base, mostly servicing their Kimberley region-based pearling operations.  The Grumman G-73 Mallard was originally designed in 1944 with 59 aircraft built between 1946 and 1951. The G-73 was a step up from the smaller Goose and Widgeon aircraft having a larger passenger capacity, additional fuel in wingtip tanks, a double stepped hull, fully stressed skin and tricycle undercarriage.

The original Mallards were initially powered by Pratt and Whitney R-1340 radial engines.  During the 1960's though, the idea of re-engineering the aircraft produced the modified Frakes G-73T Turbo Mallard, powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6.

In a further model development, the three Grumman Mallards of Paspaley Pearling underwent the Pearl Aviation G-73AT Turbo Mallard program which saw a renewing of the airframe life and installation of new engine nacelles housing PT6A-34 turbine engines. The new turbines also drive 4 blade Hartzell propellers which improve performance of the aircraft both on water and when airborne. Additional modifications are constantly being implemented by Paspaley such as updated avionics and navigation systems.

The three Turbo Mallards operated by Paspaley Pearling are VH-PPE (serial number J22), VH-PPI (J23) and VH-PPT (J26), and were all constructed in 1947 - not bad for a 70-something year old aircraft!