First Call Helicopter Corp Aerospatiale SA-330J Puma Helicopter N814AR Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 27 June, a nice big rotary-wing visitor to the region in the form of First Call Helicopter Corp Aerospatiale SA-330J Puma helicopter N814AR was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

It looked to fly up from Archerfield (pictured) to Gladstone Airport and the Mackay Airport before continuing up to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 June, N814AR continued from Cairns to Coen and Horn Island.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 27 June, a familiar visitor the region in the form of Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was back again flying up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport then West to Longreach Airport.

On Sunday 28 June, VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport and returned to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, VH-JSZ flew back up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield and Dalby and is due to return to Archerfield later.

And Angel Flight Cessna 414 VH-AF4 flew up from Archerfield to Barcaldine Airport and a bit later did some airwork there.

Photo taken by Craig Murray  ©

HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil Helicopter PK-HCY Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 5 June, HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil helicopter PK-HCY was noted flying North from the Sunshine Coast to Gladstone Airport and then Mackay Airport.

It had flown down to Sunshine Coast in October 2024.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, AS350 PK-HCY departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cooktown. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 3 June, former Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ was spotted passing through Emerald Airport.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Longreach Airport.

It is also believed that Touchdown Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N4875A passed through Birdsville Airport while ferrying from Shell Harbour in NSW to Indonesia for their firefighting season.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Dalby to Mackay and Collinsville Airports and then Natal Downs and this afternoon reversed the flight. 

VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG visited Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, VH-EXG flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Essendon.  On Monday 8 June, VH-EXG departed Prosie and flew back to Essendon.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 01" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport.  It then returned to the Sunshine Coast. 

At the same time, fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned south to Brisbane but as "Machflight 01". 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, Citation VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  Then in the afternoon, Citation VH-PIY now as "Machflight 01" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

And now former Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 now registered N770XT (ex 9V-JSX/VH-X3P) departed Alice Springs to Cairns.  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, A320 N770XT departed Cairns to Kiribati and Honolulu.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Jonathan Williams  ©

Real Time Aviation - Brisbane - Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into my local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus Much More!

On Tuesday 7 April, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby. 

File photo

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

This is the reverse a flight it did late last week.

Meanwhile on Monday 6 April, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK visited Hamilton Island Airport possibly from Townsville.  It also possibly completed a similar flight the previous day and possibly also mid-last week.

Fellow NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Aerospatiale AS350 B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-MHE as "Energy 401" has been operating out of Rockhampton Airport around the Stanwell Power House over the weekend. 

And Brisbane based Beech 58 Baron VH-L2G, which flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport last Friday, returned South to Bundaberg Airport and then Toowoomba. 

Finally, very late on Friday 3 April, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Brisbane and Archerfield to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - touching down just after midnight on Saturday 4 April.  It then departed back to Archerfield.  Sneaky!

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Calls into Clermont Aerodrome on Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ "Navair 173" - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 January, Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" landed at Clermont from Archerfield and Brisbane and this afternoon departed back to these places.

It brought the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to town to inspect the clean-up efforts following the massive flooding event that hit Clermont on Monday 12 January.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 January, several helicopters were noted and spotted flying around the skies of Clermont and other parts of the region which are also experiencing flood emergencies in the after-math of Ex Tropical Cyclone Koji passing through Central Queensland.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP, which landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville yesterday as "Helitak 421", flew out from there and landed at Clermont Hospital.  

Later, it hopped to Clermont Aerodrome to refuel before then departing back to Mackay Airport.

Dwyer Aviation (Tude's Choppers) Services Bell Helicopter Textron 407 VH-XFN continued to fly around the Clermont area and seemed to be based at the Bush Heli Services facility on the outskirts of the Clermont township.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-XFN was noted flying out of Emerald Airport to local mine sites.

While Bush Heli Services Bell Helicopter Textron 407 VH-PUM also flew around the Clermont area.

GB Helicopters Guimbal Cabri G2 VH-8GB looked to head North around parts of the Suttor River and Belyando River.

Elsewhere, Heli Qld Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-WJY flew up from Toowoomba to Roma Airport and then Barcaldine Airport and Emerald Airport.  

Brisbane-based Helibras AS350B2 Esquilo VH-EQP followed a similar flight path, arriving into Emerald Airport from Toowoomba via Roma Airport.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-WJY and VH-EQP are both currently based out of the Calibre Aviation (Central Queensland Aviation) facility just the South of the Emerald township and they looked to be completing flights to and from local mine sites.

Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YQK also arrived into Emerald Airport but from Archerfield via (possibly) Monto Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-YQK was also noted flying to local mine sites from and back to Emerald Airport.

Heliservices Queensland (Innisfail) Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 VH-HHU also arrived into Emerald Airport from Roma Airport.  It is reportedly due to continue North to Clermont.

While Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 helicopter VH-T53 was spotted at Barcaldine Airport.  It arrived from Longreach Airport and was due to depart but low cloud prevented this.

And Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-DTS flew out of Mackay Airport and headed West before then flying up to the Whitsundays region.

Plus Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF was also noted flying around Mackay.

Finally, also on Tuesday 13 January, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.  It had flown down from Hamo to the Goldie at the end of last week.

And the Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew down from Mackay Airport to Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 5 December, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

https://www.facebook.com/Bundaberg.Aviation.Fuel

It also seems to have visited Bundaberg Airport also from Brisbane earlier in the week on Tuesday 2 December.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 December, VH-NSQ "Navair 131" departed Prosie and returned to Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 December, Townsville Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-NXU completed the East Air flight EA1/2 run to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns.

Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

New Cirrus SR22 N12AU flew up to Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield. It was then on display at the Mackay Aero Club.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 December, the Cirrus SR22 N12AU flew down from Mackay Airport to Caloundra.

And a fan-favourite with Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Friday 5 December, Hevilift Aviation (Papua New Guinea) recently registered Bell 412EP P2-DFC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and then departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns.

Photo taken by James Lake  ©

It seems that the helicopter is on delivery to PNG and was formerly on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-LWI.

File photo

UPDATE!  Indeed on Saturday 6 December, P2-DFC was photographed (above) as it continued further North out of Cairns.

And over the last couple of days, Heli-Central (Emerald) Aerospatiale AS.350B2 Squirrel VH-ZHM as "Firebird 260" has been operating out of Rockhampton Airport to assist with fighting a few fires in the area.

Nice!

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

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

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

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Several Light Aircraft and Helicopters Operating Out of Longreach Airport (and Surrounds) in Support of Flood Relief Efforts.

On Monday 31 March, several large and small helicopters and light General Aviation (GA) aircraft were all noted operating out of and around Longreach Airport as a major flood event grips Central West Queensland.

Through the day several helicopters were noted including:  Black Edge Aviation Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk N60CU, McDermott Aviation Bell 214s N745H and N512EV, Aerotech Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk VH-UHS as "Helitak 513" and Stirling Helicopters AS350 Squirrel VH-LBT

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8TTwas working over the southern parts of Western Queensland and finished the day at Longreach Airport.

Also landing at Longreach Airport were Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ which arrived from Toowoomba and Gladstone Airports and then returned to Toowoomba.  Plus Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and Wondai. 

And Kennedy Aviation (Kennedy Air Services) North American Rockwell 500S VH-XAS as "Birddog 444" landed at Longreach Airport from Scampton Airfield in NSW via Charleville Airport. It had flown up from Hobart yesterday. 

Finally, also on Monday 31 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 74" flew up to Mackay Airport from Sunshine Coast and then down to Brisbane. 

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

We've been a bit slack in reporting the LifeFlight Challenger movements but I do note that they continue to make several visits to CQ Airports each week.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Various Civil Helicopters Depart Rockhampton Airport - And Other CQ Places - To Arrive at the Sunshine Coast to form the 'Energex Aviation Crew' to Assist with TC Alfred Clean-up - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 March, a heap of different helicopters departed Rockhampton Airport (mostly) and other parts all heading South to the Sunshine Coast.  It is reported they are forming the 'Energex Aviation Crew' to assist with the relief efforts following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 VH-KFT

Executive Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopters VH-YQK and VH-DTS.

Omni Executive (Canberra) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-AB3.

Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale / Eurocopter AS.350 B2 Squirrel helicopters VH-LBT and VH-LGG.

APA Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 VH-83Q.

Rotorco Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-LDH.

Cloncurry Mustering Services Robinson R66 VH-8C4. 

All of these helicopters flew down from Rockhampton Airport via either Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport or Bundaberg Airport before continuing to the Sunshine Coast.

Bush Heli-Services Bell 407 VH-8BU flew down from Clermont to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

 
Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 March, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 VH-UZK flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport as QFA1793 before it then departed to Townsville as QFA1790.

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-NUU as UTY9820 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI popped into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, arriving from Townsville and departing to Cairns as SKP902/3.

Photos taken by Alan Macdonald and James Hackett  ©

Heli Support - Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PDC Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 10 December, nice Heli Support - Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter P2-PDC was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

It looked to fly up from Caloundra to Gladstone Airport before then continuing up to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Airports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 December, P2-PDC continued up to Port Moresby in PNG via Cooktown and Lockhart River 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 10 December, Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-YJY visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 179" flew up from Archerfield at Clermont Aerodrome and then across to Moranbah and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 December, VH-85H "Navair 179" departed Mackay Airport for Bowen Aerodrome and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 December, VH-85H "Navair 179" departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.

Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Sydney-based Hawker Beechcraft G36 Bonanza VH-JKL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Friday 13 December, VH-JKL departed Rockhampton Airport for Boonah.

And the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PH landed at Gladstone from Brisbane then departed to Miles and Brisbane.

Finally, also on Tuesday 10 December, ML Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-8MR flew up from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to Melbourne (Essendon).

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 113" landed at Bundaberg from Archerfield and Hervey Bay and this afternoon departed back to Archerfield. 

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) after flying down there in late November.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614"  arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then onwards to Brisbane.  It later flew back into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed back to Townsville.

All photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

Whitsunday Air Services (Tasmanian Seaplanes) De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Float Plane VH-OHD Arrives into the Whitsundays - Plus More!

On Monday 25 November, Tasmanian Seaplanes owned and operated since last Monday by Whitsunday Air Services, De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver float plane VH-OHD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.  It then departed to Mackay Airport. It had flown north to Gold Coast over the weekend. 

https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonislandair/

It is possibly heading up to replace fellow Whitsunday Air Services Viking Air Limited (De Havilland) DHC-2 MK I Beaver VH-OHU which crashed in the Whitsundays late in October.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 25 November, Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 26 November, VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport for Barcaldine Airport.  It then departed to the South East and eventually returned to Toowoomba.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.  It later flew up from Brisbane to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport and back to Brisbane.

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

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO completed its weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Moranbah Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville. 

Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH as "Helitak 290" was once again noted landing at private property at Kabra, near Rockhampton.  It is returning South from a deployment to Far North Queensland and arrived from Mareeba and Bowen Aerodromes. 

Elite Aviation Group (Elite Helicopters) Aerospatiale (Now Airbus Helicopters) AS350 B2 VH-XCO as "Firebird 415" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport and then departed to Gayndah Aerodrome. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before continuing to Cairns.  It then flew to Townsville and then down to Mackay Airport before returning to Brisbane.

New Zealand-registered Piper PA-24-250 Comanche ZK-BAZ Passes Through CQ Airports Heading Home After an Around-the-World Flight! - Plus More!

On Saturday 5 October, New Zealand-registered Piper PA-24-250 Comanche ZK-BAZ flew down from Charters Towers Aerodrome to Caboolture.  It looked to have arrived a couple of days earlier having recently returned to Australia following an around-the-world flight.

https://bazflyer.com/

UPDATE!  On Friday 11 October, ZK-BAZ looked to depart the Gold Coast and return to New Zealand.

Meanwhile also on Saturday 5 October, Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" departed Emerald to Longreach and Mount Isa.  It looked to have arrived the previous day from Watts Bridge.

Aerospatiale SA 341G Gazelle helicopter N341ZL departed Emerald Airport heading East.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

And Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO made a surprise arrival into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying down from Mount Isa to the South-East.

Finally, also on Saturday 5 October, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) - including a stop at Bankstown on the way up.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres Embraer ERJ-145LR jet VH-JGS visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©️

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 June, National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport from Brisbane and Cairns as JTE1072/258.  It then returned to Cairns and Brisbane but as JTE259/1093.

VH-IYJ had flown across to Brisbane from Perth via Adelaide (as shown above) over the weekend and replaced fellow Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA which ferried out of Brisbane to Perth via Alice Springs for planned maintenance. 

UPDATE!  A photo has been added from Emerald Airport where it arrived late on Tuesday 18 June and stayed for the night.

The 'other' Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP continues to operate into CQ Airports from and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 June, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mount Isa. 

While fellow Flight One Australia Cessna 172 VH-NOE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed to Archerfield.

Beech 95B55 Baron VH-8D8 visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Toowoomba.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Miranda Downs. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 June, VH-8HP returned to Tierawoomba from Miranda Downs.

And Aerospatiale AS.355F1 helicopter VH-SEV "Media 21" flew down from Cairns to Charter Towers and Clermont Aerodromes and then further to the South.  It had flown North via Roma and Emerald Airports to Cairns at the end of last week.

Finally, also on Monday 17 June, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Vanrook Station and then departed to the South-East.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SHI "Navair 173" Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 8 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" departed Hamilton Island Airport to Bankstown and Archerfield.  It had arrived from Bankstown early on Thursday 6 June and flew down from Archerfield the previous afternoon.

File photo

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Dalby and Bundaberg Airports.  It is due to depart back to those places on Sunday 9 June.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 June, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport before continuing to Dalby and Archerfield. It then flew to Moura Aerodrome and onwards to Mount Isa.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Cairns.  It then returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 8 June, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport via some aerial survey work.  It then completed a local flight out of and back to Mackay Airport again via some aerial surveying.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE continued to complete aerial survey flights out of Bundaberg Airport.  It had flown up from Redcliffe last weekend and also operated out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP flew from Gladstone Airport to Mackay Airport.  It has been operated daily aerial survey flights out of Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports after flying up Archerfield last weekend.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 172RG VH-BCD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing to Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.  It looked to have flown up to Prosie the previous day flying up from the Gold Coast via Roma, Longreach and Bowen Airports.

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the North.

Victoria-based Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-BTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

And Sunshine Coast registered Aerospatiale AS.350D Squirrel VH-PIH, which possibly arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Friday, operated several charter flights over Rocky.  It took off from outside the Rockhampton Aero Club, did a wide circuit over northside of the city, the direction varied according to traffic approaches and departures, then landed at a school on the western side of the river for a short stop, then did a short hop back to the Aero Club.  It flew over a dozen flights through the morning, finishing in the early afternoon.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C Bizjet VH-OAA Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 2 February, Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Townsville but later returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 2 February, Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew into Gladstone Airport from Toowoomba via Cunnamulla and Roma Airports.  It then departed back to Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Gladstone Airport and then Croydon, Redrock Station, Sunshine Coast and Archerfield. 

Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ of Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) flew up from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and back on airwork.

And Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B2 Squirrel VH-LBT, which flew North last Friday and has been working out of Charters Towers Aerodrome for a week, arrived back at Rockhampton Airport from Charters via Clermont Aerodrome.

Finally, also on Friday 2 February, Australian Army Aviation operated (Omni Aviation Services) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-KNQ as "Curlew 20" landed at Longreach Airport from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then departed to Mount Isa. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Thursday 11 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later returned to Moorabbin but via Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

And D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF finally departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Bourke and Melbourne (Essendon).

It had originally arrived into Prosie from those places back on Saturday 23 December.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 January, Re-registered AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON flew to Labona as well but from and back to Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" popped into Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville and then Labona before returning there and then back to Townsville but seemingly as 'MC55'.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY also visited Labona but from the Sunshine Coast as 'MC55/38'.

While Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Brisbane to Townsville before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane and then Toowoomba.

New South Wales based EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX landed at Longreach Airport from Bankstown before it then departed to Wagga Wagga.

And Rosewood Enterprises (Narrabri) Piper PA-46-350P flew down from Julia Creek to Emerald Airport and then the Gold Coast.  It looked to have flown up to Julia Creek via Charleville Airport last Saturday 6 January.  Of interest, it also spent a couple of days in Julia Creek - completing similar up and down flights - back in mid-December.

Finally, also on Thursday 11 January, Koolardie Aviation Aerospatiale AS.350BA Squirrel helicopter VH-EGI flew up from Charleville Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then continuing to its Townsville base.  It had flown up to Charleville Airport from Seaford (Victoria) - where it has been recently operating - and Griffith the previous day.

And also noted flying around Clermont over the last few days has been locally-based GB Helicopters recently delivered Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter VH-8GB.  It appears to have been registered in late November and previously flew in New Zealand as ZK-HNN.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Heli Support (PNG) AS350B2 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PDC Passes Through Mackay and Gladstone Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 November, Heli Support - Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter P2-PDC was noted passing through Townsville, Mackay and Gladstone Airports while venturing from Cairns to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

P2-PDC at Cairns Airport some years ago  (https://www.controller.com/)

It had arrived into Cairns from the North the previous day.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Mackay and Bundaberg Airports while flying South from Townsville to Archerfield presumably for a period of planned maintenance. 

And the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR returned to Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour via the Sunshine Coast after it underwent planned maintenance.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 November, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from the Gold Coast to Rockhampton Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew down from Moura Aerodrome to Archerfield.

Davies Aviation Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-VPY visited Longreach Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VPY ditched into the sea about 50 km east of the Sunshine Coast Airport.  VH-VPY was conducting a ferry flight from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Pago Pago, American Samoa, with 2 pilots on board. The crew reported engine issues to air traffic control and an intent to return the aircraft to the Sunshine Coast.  During the return, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and the crew ditched the aircraft onto the ocean, about 50 km from the coast. The 2 crew exited the aircraft into a life raft and were winched aboard a rescue helicopter, while the aircraft was observed beginning to sink.

While locally-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG flew 'home' to Bundaberg Airport from Boulia and Longreach Airports.  It had flown West over the weekend.

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

Plus Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VDF departed Prosie and looked to head to Cairns.

Finally, late on Tuesday 7 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Longreach Airport and then across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew to Brisbane and then back to Townsville.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP511 to Brisbane after completing the FIFO flights to and from Labona.

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 October, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 October, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC11' / "Machflight 11" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Cairns.

Mooney M20J VH-KDC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Normanton. 

And newly registered Helibras AS350B2 Esquilo VH-EQP looked to fly up from Caloundra to the Sunshine Coast, Orchid Beach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Bundaberg Airports.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 October, VH-EQP continued to Gladstone Airport, Rockhampton Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Hamilton Island Airport.  After completing a couple of local flights, on Thursday 19 October and Friday 20 October, VH-EQP flew down to Toowoomba via Emerald and Dalby Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 16 October, Sharp Airlines Metro III VH-OZV flew as "Sharp 129" flying from Mackay to Brisbane diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  After two weeks, on Monday 30 October, VH-OZV finally departed Rockhampton Airport as "Sharp103F" for Brisbane.

San Marino Registered Aerospatiale AS.350B3 Ecureuil Helicopter T7-SDF 'Sky Dreamwalker VI' Calls into Rockhampton Airport and The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

Certainly an interesting and most welcome visitor into the region on Wednesday 11 October was Privately-owned San Marino Registered Aerospatiale AS.350B3 Ecureuil Helicopter T7-SDF.  It flew up from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport where it was photographed below.

After taking on fuel, T7-SDF then continued up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where it appears to be staying.

The attractive looking helicopter is named named 'Sky Dreamwalker VI' and has spent many a day spotted on Sydney Harbour on board the luxury yacht named 'Ocean Dreamwalker III'.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 October, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-JII was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Adelaide and then departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Adelaide.

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA visited Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" visited Maryborough Airport during a very busy day of flying out of and back to Dubbo.

Fellow Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 187" departed Mackay Airport for Cessnock and Bankstown.  It had arrived from those places the previous day.

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV flew up from Archerfield and Toowoomba to Gayndah Airport.  It then returned to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 11 October, New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO landed at Bundaberg Airport from Ucharonidge Station and Cloncurry Airport before it then departed to Mungindi and Tamworth.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before returning down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA "Guardian 10" came in from Camp Growl at Shoalwater Bay to the Rockhampton Base Hospital before it then departed from there to Bundaberg Airport and then the Royal Brisbane Hospital.  Later in the night, it returned North to then Sunshine Coast and then directly back to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA). 

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©