A Pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Complete Airwork at CQ Airports - A34-001 "Wallaby 16" & A34-004 "Wallaby 17" - Plus More!

On Friday 10 April, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted completing airwork at a couple Central Queensland Airports.

File photo

Spartan A34-001 as "Wallaby 16" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before then completing a couple more at Bundaberg Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then returning to Amberley.

At the same time, A34-004 as "Wallaby 17" flew up to a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before then flying low level down the Burnett River to the coast and up to Agnes Water before it climbed and flew west to Thangool and then flew low level back to Amberley where it completed more approaches there. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 April, Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield. 

After arriving over a week ago, Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP finally departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

Revesco Aviation (Western Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJC flew into Mackay Airport from Perth via Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 April, VH-NJC departed Mackay Airport and returned West via Mount Isa.  It was spotted above during its stay!

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane as 'JTE440'.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 April, VH-IYJ again as 'JTE440' departed Mackay Airport for Cairns.  It later returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane but as 'JTE441'.  The flights are believed to the rugby league football charter flights.

And three Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 Kingair turboprop aircraft have all been in and out of Central Queensland Airports over the course of the week.

On Friday, VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

 

VH-8PH visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

And VH-8PE has also been around this week too!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and 'AC'  ©

Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter ZK-HKU Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 17 October, Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter ZK-HKU was spotted passing through Longreach Airport while flying up from Roma to Burketown.  It reportedly left New Zealand on Wednesday, and is off to fight bushfires in Indonesia.

And New Zealand-based Tecnam P2002 Sierra Mk II ZK-EVE which landed at Agnes Water yesterday from Boonah and Southport, departed there to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 19 October, ZK-EVE departed Shute Harbour for Cooktown.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, ZK-EVE was noted visiting Longreach Airport and then Roma Airport while seemingly returning to Boonah.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 October, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" arrived in Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Newcastle (Williamtown) before returning to Archerfield.

Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT  flew up from Sunshine Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 19 October, N771MT departed Shute Harbour for Bankstown.

While Narrabri based Betty Freckle Aviation Cessna A185F VH-FIB visited Rockhampton Airport from Warialda.

Cleveland Bay Aviation (Townsville) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-CYY flew up to Townsville from Bankstown via Roma Airport.  It flew down over the same route the previous day.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Armidale before then flying down to Warrnambool and then back to Armidale.

And Aero Logistics / Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II VH-AL3 flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Liam Sellick  ©

American-registered but Australian-based (Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet N360HP Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 3 December, American-registered but Australian-based (at Melbourne - Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N360HP was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during what has been a busy couple of days flying.

After arriving into Cairns from Essendon the previous day (as pictured above), it then flew down to Townsville.  On Tuesday, N360HP flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then visiting Rockhampton Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before it then continued down to the Sunshine Coast.

While Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived last Friday 29 November.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 3 December, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned to Cairns.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and a bit later departed to Cloncurry Airport.  It looked to have flown South from there over the weekend via Blackall Airport.

And Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU landed at Agnes Water Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Chinchilla and during the afternoon it reversed the flight.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB Passes Through CQ Airports on way to PNG - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 August, Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while reportedly heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

It arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Southport and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before finishing the day at Townsville.

VH-VCB is due to depart further to Carins and Far North Queensland before heading up to PNG on Sunday 4 August.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 3 August, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Roma Airport and RAAF Base Amberley.

And six Victoria based and two Queensland based helicopters landed at Agnes Water, flying up via Orchid Beach.  Locally-based AS350 Squirrel VH-WMW and Eurocopter EC130 VH-EHY were joined by Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-LLZ and VH-CMS, Robinson R66 VH-VVU, AMT OH-58A Kiowa VH-DJW, Bell 505 VH-ZVJ and Bell 206B VH-NXZ.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing for Cairns.

While Regional Express (REX) Airlines SAAB 340+ VH-ZLA visited Moranbah Airport from Cairns as RXA9472/3.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork East of there. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

And Piper PA-34-200 Seneca VH-IAJ arrived into Springsure Aerodrome from Tamworth. 

Photo taken by Arthur Scharf  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ANZAC Day 2024 Flypast Details for Central Queensland on Thursday

With ANZAC Day on Thursday 25 April, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released details of planned flypasts during Queensland commemorations - including some Central Queensland locations.

Details from the RAAF flypasts for Anzac Day for Australia webpage (https://www.airforce.gov.au/news-events/flying-activities-events) indicate a single RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft from Number 36 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley will conduct a flypast of ANZAC Day commemoration activities on Thursday 25 April around Central Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast region as shown:

Meanwhile, RAAF Boeing EA-18G Growler Aircraft from No. 6 Squadron and Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet Aircraft from No. 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley are expected to flypast at locations in the Southern part Queensland.

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

The RAAF 'Flying Operations' also reminds everyone that "All Air Force flypasts can be cancelled or changed subject to weather, operational requirements or other aviation considerations. For public safety, drones must not be operated in the vicinity of flypasts."

Photo taken by John Van Den Bosch  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton (and Mackay) Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Wednesday 19 July, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Adelaide as SFZ9090/696.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Adelaide but as SFZ9088.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-IKJ departed Adelaide for Newcastle (Williamtown) before then flying up to Mackay Airport all as SFZ716.  VH-IKJ then returned to Brisbane from Mackay Airport but as SFZ9093.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 July, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 123" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and is due to return to there later in the evening. 

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.

Hellwin Aviation (Emerald) Robinson R44 II VH-TIB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then departed to Agnes Water.  VH-TIB looked to later reverse the flight and return to Shute Harbour.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-SGQ flew back South from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before returning to Brisbane. 

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-CJJ looked to visit Gladstone Airport, arriving from the South and looked to depart to the West.

And New South Wales registered Lancair IV VH-LKG, which landed at Longreach Airport on Monday, departed there to Aramac to Birdsville Airports. 

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ANZAC Day 2023 Flypast Details for Central Queensland next Tuesday

With ANZAC Day on next Tuesday 25 April, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released details of planned flypasts during Queensland commemorations - including some Central Queensland locations. 

Details from the RAAF flypasts for Anzac Day for Australia webpage  (https://www.airforce.gov.au/news-and-events/events/raaf-flypasts-anzac-day) indicate a single F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley will conduct a flypast of ANZAC Day commemoration activities on Tuesday 25 April around Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast region as shown:

Meanwhile, a single RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Number 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at locations in the Southern part Queensland including some locations in CQ like Miles.

Sadly, the 'usual' sight of a RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft from Number 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is not occurring this year.

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

The RAAF 'Flying Operations' also reminds everyone that "All Air Force flypasts can be cancelled or changed subject to weather, operational requirements or other aviation considerations. For public safety, drones must not be operated in the vicinity of flypasts."

Photos taken by John Van Den Bosch and James Saunders  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Arrives into Emerald Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Tuesday 31 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Orange in New South Wales via the Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  VH-CMK was photographed above early on Wednesday 1 February.  It later departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast and is due to continue to Bankstown early on Thursday 2 February.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted making what seems to be its weekly visit to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 January, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB looked to fly up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It later returned to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned to Townsville and Cairns

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA completed two visits to Moura Aerodrome both times from Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then to Agnes Water Airstrip.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 1 February, VH-MPT departed Agnes Water Airstrip for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then onwards back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK was yet again noted completing a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Mackay Airport from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then out to LAbona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 February, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted completing the Labona Station Airstrip run to and from Mackay Airport.  It flew down to Labona from Townsville before flying across to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and then back to Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-HLL are currently based at Rockhampton Airport and are operating the 3-4 week-daily flights from there to Labona and back.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Thursday 19 January, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

File photo

Fellow Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Emerald Airport from Bankstown and Maitland.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet N685SC visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ returned to its Mackay Airport base from the Gold Coast after flying down there last weekend.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And AirMed Australia (Metro Holdings) (New South Wales) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY as "Airmed 923" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 19 January, Textron (Cessna) 182T VH-ZCE visited Agnes Water Airstrip from its Archerfield base.

Private Cessna 177 VH-DZR visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT visited Hamilton Island Airport once again from its Townsville base.  It did the same flight yesterday too!

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew into Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.  It also made a trip to Injune Aerodrome and back to Toowoomba earlier in the day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 January, VH-ZGD departed Bundaberg Airport returned to Toowoomba.

While Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast. 

And it appears that Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-ETF and VH-HLL were swapped over at Labona with VH-ETF departing Rockhampton Airport as HND320 to Labona and then heading to Townsville as HND221; while VH-HLL flew to Labona from Townsville as HND220 before then heading to Rockhampton Airport HND321.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES finally departed Labona back to Rockhampton Airport as HND760 after flying there early yesterday and then appearing to break-down.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

First Ever Alpha-numeric Aircraft Registration into CQ - Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 14 January, a first the region (that we know of!) with an aircraft touching down at a Central Queensland Airport wearing a new Australian alpha-numeric registration marking.

Only recently registered (to a property near Richmond in Queensland) Quest Kodiak 100 VH-84M arrived into Mackay Airport from Darwin (pictured), Mount Isa and Hughenden.  It had arrived into the country from overseas via Darwin the previous day.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced in June that aircraft registration marks in Australia were changing to include a new alpha-numeric system. The first release of 1500 new marks were made available from late September.

Initially, the new marks will only start with an X or 8, for example VH-8AB, VH-X9B, VH-X22.  Marks will not contain the numbers ‘0’ or ‘1’ to avoid conflict with these numbers and letters.  They also must contain a mix of alphanumeric characters - they cannot contain only numbers.

Introducing a 3-character alpha-numeric system will mean the availability of more than 20,000 additional registration marks.  This will give CASA enough marks for at least another 30 years.

Of interest, the very first alpha-numeric registration marking in Australia was believed to have been issued to a Rotorway Exec 90 helicopter in Western Australia as VH-X9O (Xray, Niner, Oscar).

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 14 January, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP finally departed Hamilton Island Airport.  It headed to the Gold Coast.

VH-LEP had arrived into Hamo from Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Avalon) on New Year's Day!

And after arriving two days prior, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Mackay Airport and returned to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then departed to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Saturday 14 January, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed its visit to CQ, departing Gladstone Airport for another six hour long aerial survey way out to sea.  It then landed down at the Sunshine Coast before returning to Redcliffe.

Toowoomba-based Beech 58 Baron VH-CLE departed Agnes Water Airstrip for Tara.  It was due to returned to Agnes Water Airstrip on Sunday 15 January.  It also looks like VH-CLE has completed a couple of similar flights in the previous couple of weeks.

Cirrus SR22 VH-YMI departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It looks to have arrived two days prior also from the Sunny Coast.

And new Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JEV flew up from Bankstown to Emerald Airport, possibly on delivery to Nautilus Aviation.  It flew up via Gunnedah, Moree and Roma Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 15 January, VH-JEV departed Emerald Airport and called into my local Clermont Aerodrome, Charters Towers Aerodrome, Townsville and Cairns at the completion of its delivery flight.

Plus Omni Executive (Canberra) / M.I. Helicopters (Roma) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-NPI was also noted departing Roma Airport around the same time, with it looking to head towards Gladstone Airport.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet VH-UYX Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 16 April, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was photographed on the ground and parked up at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It has earlier arrived from Sydney.

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-UYX is spending at least the night parked at Prosie.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 20 April, VH-UYX finally departed Proserpine Airport and returned to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 16 April, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport. It arrived from Archerfield before later departing to Natal Downs.

VH-JSZ then returned to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Saturday 16 April, it was interesting to note that DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed a flight from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Lady Elliot Island and back.  It completed two other flights to Lady Elliot Island on Friday 15 April, flying between its Bundaberg Airport base, as well as Hervey Bay Airports.

Perhaps it is being used by Seair Pacific / Istlecote during the busy Easter holiday period?

Of interest, also on Saturday 16 April, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TFB and VH-TQI, along with their De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-ZKF also operated into Lady Elliot Island from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Agnes Water Airports.

While Seair Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Birdsville.  It had flown out from its Gold Coast base to Charleville and then Birdsville Airports on Friday 15 April.

UPDATE!  On Monday 18 April, VH-TLH departed Longreach Airport for Rockhampton Airport and the Lady Elliot Island.  It later flew down to the Gold Coast.

And Crown Cattle P/L Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 VH-MGC was also noted visiting Longreach Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation (Scone) Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 11 October, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV was noted visiting Mackay Airport.

File photo

It looked to fly up from Tamworth and Archerfield before then returning back down to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, on Monday 11 October, Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield before it was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport yet again also from Archerfield.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

VH-FAQ then later returned to Rockhampton Airport where it appears to be staying for at least the night.  It is expected to operate more flights to Labona over the next couple of days. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 October, VH-FAQ operated a pair of flights between Rockhampton Airport and Labona.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 October, VH-FAQ completed one more flight to Labona and back to Rocky before it then departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

While Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base. 

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane,

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 October, VH-SIY departed back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 11 October, a couple of notable movements by Seair Pacific / Istlecote aircraft around Central Queensland Airports.  Recently delivered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB was noted flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Wanella Station (near Coppabella) before flying back down to Hervey Bay Airport.

Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMD flew up from the Gold Coast and Redcliffe to Agnes Water Aerodrome and then out to Lady Elliot Island.  It then flew to Hervey Bay Airport and back to Lady Elliot Island before returning back to Redcliffe and the Gold Coast.

And De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-ZKF completed several flights out of Hervey Bay Airport between Bundaberg and Lady Elliot Island Airports, as well as popping into Agnes Water Aerodrome during the afternoon.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Stars Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 10 October, the visiting Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft that arrived the previous day were spotted still parked at Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as VH-YNV, VH-YTK and VH-EQV and as mentioned below, on Saturday 9 October, they all flew up from their Toowoomba-Wellcamp base to Bundaberg and Agnes Water Airports before continuing to Rockhampton Airport. 

A fourth DA-40 Star VH-YNW was due to also fly up from Agnes Water to Rockhampton Airport but looked to remain at Agnes Water possibly with a technical problem.

On Sunday, all four DA-40 aircraft returned to Wellcamp, with VH-YNV and VH-YTK both flying via Emerald and Roma Airports, while VH-EQV joined them after a flight down to Agnes Water Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport. VH-YNW returned Wellcamp direct from Agnes Water.
Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Trevor H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into my Local Clermont Aerodrome Again - Plus More!

On Saturday 9 October, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was spotted soon after arrived into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

After taking on fuel, it then departed to Newcastle (Williamtown). VH-JSZ then returned to Archerfield.

This is about the second week in-a-row that VH-JSZ has visited little old Clermont!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 9 October, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived into Rocky from there the previous day - as posted below!

Finally, also on Saturday 9 October, several Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft were noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports before finishing the day at Rockhampton Airport.

VH-YNV, VH-YTK and VH-EQV all flew up from their Toowoomba-Wellcamp base to Bundaberg Airport before then continuing to Agnes Water Airport.  From there the three Diamonds continued up to Rockhampton Airport where they seem to be staying for the night.

A fourth DA-40 Star VH-YNW was due to also fly up from Agnes Water to Rockhampton Airport but looked to remain at Agnes Water possibly with a technical problem.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 10 October, all four DA-40 aircraft returned to Wellcamp, with VH-YNV and VH-YTK both flying via Emerald and Roma Airports, while VH-EQV joined them after a flight down to Agnes Water Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-YNW returned Wellcamp direct from Agnes Water.

And as this post is being written, Colville Aviation Services Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2B-26 VH-ZOU is flying towards Emerald Airport from from Horn Island, Coen and Mareeba.  It is due to continue to the South-East corner of the state - possibly Watts Bridge - where it will undergo planned maintenance on Sunday 10 October.

Photo taken by Greg Weir  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 24 June, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was spotted arriving into Mackay Airport.  It flew up from Bankstown via Cessnock.

After parking for most of the day, VH-LXZ departed Mackay Airport and returned directly to Bankstown.

Also spotted at Mackay Airport, also on Thursday 24 June, was Jampair P/L Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ.

It arrived from Ayres Rock and Brisbane and later departed back to Brisbane before then also heading to Bankstown.

And now New South Wales based former Australian Army Commonwealth CA-32 (Bell 206B/OH-58A) Kiowa helicopter VH-JQN (ex A17-038) was also noted passing through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while flying up from Agnes Water to Far North Queensland.

It had flown up from the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast (as shown above) the previous day having started in New South Wales last week.

Another nice helicopter noted heading North, also on Thursday 24 June, was Heliflite registered Robinson R44 VH-ZAL.  It flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Mackay Airport via Gold Coast, Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports.

As shown, VH-ZAL wears an attractive livery of Zoom Helicopters which has popped up as a new tourist and general charter helicopter flight company based in Far North Queensland.  

At the time of writing, VH-ZAL is due to depart Mackay Airport for Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns Airports on Friday 25 June.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 24 June, Awesome Aviation (of Perth in Western Australia) Beech 1900D VH-JYA once again flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  This time it flew down via Townsville and Mackay Airports and then later departed to Brisbane.  During the afternoon, VH-JYA flew back to Cairns from Brisbane but via Townsville.

This is usually an operating pattern that the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) aircraft usually operate during weekdays - perhaps VH-JYA is operating these flights for the time being? 

And Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC called into Longreach Airport from Archerfield before later departing to Brunette Downs.

Finally, also on Thursday 24 June, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport. 

It is due to return to Wellcamp from Labona early on Friday 25 June.

And on Wednesday 23 June, fellow Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB also visited Labona, although it arrived from and departed back to Wellcamp via Archerfield.

Photos taken by 'JM', Steve Vit and Sunshine Coast Plane Spotting  ©️

RAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-006 & A47-003 Head Back into CQ Again and Complete Missed Approaches at Mackay Airport

On Monday 21 June, the visiting pair Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft that were noted completing airwork at some Central Queensland Airports over the weekend, were yet again both noted back in the region and completing low-level operations including missed approaches at Mackay Airport.

A47-006 flys overhead Rockhampton

Poseidon A47-006 was heard to be this time flying as "Mariner 01" and looked to fly down from Townsville to overhead Rockhampton and Gladstone from where it headed out to sea.  It descended and completed low-level operations off Agnes Water and around Lady Elliot Island before it then tracked North and completed several circuits around the islands off Mackay.  A47-006 then completed a missed approach at Mackay Airport before it then flew back to Townsville.

While Poseidon A47-003 flew as "Mariner 02" and also flew down from Townsville and completed a missed approach at Mackay Airport before it then also headed out to sea, heading towards Agnes Water.  It later popped up back on radar off Mackay before it then climbed and flew back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY and Cessna R182 VH-EHM Pop into CQ Airports over the Weekend

After they both flew North earlier in the week, the Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY and Cessna R182 VH-EHM were both again noted flying via Central Queensland Airports on both Saturday 17 April and Sunday 18 April.

File photo

On Saturday, both looked to depart Cairns for Townsville, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, Mackay and then Gladstone Airports, before looking to finish the day at Agnes Water.

Then on Sunday, they both departed Agnes Water for Archerfield.

VH-EHY and VH-EHM both flew up from Archerfield to Cairns on Tuesday 13 April, with VH-EHY flying via Rockhampton and Townsville Airports, while VH-EHM was noted flying via Gympie and Mackay Airports.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Queensland Government Airwing Raytheon Hawker 850XP Bizjet VH-SGY Departs Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

After arriving the previous day, on Thursday 15 October, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY was noted departing Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.

File photo

It had arrived from Gladstone Airport the previous day.

Meanwhile, spotted departing Rockhampton Airport, also on Thursday 15 October, was Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing Division) ATR 72-500 VH-FVM.

It departed to Brisbane as HT706 after arriving from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Gladstone Airports on Tuesday 13 October.

I suspect it was flying in support of VH-SGY.

While another charter flight visiting Rockhampton Airport, also on Thursday 15 October, was Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRM.  It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane flying on behalf of Pel-Air as PFY9880/9331.

Finally, a couple of light General Aviation (GA) visitors noted departing Rockhampton Airport, also on Thursday 15 October, included Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM which departed to Orange.  While Rockwell Commander 114 VH-WMM departed to Agnes Water.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ANZAC Day 2019 Flypast Details for Central Queensland Thursday

With ANZAC Day on tomorrow, Thursday 25 April, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released details of planned flypasts during Queensland commemorations - including some Central Queensland locations.

Details from the RAAF 'Flying Operations' website for Queensland only (https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/) indicate a single F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley will conduct a flypast of Anzac Day commemoration activities on Thursday 25 April around Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast region at:

South Kolan – 10:23 am
Burnett Heads – 10:25 am
Fraser Island – 10:35 am

Meanwhile, a RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft from Number 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at several locations including:

Maryborough – 9:42 am
Woodgate – 9:47 am
Childers – 9:54 am
Toogoom – 9:59 am
Elliot Heads – 10:05 am
Bundaberg – 10:07 am
Moore Park Beach – 10:10 am
Agnes Water – 10:19 am
Monto – 10:33 am
Gladstone – 10:53 am
Mount Larcom – 10:59 am
Theodore – 11:19 am
Cracow – 11:25 am
Chinchilla – 11:46 am

And finally, a single RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Number 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at locations in North Queensland including some in CQ at:

Moranbah – 9:55 am
Clermont – 10:20 am
Barcaldine – 11:00 am

Further information on aircraft type, location and timings for flypasts across Australia can be found on the map at the link below (if having issues, open in Chrome):  http://bit.ly/AnzacFlypastMap

The RAAF 'Flying Operations' also reminds everyone that "All Air Force flypasts can be cancelled or changed subject to weather, operational requirements or other aviation considerations. For public safety, drones must not be operated in the vicinity of flypasts."

Photos taken by Rowena Baumgart, Michael Fleetwood and Russell Prothero  © 

More Photos of Aircraft and Helicopters at CQ Airports in Support of Bushfire Fighting Efforts

As the sun set on another busy day on Friday 30 November with no respite for weary firefighters battling to keep containment lines and fires away from populated areas in different parts of Central Queensland, here are some more great photos of the visiting aerial firefighting aircraft and helicopters.

Making an early morning departure back 'home' to HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales was Air Affairs Australia / Gojet Gates LearJet 35A bizjet VH-LJJ as "Firescan 121".  It had arrived from there late the previous day (as pictured below).

Fellow Air Affairs Australia / Gojet operated aircraft - Gates LearJet 35A bizjet VH-LPJ as "Firescan 124" and Beech B200T King Air VH-LAB as "Firescan 125" both operated between Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - where they are based - up and down the Queensland coast between Mackay and the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ was also noted completing aerial survey flights out of Rockhampton Airport.

Visiting Gladstone Airport on Friday 30 November was the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY.   It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane.

A couple of other notable arrivals into Gladstone Airport were a pair of Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jets which appeared to transport firefighting personnel into the region to assist/replace the current personnel on the ground in the fire-zone.

https://www.facebook.com/GlennButcherMP/

VH-QQV positioned from Brisbane to Dubbo in New South Wales as UTY565 before heading to Gladstone Airport as UTY566.  It then departed to Sydney as UTY567 before heading back to Brisbane as UTY568.  VH-NKQ positioned from Brisbane to Canberra as UTY561 before also heading to Gladstone Airport but as UTY562.  It then departed to the Balina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport in Northern New South Wales as UTY563 before returning to Brisbane as UTY564.

Of the water-bombing firefighting aircraft and helicopters, the Conair Aviation (Canada) British Aerospace BAe 146 / Avro RJ-85 C-GVFT "Bomber 166" was noted completing multiple flights out of Rockhampton Airport to the Deepwater fire-zone near Agnes Water.

Of interest, sistership and fellow RJ-85 C-GVFK "Bomber 165" which was expected to also visit Rocky earlier in the week flew into the South-East corner of Queensland and seems to be operating water-bombing flights over Stradbroke Island from RAAF Base Amberley.

While the Coulson Aviation (USA) Boeing B737-300 Large Air Tanker 'Fireliner' N137CG "Bomber 137" seems to be now based at Mackay Airport but flew down and also completed water-drops to the South and North of Rockhampton.

Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 275" remains in the area and joined the large water-bombing aircraft to the South of Rockhampton.

The two Emerald-based Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) water-bombers - Thrush S2R-T660 aircraft VH-PMD "Bomber 434" and VH-KCS "Bomber 435" - were again kept busy departing Rockhampton Airport to the South before later returning for the night.

The firefighting efforts from the visiting helicopters was led from Rockhampton Airport by Touchdown Helicopters (Wollongong) OAS Parts (Bell) UH-1H Iroquois VH-OXE as "Helitack 223" which operated in The Caves area.

Stirling Helicopters (Stirling Consolidated) / Eagle Copters Leasing Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 helicopter VH-IBF as "Firebird 423" was again noted operating around the Deepwater / Agnes Water area.

While a 'new' helicopter for the area in the form of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) own Aerospatiale AS.350B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-NFO as "Firebird 200".

Robert Myers / https://commons.wikimedia.org/

It was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from the South.

Sincere thanks yet again to the local plane spotters for their help in compiling the information and for allowing us to share these great photos contained in this post.  We offer our thoughts and prayers to those who are affected by this bushfire emergency and sincere thank those volunteer and other firefighters who are battling these fierce blazes up and down the Queensland coast.

Photos taken by Russell Prothero  ©