Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 17 July, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Chinchilla and Roma Airport and then down to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to Moorabbin. 

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Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns. 

Brisbane-based SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad VH-IPF flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Moree and Bankstown. 

And after being photographed recently operating for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS), the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Coffs Harbour. 

Finally, on Wednesday 16 July, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  A month later in August, VH-RUE flew from Cairns to Brisbane and then across to Perth and eventually Jandakot (in September) where the aircraft was re-registered as VH-8PJ in mid-October to local operator Penjet.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP Helicopter VH-VAU Spotted Operating for Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 12 July, a couple of nice photos have been shared to us of the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU now currently operating for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) out of Rockhampton Airport - complete with titles!  Nice!

As mentioned below, the much-travelled rescue helicopter had been previously working from Horn Island as "Rescue 700" and left there to Rockhampton Airport - via a few stops - back in March.

While during the afternoon, Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 water bombing helicopter VH-T53 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and Bundaberg Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 July, VH-T53 departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and points further North.  The big Huey helicopter was photographed at Cairns Airport (as above) later in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 12 July, American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG landed at Degunnie from Archerfield and Augathella and then departed back to Archerfield.

Emma McDonald in her American registered Edge 540 N540MH departed Rockhampton Airport to Goondiwindi.

A bit later locally-based R-Mach Aviation's Lancair 4 VH-VIE departed Rockhampton Airport also to Goondiwindi before continuing to Lake Macquarie and Leongatha.

While Cirrus (Australia) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NFP landed at Longreach Airport from Dubbo before later departing to Horn Island.

UPDATE!  VH-NFP flew South from Horn Island to Mackay Airport and then Melbourne (Essendon) on Friday 18 July.

And Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Sydney.

Photos taken by Darren Massie and Jonathan Williams  ©

Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS Calls into Cloncurry Airport - Plus More!

Late on Sunday 20 April, Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted arriving into Cloncurry Airport from Archerfield.

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On Monday 21 April, VH-YWS was due to fly to Darwin and back but possibly didn't.  It looked to rather fly back to Archerfield from Cloncurry Airport during the middle part of the morning.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to the Goldie.

While fellow Air Gold Coast Beech 76 Duchess VH-EWL visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Gold Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 21 April, Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9 arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Ballarat.  It was spotted parked up on General Aviation (GA) Apron.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 April, VH-TB9 departed Proserpine Airport to Ballarat.

And Southern Air Beech 1900C-1 VH-VSO landed at Longreach Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 22 April, VH-VSO departed Longreach Airport for Horn Island. It then flew down to Cairns and Rockhampton Airport before flying down to Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Monday 21 April, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412 helicopter VH-ESD, which flew down from Horn Island to Coen and Cairns yesterday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It had previously operated out of Horn Island with Babcock's other Bell 412EP VH-PXY.

UPDATE!  After being 'stored' for just over a month, on Monday 26 May, VH-ESD flew from Rockhampton Airport to Roma Airport.

Photos taken by David Geck and James Kirk  ©

Executive Jet Management (Europe) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet CS-IMP Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 13 April, a nice overseas corporate bizjet in the form of Executive Jet Management (Europe) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet CS-IMP was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to fly in from Darwin as 'JME680C' and had arrived there from overseas the previous day.

Tommy Clarke / https://www.flickr.com/

UPDATE!   On Wednesday 16 April, CS-IMP still as 'JME680C' departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It looked to head to New Zealand a couple of days later.

While Isle of Man registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet M-CVGL departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast and then Melbourne (Essendon). As mentioned below, it had arrived into Hamo from the Sunny Coast last Saturday 6 April.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then later flying down to the Gold Coast.

And after dark, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was due to complete a visit to Moranbah Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 13 April, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) new Cessna 208 Caravan P2-AFD departed Bundaberg Airport for Mackay Airport and then Mareeba.

Vectra Holdings (Basair) Cessna 206 VH-VDZ visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Plus a classic 1948-built Cessna 195 VH-AVZ was photographed visiting Bundaberg Airport during the week.

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Finally, also on Sunday 13 April, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-8HD departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville, Cairns, Coen and Horn Island. It had arrived from the Sunshine Coast the previous day.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 28 March, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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While Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO looked to depart the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the South.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH departed Emerald Airport for Archerfield and Toowoomba.  It arrived from these places yesterday.

The Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Redcliffe. 

And McDermott Aviation Bell 214ST helicopter N512EV landed at Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It is up for flood work and will no doubt be joined by other helicopters in the coming days.

Finally, also on Friday 28 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 95" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 29 March, A56-001 departed Bundaberg Airport for Canberra but as "Envoy 99".

I assume with the Federal Election being called today, we will see many more RAAF VIP aircraft and support aircraft in the region over the next month or so!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP Helicopter VH-VAU Arrives into Rockhampton Airport After its Time at Horn Island Comes to an End...

On Saturday 22 March, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports. 

The much-travelled rescue helicopter had been recently working from Horn Island as "Rescue 700" and left there to Cairns on Thursday via Coen and Cooktown.  It parked on the old Capricorn Helicopter Rescue pad.

Of interest, the helicopter rescue service at Horn Island is now operated by a pair of new Babcock owned Leonardo AW139 helicopters registered VH-8HB and VH-8HD.

As shown, they feature a very attractive first-nations style livery.

Photos taken by 'IAD' and Graham Aspinall  ©️

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

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

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

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

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

Colourful Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Leonardo AW139 Helicopter VH-8HD Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 27 November, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-8HD was spotted departing Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived late yesterday from Cairns and Townsville.  The colourful rescue helicopter is one of two operated out of Horn Island by Babcock along with VH-8HB. 

While Heli Holdings P/L / Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-XBO was also spotted departing Rockhampton Airport on a local flight.

And the new Queensland Police Service / Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter VH-NVF was photographed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 27 November, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew down from Hedlow Airfield to Consuelo and later returned to Hedlow. 

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba. 

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield and later returned back to there. 

And Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ of Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) visited Bundaberg Airport from the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Wednesday 27 November, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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

Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then later departed to Archerfield. 

And Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL which had flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Sunshine Coast this morning, flew down to the Gold Coast and back to Sunshine Coast.

Photos taken by John Lee and James Hackett  ©

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) Takes Delivery of their New Leonardo AW139 Helicopter VH-XQ8 at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 28 August, the nice new Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 was officially delivered to CQ Rescue at Mackay Airport.

https://www.facebook.com/CQRescue/

https://www.facebook.com/CQRescue/

It flew up from Caloundra via the Sunshine Coast and a fuel stop at Gladstone Airport where it was also photographed below.

The brand-new helicopter (msn 32053) was registered in May this year and flew into Caloundra Aerodrome in July for fit-out following some time being prepared and painted at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport.

VH-XQ8 is the first of three Leonardo AW139 helicopters (the others are already registered as VH-XQ7 and VH-XQ9 but yet to arrive into Australia) that will be operated by the Mackay Airport based CQ Rescue as they commence operations with their own CASA Air Operator Certificate, without the need to out-source this to another company.

The 'official' arrival of VH-XQ8 also revealed the stunning new orange and blue colour scheme adopted by CQ Rescue to coincide with their new naming rights sponsor of the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 28 August, another helicopter on delivery to a Far North Queensland helicopter rescue service was Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-8HD.  It flew up from Redcliffe to Cairns via Rockhampton and Townsville Airports.

It is assumed that VH-8HD will join VH-8HB which arrived up into Cairns also from Redcliffe via Rockhampton and Townsville Airports back in June.

Finally, also on Wednesday 28 August, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew from Emerald Airport to Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew to the Sunshine Coast and to its Orange base.  It appears to have flown up from Orange over the same route the previous day.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL visited Hamilton Island Airport again this time from Newcastle (Williamtown). 

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then departed to Archerfield.

Western Down Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew from Roma Airport to Toowoomba.  

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID which had arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Monday, departed there to the South. 

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 29 August, VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports and then departed to Brisbane.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport.

NSW based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-BIG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Port Macquarie and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport. 

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

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed Emerald Airport to Rolleston Aerodrome and then to Kaluroo and then Ballina.  It looks to have flown up to Emerald Airport from Canberra via Griffith the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 29 August, VH-STE flew up to Bundaberg Airport from Ballina.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 August, VH-STE flew from Bundaberg Airport to Maryborough Airport and then Brisbane, Ballina and back to Canberra.

Photos taken by Jamie C and Graham Aspinall  ©️

ML Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-8MR Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 2 August, ML Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-8MR flew up from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport then down to Mackay Airport believed to be for parking.

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UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 August, VH-8MR departed Mackay Airport and returned to Hamo before then flying back down to Brisbane.

Nice private American-Registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet N721MS visited Hamilton Island Airport from Christchurch (New Zealand) via Brisbane. 

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 643" was noted flying from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Townsville.

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 115" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Bankstown and then departed to Archerfield. 

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport a couple of times. 

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing its Mackay Airport base for Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 2 August, United Aero Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N260UH landed at Longreach Airport from the South and then departed to the North-West. It had started from Camden. 

The much-travelled Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-PXY - which has been based at Horn Island of late - arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.  It started from Horn Island yesterday morning.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 3 August, VH-PXY departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport, then Toowoomba and Coffs Harbour.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flew down from Mackay Airport to Gladstone Airport and Archerfield at the completion of some time with the locally-based Central Queensland Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) helicopter service. 

It looks to have been replaced by fellow LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU which flew up to Mackay Airport directly from Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Friday 2 August, Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane. 

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU visited Rockhampton Airport from Goondiwindi.

Platinum Aviation (South Australia) Hawker Beechcraft B200 VH-XBZ landed at Longreach Airport from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns. 

Dubbo-based Cessna 337F VH-VBD departed Rockhampton Airport for Roma Airport.  It looked to have arrived the previous day. 

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV landed at Longreach Airport from Winton. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 2 August, VH-POV flew down from Longreach Airport to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Archerfield.

And New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brunchilly Station (NT) and a bit later departed to the South-West. 

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Drew Mackay  ©

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

The five victims of Queensland's worst helicopter crash will be remembered today on the anniversary of the tragedy.

In the early hours of Monday 24 July 2000, Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) Bell 206 VH-FFI was operating a rescue flight, taking a sick five-year-old boy to hospital. The helicopter crashed in darkness and heavy fog, in a field near Marlborough in Central Queensland. The boy, his mum, and three crew lost their lives in the crash.

The CHRS chopper had flown to pick up the five-year-old boy with breathing problems from a remote property northwest of Rockhampton.

In 2003, an inquest found low fuel was to blame for the crash and heavy fog had been a significant factor.

Pictured above is one of the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service's current choppers - Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia operated Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR - departing Rockhampton Airport on a recent training flight. VH-YXR operates for the service as the primary "Rescue 300".

Fellow Babcock Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPR also operates out of Rockhampton Airport and has been a long-term part of the CHRS fleet as the usual "Rescue 300".

A Pair of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-OFA and VH-OFC Both Call into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was spotted visiting Gladstone Airport.  It had earlier flown out to Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane and then flew across to Gladstone Airport.

It is pictured departing back to Brisbane.

And fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Brisbane before then departing to Mount Isa and Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 July, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast and Orange. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 2 July, now ex-CQ Rescue (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU was noted arriving into Horn Island from Cairns, Cooktown and Coen.  It departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cairns yesterday.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jamie C for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©️

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV Departs Rockhampton Airport for Good - Plus More!

On Monday 11 December, it seemed that Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV departed Rockhampton Airport for good.  It had been operating for a period of time with the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) - as pictured below.

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VH-LSV departed Rockhampton Airport for Roma, Moree, Dubbo, Griffith and Mildura.  

It had completed a 'test' flight to the coast and back yesterday.

UPDATE!  VH-LSV continued to Adelaide where it appears to have now taken up operations with the local State Rescue Helicopter Service.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 11 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Moranbah Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield. 

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

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX flew up from Sydney and Newcastle (Williamtown) to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then looked to depart to Brisbane.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport before it then flew to Moranbah Airport.  VH-TQW then returned to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Charters Towers Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 12 December, VH-MZI flew from Charters Towers Aerodrome back Rockhampton Airport and then Archerfield.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM looked to fly down from Emerald Airport to Archerfield.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to fly up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

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

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

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

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

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

RACQ Central Queensland (CQ) Rescue Helicopter Rescue Service Remembers Crash Victims Today

The RACQ-CQ Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue) has flown thousands of missions in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions since it was established in 1996. The service is credited with having saved countless lives, and improved the outcomes for many of its patients. Some of the tasks the service attends can be intense, with the crews dealing with the trauma of road accidents and search and rescues.

However, tragedy unfortunately struck the service in 2003 when on Friday 17 October, the CQ Rescue chopper, which was on a routine medical retrieval to Hamilton Island, failed to arrive at its destination.

The wreckage of the Bell 407 chopper VH-HTD (pictured below in 2002) was discovered six metres under water, about 15 kilometres north of Mackay.

The crew, all aged 31, were very experienced at their jobs, but sadly all perished in the tragedy. A memorial stone (pictured below) was unveiled at Mackay Airport, near the RACQ-CQ Rescue building and hangar on the Western side of the Airport.

The RACQ-CQ Rescue Helicopter service is a valuable service that serves a vast area of Central Queensland. Donations are welcomed all year round. Visit the CQ Rescue website (https://cqrescue.org.au/) for details.

A More Plane Spotting Photos from Rockhampton Airport incl QGAir Rescue Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-EGK - Plus More!

It was certainly a busy morning at Rockhampton Airport on Friday 8 September, and as well as spotting the two visiting heavy jet charter aircraft, local plane spotter John L also managed to capture quite a bit more of the aviation action.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew down from Townsville and Mackay Airports to Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to Archerfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.  It was supposed to land at Gladstone Airport but diverted to Rockhampton Airport due to weather.

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV continues to operate for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) as "Rescue 300".

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

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-KBX was also photographed still in open storage.  It has also spent some time inside the new Alliance Airlines hangar but has since been towed back outside.  

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 8 September, New Capital Jet Charter (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-88M flew from Taroom to Roma Airport and then Canberra.  It appears to have flown North from the Nation's capital the previous day.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Monday 11 September, VH-SUY "Machflight 41" departed Proserpine Airport and returned to Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  On Monday 11 September, VH-EWB departed Hamo and returned to Sydney.

SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived from there via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport on Wednesday 6 September (looks like we missed it!).

While Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew down from Bundaberg Airport to the Sunshine Coast and then Canberra.  It had flown North earlier in the week - see Blog post below!  

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and was on the way to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour but returned South near Mackay to land at Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

Aurora Park Aviation (New South Wales) Beech A36 Bonanza VH-FCT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra.

And Gatton based Amateur Built Europa (single wheel) VH-KTI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Emerald.  

Finally, also Friday 8 September, Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141" flew out from Bundaberg Airport to work in the Kumbarilla State Forest, South-West of Dalby and back several times. 

It was joined by Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" which also flew down to there from Bundy.

Elite Helicopters (Archerfield) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-YQK was heard to be operating there also.

All photos taken by John Lee  ©