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  ©

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 15 March, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

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And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 March, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD which had flown North yesterday from Archerfield to North of Middlemount and back down to near Moura, this morning departed to Emerald Airport, Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters (NT). 

UPDATE!  On Monday 16 March, VH-ZGD flew down from Newcastle Waters to Isis Downs near Longreach and was then due into Longreach Airport. 

Angel Flight Australia Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-AF4, which landed at Barcaldine Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed back to there today. 

And Cirrus SR22 N12AU landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast.  N12AU then operated a local demonstration flight.

UPDATE!  On Monday 16 March, N12AU completed another local flight before departing Emerald Airport and flying down to the Sunshine Coast.

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.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 5 January, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before it then flew down to the Gold Coast and then back to Archerfield.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 January, Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba to Brisbane and then Barcaldine Airport.  It then continued to Winton for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 January, VH-NMW departed Winton for Julia Creek before then flying back to Barcaldine Airport and then Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Monday 5 January, the regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights into the CQ region are picking back up and continuing - and here is our chance to mention them - once!!

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-VEW was back at these places, as well as Emerald Airport, during the latter part of the week.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as ZD110 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then out to Lady Elliot Island

And at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site, there was SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-300s still visiting from Rockhampton Airport (VH-QQL) and Townsville Airport (VH-QQM).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK visited from Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 5 January and Wednesday 6 January, VH-LZK also visited Labona from and back to Mackay Airport.

Plus Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited from Archerfield and the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 January, VH-FAQ "Navair 173" visited Labona again, along with Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ from and back to Archerfield.

Hope this is of some interest!

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 13 December, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Dalby. It then departed to Natal Downs and then all the way down to Archerfield.

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Of interest, on Friday 12 December, VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Natal Downs then down to Clermont Aerodrome and back to Dalby and Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 13 December, very recently re-registered (only this last week) Microflite (Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA landed at Barcaldine Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and then departed to Horn Island.

And Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up from Archerfield to Gladstone Airport and then The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 December, VH-8R8 departed Shute Harbour and returned to Archerfield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nice!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 1 August, ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

It appeared to visit from Brisbane as "PARTEC9804/3".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 1 August, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEB, which landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane last night, departed Longreach Airport to Birdsville, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga and then back to Brisbane. 

Finally, also on Friday 1 August, American-registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N18HA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.  As mentioned below, it had arrived a couple of days prior.

And over the last couple of weeks, we continued to see multiple visits by two out of the four LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets.

VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Biloela / Thangool, Hervey Bay, Blackall and Gladstone Airports - with multiple visits to Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Emerald, Longreach, Bundaberg, Charleville, Barcaldine and Proserpine Airports.

While VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" seemed to spend time in the hangar and VH-URR "Ambulance 604" continued to operate overseas.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Tecnam P2006T VH-TE6 on Demonstration Tour of Some CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 11 July, Tecnam P2006T VH-TE6 flew from Mackay Airport to Biloela / Thangool Airport.  

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The Tecnam demonstration aircraft arrived into Mackay Airport from Townsville the previous day - as shown above!

And Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew out from Hedlow Airfield to Emerald Airport before continuing to Mount Isa and further West.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 11 July, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and then departed Hamo and returned North.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Wagga Wagga to Clermont Aerodrome and then Natal Downs before later flying down to Dalby and Archerfield.

And Re-registered Flight Options (Australia) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-LJX visited Hamilton Island Airport from its new Sunshine Coast base.

Finally, also on Friday 11 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport before continuing to Townsville.

Of interest, over the last couple of weeks, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has made also made visits to Hervey Bay, Moranbah, Rockhampton, Longreach and Charleville Airports.

Sistership VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has also been busy, making multiple visits to Rockhampton and Longreach Airports, plus visiting Hervey Bay, Barcaldine, Mackay, and Cloncurry Airports

And VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" spent much of the last couple of weeks in the hangar only to emerge on Thursday 10 July and complete a visit to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

While VH-URR "Ambulance 604" continues to operate out of Singapore (Seletar).

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-87X Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 June, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up to Hamilton Island from Essendon then down to Sydney. 

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While Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-325 Navajo VH-ZMJ visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC, which flew West on Saturday, returned to Hedlow Airfield via Barcaldine and Emerald Airports.

And MKR Helicopters (NSW) Bell Helicopter Textron 407GXP VH-8Y8 was noted flying up from Mudgee towards Clermont way.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 1 July, VH-8Y8 looked to continue to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Several Pilatus PC-12s At Various Central Queensland Airports!

On Thursday 29 May, there were some Pilatus PC-12s around some various Central Queensland Airports.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew up from Archerfield to Moura Airport then West to Blackall Airport and then Alice Springs.  It later returned back to Archerfield.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then up to Barcaldine Airport.  Of interest, it completed a flight to Planet Downs and back from Archerfield the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-PDE departed Barcaldine Airport for Hughenden. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 31 May, VH-PDE landed back at Barcaldine Airport from Hughenden and then departed to Archerfield

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE, which had flown up to Springsure Aerodrome from Canberra and Warren yesterday, departed Springsure Aerodrome to Rolleston Aerodrome and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Warren and Canberra. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew West from Tierawoomba to Longreach Airport then down to Keeroongooloo then to Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 May, VH-8HP flew out from Archerfield to Longreach Airport and then down to Keeroongooloo.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH landed at Longreach Airport from and departed back to Devoncourt Station.

VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG as "Envoy 60" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 17 April, VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG as "Envoy 60" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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Clearly, another 'civilian' corporate bizjet being used on the Federal Election campaign.  During the afternoon, VH-EXG "Envoy 60" departed Rockhampton Airport for Warwick. 

AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 22 April, VH-VDF finally departed Proserpine Airport and flew back down to Sydney.  It then flew to the Sunshine Coast.

While Autoflight (Brisbane) Beech 58 Baron VH-WSF visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield. Fellow Autoflight Baron VH-WRT visited Barcaldine Airport also from Archerfield. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP, which had landed at Tumbar Station and Taylors Plains yesterday from the West, departed Taylors Plains to Emerald Airport and then Mackay Airport. 

Of interest, over the last week, this aircraft has been West to Kununurra and down to Jandakot and up to Broome and then back East.

And Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 Turboprop VH-VET Spotted at My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 4 April, it was a nice surprise to photograph Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET at my local Clermont Aerodrome.

It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 April,  Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL visited both Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports while flying up from and back to Armidale via Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421" visited Longreach Airport again from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 April, VH-PIY "Machflight 421" departed Longreach Airport for Brisbane.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF landed at Barcaldine Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then departed to Longreach Airport and then Jundah. 

Finally, also on Friday 4 April, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters A15-312 and A15-314 were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport while flying up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville on their return from the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X "Navair 143" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 7 February, Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 143" flew up from Bankstown to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast and back to Bankstown. 

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While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew out to Longreach Airport from Brisbane before then landing at Emerald Airport and heading back to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has had a busy couple of days late this week, visiting Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport twice.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" seems to be presently based at Townsville and called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport earlier in the week.  As did LifeFlight Challenger 604 "Ambulance 614" which also visited Prosie and Mackay Airports but from Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" has returned from a stint in Singapore and visited Barcaldine Airport on Tuesday 4 February from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" again visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 February, there was a swap of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters with VH-EZJ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departing to Mackay Airport and Townsville.  While Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Townsville based Cleveland Bay Aviation seemed to take delivery of Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC after it flew up from Mackay Airport.  The former Victoria based aircraft looked to arrive into Mackay Airport from Adelaide via Traralgon in September last year having looking like it was grounded in Adelaide since early 2023.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And several visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included a single Skytrans Dash-8 flight from each of Townsville and Rockhampton Airports - plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then to Cairns - and a pair of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air turboprops VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" both from and back to Cairns.

It seems that there were no flights in and out of Labona on Thursday 6 February most likely due to inclement weather.

Finally, also on Friday 7 February, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane.  On Thursday 6 February, and after diverting into Emerald Airport the previous day from Mackay Airport, VH-VEW did the same, flying from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane before it then flew back to Emerald Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" completing some aerial survey work in the area, flying out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn via Biloela / Thangool Airport on Thursday.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, job done, VH-VEH "Survey 23" departed Emerald Airport and returned to Goulburn.

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84B (ex C-GENM) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Longreach Airport

On Tuesday 4 February, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84B completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Barcaldine Airport and then Longreach Airport from Brisbane as QLK2546.

It then departed Longreach Airport and returned to Brisbane as QLK2547.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the second of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore.  VH-84B previously operated as C-GENM and operated with the airline from August 2013 until August 2024.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Darwin and then Brisbane on Sunday 8 December, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GENM, completing a massive delivery flight from Canada - Eastbound via Europe and Asia. 

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and also given the name 'Winton'.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-84B returned back to Longreach Airport from and back to Brisbane as QFA2544/2547.

Photos taken by Gareth Ruhe and Bill Wong  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YQJ & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 20 January, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

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They were identified as VH-YQJ, flying as "Warhorse 203" and VH-YBG as "Wombat".

Both helicopters arrived from Townsville and then later departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 20 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport. Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 22 January, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin). It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon). VH-XCU also visited Hamo last Monday 13 January.

While re-registered Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-88N arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Latrobe Valley via Dubbo and Saint George.  We presume it has arrived for local tourist operations.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and the Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

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

And late last week, Perri Air / South Burnett Air Services Quest Kodiak 100 VH-8FV looked to fly up from its Dalby base to land at the Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) facility just North of Emerald.  It then looked to spend the weekend flying from there to places like Barcaldine, Longreach and Blackall Airports before returning to Dalby on Monday 20 January.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FMZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 24 November, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

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LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

While private 1962-build Cessna 185A VH-AGF was noted flying around Barcaldine Airport.

And Helicopter Resources (Tasmania) Eurocopter AS.350B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-UUH flew down from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and further South. It seems to be returning to Tasmania after operating out of Mackay Airport for much of this year.

Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 13 November, Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey helicopter VH-UHH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Maryborough Airport.  

Reports suggest it is possibly operating in the area for some days.

UPDATE! Nope!  On Thursday 14 November, VH-UHH departed Rockhampton Airport to the North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 13 November, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. It seems to have earlier arrived from Thargomindah having arrived into there from Archerfield via Longreach Airport the previous day.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 38" departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane.

Plus LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Barcaldine Airport from Brisbane. It then flew up to Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 13 November, NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Borroloola. It later returned to Longreach Airport and Toowoomba.

Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville and Cairns. It had flown South from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane earlier in the day.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

American Registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N2QE Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 5 August, American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N2QE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney. 

File photo

UPDATE!  N2QE looked to complete the flight between Sydney and Hamo again on Thursday 8 August and Friday 9 August.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Bundaberg Airport from Orange (NSW) and the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Emerald Airport and back to the Sunshine Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 August, VH-CMK visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  And on Wednesday 7 August, VH-CMK visited both Bundaberg and Emerald Airports again, both times from the Sunshine Coast.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew into Barcaldine Airport from Townsville.  It then departed to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 August, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then flew to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky before it then departed to Lady Eliott Island. 

Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  On Friday 9 August, VH-JIW looked to fly back up to Cairns via the same stops.

And Mackay Quality Plasterers P/L Cessna 210G VH-UCT flew into Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 August, VH-UCT departed Clermont Aerodrome for Emerald Airport and then back before then returning to Mackay Airport on Friday 9 August.

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

S2 Aviation American-registered Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet N5LM Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED with Photo!

On Tuesday 23 July, S2 Aviation American-registered Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet N5LM called into Longreach Airport from Darwin.  It had arrived there from overseas the previous day.

N5LM then departed Longreach Airport for Bankstown. 

UPDATE!  Photo attached from Adelaide Airport - N5LM visited many places between Bankstown, Adelaide and Perth before eventually flying back to Singapore in August.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" flew into Bundaberg Airport from Cooma before then departing to the Sunshine Coast.  This seems to be the 'return' flight of an opposite flight last week.

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX flew up from Bankstown and Cessnock to Mackay Airport before later returning to those places.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport once again from Brisbane.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up to Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 24 July, VH-CMK departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

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 23 July, Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-8D8 visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Brescon Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW departed Toowoomba-Wellcamp for the Sunshine Coast before flying up to Rolleston Aerodrome and Yellow Bank Junction before returning to the Sunshine Coast and Wellcamp.

Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM flew across from Barcaldine Airport to Theodore Aerodrome before then departing to the South-East.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 24 July, VH-UJM returned to Barcaldine Airport from the Gold Coast.

And Cirrus SR22 VH-PHX and Cirrus SR20 VH-XIQ flew up from Archerfield together. VH-PHX went to my local Clermont Aerodrome and VH-XIQ went to Emerald Airport.  During the afternoon, they flew back together from each place to Archerfield. 

Plus Victoria-based Cirrus SR22 VH-8AC flew down from Mackay Airport to Goondiwindi and Swan Hill. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport and Visiting a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 8 July, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 July, N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Proserpine Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 July, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome. It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

New South Wales-based Cessna 182C Skylane VH-NLN departed Rockhampton Airport to Barcaldine Airport and then further to the North-West.  It had arrived yesterday from Moruya via Roma Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast and later departed to Bundaberg Airport and the back to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM, which flew to Mackay Airport from Rocky yesterday, departed there for Clermont Aerodrome and Quilpie. It then returned to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.

Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK flew across from there to Clermont Aerodrome and then down to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, VH-LDK reversed the flight.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC flew down from Darwin, Katherine, Newcastle Waters and Mount Isa to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then flying back up to Middlemount Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 July, VH-UTC departed Middlemount Aerodrome for Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters.

Finally, late on Sunday 7 July, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

Photo taken by Dan B  ©