S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 19 July, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast and Sydney.

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It then returned to the Gold Coast.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL had a busy weekend visiting Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport while flying between Brisbane and Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Monday 20 July, VH-AVL returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY and Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV Call in Together to CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 3 July, New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY together with Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV, where both across from NZ to Archerfield on Wednesday, flew up from there to Gladstone Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  Over the subsequent weekend, they departed to Pinnarendi.

If you're interested in following their tour(s), both pilots are running a couple of blogs, feel free to take a look...

Andrew: https://nzcirruspilot.com/trans-tasman/

Peter: https://merwood.blogspot.com/

Finally, on Thursday 2 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Mildura.

UPDATE!  On Monday 6 July, VH-LEP departed Hamo for Melbourne (Avalon).

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Bankstown.

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 8 June, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

It then departed to Brisbane.

And Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-VGX at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 30 May, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet VH-VGX flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 31 May, VH-VGX departed Mackay Airport and returned to Essendon.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Townsville.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Two RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetails A30-006 & A30-004 Complete Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 4 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before returning South.

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Later, A30-006 now as "Wedgetail 23" returned to the region, flying back up from Williamtown and completing a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before returning once again to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, fellow Wedgetail A30-004 as "Wedgetail 03" flew up to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport before returning South again.

Finally, also on Monday 4 May, Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

And USA-registered Quest Kodiak 100 N248QK was noted flying from Alice Springs into Charleville Airport.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

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

On Friday 17 April, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR was photographed on the ground at Maryborough Airport. 

While Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba before it then departed to Mount Isa and Darwin.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  It and sister-ships are still making mutiple visits to CQ Airports each week.

And National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as 'JTE452'.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 April, VH-IYJ as 'JTE444' departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and is due back later in the night.  Looks like another Rugby League football charter flight.

Finally, on a quiet Thursday 16 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 04" was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via a missed approach at the Gold Coast before then returning direct to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Josh Matica  ©

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.

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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'  ©

VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet 9H-VJX 'VJT972' Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 9 April, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet 9H-VJX as 'VJT972' / "Vistajet 972" was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

It flew down from Cairns and then departed to Townsville where it was photographed above and seemingly staying for parking.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 April, 9H-VJX as 'VJT972' / "Vistajet 972" returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Townsville before then departing to Sydney.

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY hopped from Mackay Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then departed to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Swan Hill, Horsham and Waikerie.  It was due to fly back to the Sunshine Coast later. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and this afternoon returned to those places. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 as "Wallaby 43" flew into Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base Amberley. The same Spartan A34-009 but as "Wallaby 41" was noted completing a low level flight up the Fraser Coast out of RAAF Base Amberley but on Wednesday 8 April.

Finally, also on a quiet Wednesday 8 April, re-registered Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-NFH was noted departing Longreach Airport for the South.  It had arrived from Moree and Toowoomba the previous day.

Of interest, it appears VH-NFH was only placed on the Australian Aircraft register late last month and was previously registered as VH-DNG.

UPDATE!  In mid-May 2026, VH-NFH was re-registered to Gulf Coast Aviation at Moree.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight and QGAir Rescue Helicopters Pass Through CQ Airports Heading to All Corners of the State - Plus a Few Bizjets Around too!!

On Wednesday 1 April, LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters AW139 helicopter VH-LF4 landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports and then departed to Mount Isa.  It will operated there as "Rescue 400".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow LifeFlight AW139 helicopter VH-LF3 also passed through Longreach Airport arriving from Mount Isa and departing for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast.

While also on Wednesday 1 April, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.  It will operate there as "Rescue 521".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ also passed through Rockhampton Airport arriving from Archerfield and departing to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 2 April, there were several corporate bizjets noted around various Central Queensland Airports.

 Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ departed Longreach Airport for Cairns and Mareeba.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Tuesday 31 March and was photographed below on Wednesday 1 April.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X A56-001 "Envoy 18" popped into Charleville Airport arriving from Canberra and departing to Moree and then back to Canberra.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport - BUT it diverted into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing there and heading back to Archerfield. 

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon). 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 73/121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Finally, on a relatively quiet Wednesday 1 April, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ, which landed at Natal Downs on Monday, hopped to Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport before later returning to Clermont Aerodrome and then departing there to Archerfield.

All photos taken by Liam Sellick  ©

Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 March, Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Search ops off the Central coast and after a refuel it departed back to the search area and then back to Cairns.

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Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour then down to Stawell and back to Moorabbin.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown up from Brisbane.

Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCX as "Careflight 24" flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Port Macquarie.  It later departed to Bankstown.

And GBR Helicopters Bell 206B JetRanger III VH-YEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 April, VH-YEC departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns again via Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Finally, late last Friday 20 March, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Gladstone Airport and then departed back to Brisbane now in the wee small hours of Saturday 21 March.

Photo taken by Wally H  ©

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Photographed at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 March, the two visiting bizjets that arrived into Gladstone Airport late the previous day departed but not before one of them was spotted in spectacular early morning light.

Local plane spotter Glenn L captured some stunning photos as S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA rested in the early morning light before it later departed Gladstone to Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 01" departed Gladstone Airport to Warwick, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba and this afternoon returned to those places.

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-8DE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then Moorabbin.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Avalon).

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew down from Mackay Airport to Roma Airport and then Dubbo.

NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome. This seems to be now a regular flight and note worth mentioning much more!

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 179" flew up from Archerfield to Clermont Aerodrome and then Labona and this afternoon returned to Archerfield.

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

Sincere thanks to Gladstone plane spotter Glenn L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 72" Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 flying  as "Envoy 72" was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Canberra

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While Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Kaos 73" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Edinburgh and then departed to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 March, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

Angel Flight Australia Cessna Cessna 402C VH-AF3 (ex VH-TFK) departed Clermont Aerodrome to Normanton.

Navajo ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville on its regular weekly flight. We probably won’t mention it much more!

Cirrus SR22 VH-ZYH (ex N191CP) was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

And Kimberley Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TWX landed at Longreach Airport from Redcliffe and then departed to Mount Isa.

Finally, late on Wednesday 18 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 01" and S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA both landed at Gladstone Airport from Roma Airport.

Photos taken by Daniel Gorza and Swavek Topolski  ©

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-LEP at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 March, Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

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It had flown up from there earlier in the week on Tuesday 3 March.

And Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) via Sydney.  It later departed back directly to Moorabbin.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" Completes Medical Evacuation from 'Carnival Adventure' off Bundaberg - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and then down to the Sunshine Coast before later returning to Bundaberg Airport and then completing two Search and Rescue (SAR) flights to the North-East of Bundy. 

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Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to oversee the SAR operations by VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" for a few hours then returned to Cairns.  It is believed this may have also included a passenger extraction from the cruise ship 'Carnival Adventure'.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were noted at Rockhampton Airport. VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then departed onwards to Archerfield as "Rescue 500", while VH-EGK arrived from Archerfield as "Rescue 500" and then departed to Townsville.

And Far North Queensland based Diamond DA 50 C VH-88R visited Mackay Airport from Mareeba.

Finally, over the weekend on both Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK continued to operate flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport - including three return flights on Sunday.  VH-8GK operated one more flight (which seems to be the last one for now) on Monday 2 March.

And also on Saturday 28 February,  the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ  flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane after flying down to there at the start of last week.

Plus Cirrus SR22 N312GM looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 63" Spotted Completing Airwork at Emerald Airport - Plus Some Overnight Action Sunday Night!

On Monday 23 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 63" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to complete more circuits at Amberley.

Meanwhile, late on Sunday 22 February, Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via a loop overhead Bourke in New South Wales.  It then departed to Cairns.

And also late on Sunday 22 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton A57-002 as "Albatross 1" flew from RAAF Base Tindal and flew across Far North Queensland and then down and back up the Queensland coast before returning to Tindal in the early hours of the morning.

Several other RAAF assets were noted operating out of RAAF Bases Amberley and Townsville including RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 01" which was noted flying at low level through inland Central Queensland.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Wednesday 4 February, American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N2QE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 January, N2QE departed Hamo for Cairns where it is pictured above!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 February, the beautifully coloured Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ 'Mendoowoorrji' was also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney as QFA578/9.  It is believed that this is the aircraft's first visit since it was retro-fitted with split-scimitar winglets which are being applied to Qantas B737-800 aircraft.

VH-XZJ spotted at the end of January.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

While Graham Aviation Cessna T206H Float Plane VH-FNB looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba via Cairns.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY visited Mackay Airport from Armidale via Archerfield.

Finally, its been a quiet week, but on Monday 2 February, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY as "Auscal 3" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine and then departed to Brisbane.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It is due to return to Chinchilla Aerodrome on Tuesday 5 February.

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 121" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Gareth Ruhe  ©

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-FGJ Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 29 January,  Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart to back Melbourne (Essendon).

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While  Honeybee Air (Sydney) Cirrus SF50-G2 Vision Jet Arivee Xi VH-TEA flew up from Bankstown and Roma Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.

And re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF (c/n 183) arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. It then departed to Sydney and then back to Archerfield.

Of interest, also on Thursday 29 January, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services took delivery of their brand new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF (c/n 602) at Adelaide after it flew all the way from Stans Buochs in Switzerland via all stops!

Finally, also on Thursday 29 January, SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville while fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport to Townsville as SKP532.

Air AP / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-AP7 Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 17 January, nice Air AP / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-AP7 arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

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While Equipment Holding (WA) / Aeronautics and Technology Holdings P/L (NSW) Cessna 501 Citation I/SP VH-XJI arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Cessnock.  It then departed to Archerfield and back to Cessnock.

As mentioned previously, this aircraft was previously registered N501AF.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Major Flooding in Central Queensland - Including in my Home Town of Clermont - Means Multiple Helicopter Movements into Local Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 12 January, the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji have dumped massive rainfall and produced destructive winds across the Whitsundays, Mackay region and into the Central Highlands - including where I am based at Clermont.  Consequently, several helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have been noted flying around these places in support roles.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF around Mackay.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 VH-T53 was noted arriving into Longreach Airport.

And around Clermont was Bush Helicopters / Qld Helicopters Bell 407 VH-PUM and GB Helicopters Guimbal Cabri G2 VH-8GB which were both involved with airlift stranded residents on outlying properties.

Nautilus Aviation Bell 407 VH-VPE brought swift water rescue personnel from Mackay Airport.

And Dwyer Aviation Services Bell 407 helicopter VH-XFN also popped in.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 12 January, Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 173" flew down from Bowen Aerodrome (pictured) to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up to Bowen Aerodrome from Brisbane the previous day.

After some the ground, VH-85H "Navair 173" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane. It is rumoured to have brought the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to town.

Finally, also on Monday 12 January, Executjet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-L2B arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney and then departed to the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew back up to Hamilton Island Airport from Toowoomba before then hopping down to Mackay Airport and then back to Hamo.  It had originally flown up from the Gold Coast over the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-DMS completed another hop to Mackay Airport and back to Hamilton Island Airport.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL made a late visit to Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Executjet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-L2B Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 31 December, Executjet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-L2B was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It flew up from the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong before it then departed to Sydney.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©