Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-KXM Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 2 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM flew up from Tamworth and Moree to Longreach Airport.  It then departed Vanrook Station near Normanton.

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And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew up from Melbourne (Essendon), Wagga Wagga and Dubbo to Roma Airport yesterday before then continuing up to Mackay Airport early on Saturday.

Photo taken by Nathan Pawley  ©

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  ©

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.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 December, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY, which arrived into Rockhampton Airport late yesterday from Archerfield and then Biloela / Thangool Airport, departed Rocky to Kingaroy and then back to Archerfield.

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And Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 4 December, VH-DMS departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 December, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 December, PC-12 VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport to Springsure and then Emerald Airports before returning then back to Springsure Aerodrome. It then departed there to Sydney and Canberra.

Townsville Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-OUS looked to operate the EA1/2 flight into Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns.

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA 'ZD110' Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 28 November, ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as ZD110 was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville.  It seems to be staying and possibly undergoing planned maintenance.

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Air Central West (Longreach) Beech 58 Baron VH-TNR completed a flight from Longreach Airport to near Clifton Hills in South Australia before then returning to Longreach Airport and then completing a flight to Rockhampton Airport and back to Longreach Airport.

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

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 November, VH-8R8 flew from Shute Harbour to Longreach Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H was noted flying between what seems to be its Chinchilla Aerodrome base and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield presumably for planned maintenance.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 17 November, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield and this afternoon continued to Rockhampton Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 November, VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 November, VH-JSZ departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to Archerfield.

New Zealand based (American registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N146EX arrived Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 November, N146EX departed Hamo for Brisbane.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE which had come up from Canberra and Bathurst to Maryborough Airport earlier, departed there for Emerald Airport and then back East to Bundaberg Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 November, VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 19 November, VH-STE did a flight to the North West and back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 November, VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport to a property near Springsure and then Rolleston Aerodrome and during the afternoon, it departed there to Bathurst and Canberra.

Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Cessna 402C Utiliner/Businessliner VH-UCM visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns on the scheduled EA1/2 flight service for East Air.

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

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 313" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 16 October, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 313" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Townsville.  During the afternoon, it reversed the flight. 

While Brescon Beech B300 Super King Air VH-WXS visited Dysart Aerodrome from Archerfield.

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTD was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also visited late on Wednesday 15 October on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run.

And after flying South in June, Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew back up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport via Gladstone Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 16 October, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

While Air AP / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-AP7 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane before then heading over the Queenstown in New Zealand and then flying to Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived into Hamo from Adelaide at the start of the week.

And Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had flown out to Emerald Airport from Orange via the Sunny Coast and Bundy on Tuesday 14 October (we missed it!).

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) Turboprop VH-OTE Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 25 June, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was spotted visiting Emerald Airport on what seems to now be a permanent Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

VH-OTE arrived from there and departed back as PE745/6 and is expected to return to Emerald Airport again on Thursday 26 June from Archerfield and Wellcamp but as PE743/4.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 June, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports.  It then departed to Burketown before later returning back to Roma Airport and then Toowoomba. 

While  NSW based Whitestar Aviation Diamond 62 VH-TZI landed at Longreach Airport from Ballina and Roma Airports before it then departed to Mount Isa. 

And during the afternoon, Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and Archerfield.  Given that CQ Rescue has taken delivery of VH-XQ7 in full new livery - see Blog post below - this could be the last time we see VH-XQ9 in the region.

The other AW139 helicopter that CQ Rescue operates in its full new livery is VH-XQ8 which is currently at Archerfield and presumably will return North tomorrow. 

UPDATE!  Indeed on Thursday 26 June, AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield via Bundaberg Airport. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) Takes Delivery of their THIRD New Leonardo AW139 Helicopter VH-XQ7 at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 17 June, the Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical welcomed their THIRD new Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 with it being officially delivered to CQ Rescue at Mackay Airport.  It flew up from Caloundra (pictured below prior to its medevac fit-out) via the Sunshine Coast and a fuel stop at Gladstone Airport.

VH-XQ7 arrives at Caloundra in April

The brand-new helicopter (msn 32117) was registered in February this year and flew into Caloundra Aerodrome in April for fit-out following some time being prepared and painted at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport.

VH-XQ7 is the third new Leonardo AW139 helicopter (the others being VH-XQ8 and VH-XQ9) that are being operated by the Mackay Airport based CQ Rescue after they commenced operations with their own CASA Air Operator Certificate, without the need to out-source this to another company.

https://www.facebook.com/CQRescue

As seen, VH-XQ7 is also the second of their helicopters to wear 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).

Photo taken by Danie Wilson  ©

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 June, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

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While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport before continuing to Maryborough Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport via Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 June, fellow CQ Rescue AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and Archerfield for service. 

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as 'PE745/6'.

UPDATE!  VH-OTQ was spotted completing the same run on Thursday 5 June but as 'PE743/4'

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

This seems to be a new permanent replacement for the recent flights over the same route that were operated by Southern Airlines Beech 1900C aircraft VH-VSO and VH-YSO. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 June, it was noted that Link Airways 'main' flights to Bundaberg and Biloela / Thangool Airports started using the "Linkair" (LR) flight numbers and callsigns. 

Finally, late on Wednesday 4 June, one or two United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were noted completing a flight down to around the Nebo township.  They are presently deployed to Townsville and looked to fly down and then return to there.

Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQJ Ferries North via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 18 May, Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Finch 23" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and later departed to Townsville.

File photo

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 was noted ferrying down from Mackay Airport to Archerfield via Bundaberg Airport.

And former Rockhampton resident, Emma MacDonald flew down to Old Station from Rockhampton Airport in her Extra 300 VH-LXT.  She later returned to Rockhampton Airport and did some flying to the West of the airport.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Nauru Airlines Boeing 737-83N (WL) VH-AN2 as "Air Nauru 631" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 10 March, Nauru Airlines Boeing 737-83N (WL) VH-AN2 as "Air Nauru 631" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed to Darwin. 

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While Falcon Air (NSW) Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet VH-LCR flew up from Bankstown to Mackay Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 March, VH-LCR flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Sunshine Coast and Bankstown. 

Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-VEY Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Cairns.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 March, VH-ZMW departed Rockhampton Airport for Goondiwindi.

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.

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

On Monday 3 February, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as VH-YBF, flying as "Finch 85" and VH-YBG as "Finch 23".

Both helicopters arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then later departed to Mackay Airport where they looked to stay for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 February, VH-YBG "Finch 23" then VH-YBF "Finch 85" both departed Mackay Airport for Townsville. Later, VH-YBG returned South to Mackay Airport as "Warhorse 203" and then flew back to Townsville again.  While VH-YBF operated North of Townsville as "Warhorse 85". 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 February, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA flew up from Toowoomba to Mount Isa and later flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to Clermont Aerodrome. During the afternoon it departed for Collinsville Aerodrome but could not land due to weather and diverted to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-VEW departed Mackay Airport bound for Oaky Creek Coal Mine site but again due to weather had to divert, this time to Emerald Airport.

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

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew from Mackay Airport as "Rescue 402" to Proserpine Hospital and then Townsville.

Finally, on a quiet Sunday 2 February, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited Hamilton Island from Archerfield.

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  ©

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) Takes Delivery of their Second New Leonardo AW139 Helicopter VH-XQ9 at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 8 December, the Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical took delivery of their second new Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 which arrived at the CQ Rescue Hangar at Mackay Airport.

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

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

The brand-new helicopter (msn 32062) was registered in July this year and flew into Caloundra Aerodrome in November for fit-out following some time being prepared at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport.

VH-XQ9 is the second Leonardo AW139 helicopter (the other is VH-XQ8) that will be operated by the Mackay Airport based CQ Rescue as they operate aeromedical retrieval flights with their own CASA Air Operator Certificate, without the need to out-source this to another company.

UPDATE!  A third new Leonardo AW139 helicopter has been delivered to CQ Rescue in mid-2025 being registered VH-XQ7.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 December, the first CQ Rescue Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 which has been operating out of Mackay Airport since it was delivered in late August, departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone and then Bundaberg Airports before it continued to Archerfield where it is believed it will undergo planned maintenance.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 December, VH-XQ9 departed Archerfield and returned to Mackay Airport via Gladstone Airport.

New Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ Spotted at Longreach Airport on Delivery Flight - Plus More!

On Friday 6 December, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ was spotted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Darwin after arriving there from overseas the previous day.

It then departed Longreach Airport for Warwick and its Archerfield base. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 6 December, Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PF visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. 

Aero Logistics / Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys Cessna 404 Titan VH-WGS flew up from Archerfield to a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Archerfield. 

While Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And seemingly Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT arrived into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 December, N771MT departed Bundaberg Airport for Sydney.

Finally, late on Thursday 5 December, Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 as "Rescue 401" became the 22nd helicopter to land at the Rockhampton Base Hospital. 

Photo taken by Drew Mackay  ©

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  ©️

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 3 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay from Bankstown and Cessnock and late this afternoon flew back to there.

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LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" popped into Gladstone Airport from Townsville and Brisbane. It then departed to Cairns and then back to Brisbane.

And Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 3 July, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ as "Rescue 521" was noted completing a medical evacuation flight from Mackay Airport to Townsville.

As posted below, the two (now former) Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 helicopters VH-CQJ and VH-VAU have gone from Mackay Airport for good; while LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA, which has been at Mackay Airport since the start of the month, completed its first medical evacuation flight on Wednesday 3 July from Mackay to Proserpine Hosptial and back as "Rescue 401".

While Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Agusta AW109SP helicopter VH-CZT landed at Emerald from Townsville and then departed to Roma Airport and then Tamworth.

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

UPDATE!  On Thursday 4 July, VH-SGQ reversed these flights, coming down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport and then to Brisbane.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Rockhampton Airport to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived on the weekend.

And Gold Coast registered Extra EA300/LT VH-XKW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

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  ©️

The End of an Era as RACQ Ends a 22-year Sponsorship of the Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) and Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue)

It's the end of an era on Sunday 30 June as RACQ ends its 22-year naming rights sponsorship of the Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) and Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue).

Moreover, on Monday 1 July, CQ Rescue will commence operations with their own CASA Air Operator Certificate, without the need to out-source this to another company.  It also announced that they would be acquiring two new Agusta AW139 helicopters which will be faster and more fuel efficient than their current Bell 412 helicopters.

Consequently, on Sunday, the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-CQJ departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 July, VH-CQJ continued to Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga (pictured). And on Tuesday 2 July, VH-CQJ flew onwards to Griffith, Mildura and Adelaide where it will reportedly take up operations with the local rescue services.

UPDATE!  Also on Monday 1 July and Tuesday 2 July, fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP VH-VAU also departed Mackay Airport for good, heading North to Townsville, Cairns, Cooktown, Coen and Horn Island.

And also on Sunday 30 June, seemingly arriving into Mackay Airport for operations with CQ Rescue was LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA which arrived from Toowoomba via Gladstone Airport.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 31 July, CQ Rescue announced that BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) as their naming rights partner.

Photos taken by Robert Myers and Drew Mackay  ©

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.