LifeFlight Leonardo / Agusta Helicopters VH-XIU "Guardian 20" & VH-XIA "Guardian 10" Pop into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 5 September, a pair of LifeFlight helicopters called into Rockhampton Airport.

Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU as "Guardian 20" (pictured) and Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 10" came in together from Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with VH-XIU landing at Rockhampton Airport and VH-XIA flying a circuit of the Rockhampton Base Hospital Heli-Pad.

Both then returned to Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 September, newly registered Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters EC135P3H H135 helicopter VH-XV7 landed at Gladstone Airport from Redcliffe.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.

Of interest, fellow Heli-Aust Whitsundays Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter VH-XUV has recently returned to the region, flying into Gladstone Airport mid-way through August and taking up operations there.  It had previously been operating around the Newcastle area in New South Wales.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried South from Townsville to Archerfield via Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 5 September, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to Brisbane.

Of interest, over the last couple of weeks, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has made mutiple visits to Rocky and Mackay Airports - as well as making visits to Bundaberg, Longreach and Moranbah Airports.

Sistership VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also been busy, also making multiple visits to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports as well as also visiting Longreach, Blackall, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

And VH-URR "Ambulance 604" visited Mackay Airport on multiple occasions, as well as visiting Hervey Bay, Rockhampton and Emerald Airports.

While VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" continues to operate out of Singapore (Seletar).

Photo taken by Darren Massie  ©

Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N274JB Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 17 August, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N274JB arrived into Rockhampton Airport at the end of a delivery flight as 'SXI2536' / "Southern Cross 2536".

It arrived from Brisbane having started its delivery flight at San Jose (Costa Rica) and flying via Oakland, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.

As shown, N274JB was delivered in a basic JetBlue Airways livery.  It will reportedly be going to be placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-A2S.

N274JB was promptly parked inside the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  After being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-A2S, the E-190 departed Rockhampton Airport for Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 25 November where reports suggest it will be re-painted in a special livery on behalf of Alliance Airlines.  We shall wait and see!!

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 17 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B300 Super King Air A32-675 as "Beaufort 02" landed at Longreach Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed to the North West.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM departed Longreach Airport to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" arrived into Emerald Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Monday 18 August, VH-PIY "Machflight 41" departed Emerald Airport for Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has had a busy couple of days, yesterday flying up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport and then Townsville before then today, returning to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane before then flying back up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports and then back to Townsville.

Of interest, sistership VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has - over the last couple of weeks - visited Mackay Airport on multiple times, plus Longreach, Hervey Bay, Emerald and Rockhampton Airports.

VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew back into Brisbane on Saturday 2 August from Singapore (Seletar) via Adelaide and looked to start operating back in Queensland over the last couple of weeks including to some local places including Emerald, Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports, as well as mutiple visits to Mackay and Longreach Airports.

And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" VH-OFA looked to head overseas and operate out of Singapore (Seletar).

Photos taken by Scott Harris and 'AC'  ©

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.  

https://www.facebook.com/horizonairway/

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).

Textron Aviation Inc (Wichita, Kansas) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 26 June, Textron Aviation Inc of Wichita, Kansas Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Katherine and Mount Isa. 

File photo

Then on Friday 27 June, N813EX flew to Rolleston Aerodrome and back and this afternoon departed Rockhampton Airport for the Gold Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 June, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed back to Cairns.

And Scone (NSW) based Textron Aviation B200GT King Air VH-8PO landed at Emerald Airport from Scone and then departed to Lizard Island. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 30 June, VH-8PO looked to fly back South, again calling into Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 27 June, Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet N616TS landed at Gladstone Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then departing back to there. 

Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew up from Archerfield and Warwick to Alpha Aerodrome.  Races this weekend!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 29 June, VH-YWS departed Alpha Aerodrome for Roma Airport and then back to Warwick and Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Brisbane. 

Of interest, over the last couple of weeks, VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also visited Gladstone, and Longreach Airports, and made mutiple visits to Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

While sistership  VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" did some cross-country and international flights.  And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" mostly remained in the hangar at Brisbane.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopters VH-ESH & VH-EZJ Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 June, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport.  VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-EZJ arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.  

A bit unusual to see both stopped at Emerald Airport at the same time. 

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from the Gold Coast to Mackay Airport and then down to Archerfield and late this afternoon is heading back to Mackay Airport. 

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Blackall Airport and then Birdsville. 

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO flew down from Mackay Airport to Brisbane.

And AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Alice Springs. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 13 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" landed at Jundah from Brisbane and then departed to Thargomindah and back to Brisbane. 

Private American-Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (GLF6) bizjet N720LE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport again from Sydney.

UPDATE!  Monday 16 June, N720LE departed Hamo and returned to Sydney.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Longreach Airport and back to Townsville.

Of interest, since the start of the month, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has also visited Gladstone, Barcaldine and Mackay Airports with a couple of repeated visits.

While sistership VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.  And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" remained in the hangar at Brisbane.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

P. Aviation (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-8YS Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 1 June, and believed to be making its first visit into the region was P. Aviation (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-8YS.  It arrived into Longreach Airport from Albury and Bankstown and later departed to Darwin.

File photo

While Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 206 VH-KQM landed at Emerald Airport from Vanrook Station near Normanton via and Hughenden and then departed to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Mareeba.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" had a busy day of flying, calling into Mackay Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Cairns before returning to Townsville.

Of interest, over the previous couple of weeks since reporting, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has been all over CQ including making visits to Roma, Blackall, Longreach, Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports.

Sistership VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" looks to have visited Emerald, Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports over the last couple of weeks but now appears to be in the hangar at Brisbane.

And VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" hasn't paid CQ a visit and looks to have been used on some overseas medical retrieval flights.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 31 May, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ flew down from Mareeba and Cairns to Hamilton Island Airport and then across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning North.

Victoria-based Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-JMU flew up from Echuca and Latrobe Valley (yesterday) to Maitland, Emerald and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 6 June, VH-JMU finally left Mackay Airport and returned to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before flying down to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before the continuing up to Cairns.

Photo taken by Garry Wilkinson  ©

Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N238JB Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 16 May, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N238JB arrived into Rockhampton Airport at the end of a delivery flight as 'SXI2518' / "Southern Cross 2518".

It arrived from Brisbane having started its delivery flight at San Jose (Costa Rica) and flying via Oakland, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.

As shown, N238JB was delivered in full Alliance Airlines livery and looks to be going to be placed on the Australian Aircraft register as VH-A2J - as shown on the front of the aircraft.

Garrison27 / https://www.flickr.com/

N238JB was promptly parked inside the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 16 May, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew down from Winton Airport to Windorah and this afternoon returned to Winton.  It looks to have been in flying around the Central-West of the state since flying up from Brisbane to Richmond on Tuesday 13 May.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 17 May, VH-SGQ flew to Longreach Airport from Winton.

UPDATE!  On Monday 19 May, VH-SGQ departed Longreach Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Wrightsair Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 Airvan VH-WRU landed at Longreach Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It was due to depart to Birdsville on Saturday 17 May.

Finally, also on Friday 16 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports a couple of times over the last couple of weeks.  Sisterships VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has also visited Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports and VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" appears to have been offline.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L or taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by John Lee  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 5 May, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" made a couple of visits to Central Queensland, visiting Rockhampton Airport and then Gladstone Airport, both times arriving from and then departing back to Brisbane.

File photo

It's been a few weeks since we've mentioned the LifeFlight Challengers, but of interest, this is the first flight that VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has completed in almost a month after a visit to Mackay Airport. 

While VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has completed several international medical evacuation flights but also visited Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton and Longreach Airports.

And VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has visited those places too, as well as Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Gladstone Airports.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW continues to ply its trade in the region, this time flying up from Cessnock to Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Emerald Airport before later reversing the flight.

And American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG which, this morning, flew up from Bankstown to Chinchilla and then Archerfield, flew up to near Moura and back to Archerfield

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 10 April, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Sydney.

File photo

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  It later departed to Gladstone Airport and then further to Sydney.

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

And American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 11 April, PC-12 N175NG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Gympie and then departed back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Shell Aviation Dassault Falcon 8X Bizjet VQ-BXG Arrives into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 7 April, a nice exotic bizjet in the form of Shell Aviation Dassault Aviation Falcon 8X bizjet VQ-BXG was spotted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.  It looked to have arrived from Sri Lanka the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 8 April, Falcon 8X VQ-BXG departed Gladstone Airport for Perth.

While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew into Emerald Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 9 April, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dalby and then departed to Archerfield.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Barcaldine Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before continuing to Townsville.

And Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 7 April, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Air) deployed their Cessna 208 Grand Caravan VH-UJK on the week-daily freight run from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport and return - sometimes via Rockhampton Airport.

It is believed that one of the 'usual' GAM Group Dornier 228 aircraft is in the hangar for planned maintenance hence the use of the Cessna 208.

And Cairns-based Air Tours Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA was noted departing Longreach Airport for Cooktown.

Finally, in response to the massive flood event in Central Western Queensland, several interesting aircraft and helicopters continue to be noted visiting different parts and seem to be based out of Charleville Airport.

All noted on Monday 7 April were:  Airbus Helicopters A125 VH-8HK, Beech King Air 200 VH-8UY Machflight 55", Beech 1900C-1 VH-VSO, Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk VH-UHS "Helitack 513", Bell 214ST N745H Quest Kodiak 100 VH-8FV, Boeing CH-47D Chinook N47CU, and Beech King Air 350 VH-SGQ

And finally returning to Townsville following its participation in the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport was Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 which flew up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Emerald Airport and then Townsville as "Madcow 351".

Photos taken by Jamie C  ©️

Several Light Aircraft and Helicopters Operating Out of Longreach Airport (and Surrounds) in Support of Flood Relief Efforts.

On Monday 31 March, several large and small helicopters and light General Aviation (GA) aircraft were all noted operating out of and around Longreach Airport as a major flood event grips Central West Queensland.

Through the day several helicopters were noted including:  Black Edge Aviation Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk N60CU, McDermott Aviation Bell 214s N745H and N512EV, Aerotech Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk VH-UHS as "Helitak 513" and Stirling Helicopters AS350 Squirrel VH-LBT

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8TTwas working over the southern parts of Western Queensland and finished the day at Longreach Airport.

Also landing at Longreach Airport were Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ which arrived from Toowoomba and Gladstone Airports and then returned to Toowoomba.  Plus Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and Wondai. 

And Kennedy Aviation (Kennedy Air Services) North American Rockwell 500S VH-XAS as "Birddog 444" landed at Longreach Airport from Scampton Airfield in NSW via Charleville Airport. It had flown up from Hobart yesterday. 

Finally, also on Monday 31 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 74" flew up to Mackay Airport from Sunshine Coast and then down to Brisbane. 

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

We've been a bit slack in reporting the LifeFlight Challenger movements but I do note that they continue to make several visits to CQ Airports each week.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Stored Aircraft Depart Rockhampton Airport and Return to Brisbane Airport to Re-enter Service Following TC Alfred - Plus More!

On Sunday 9 March, and with the worst of Tropical Cyclone Alfred out of the way for South-East Queensland, some sense of normality is returning to the skies as several of the parked-up aircraft departed Rockhampton Airport to re-enter service largely from Brisbane.

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190s VH-XVQ as QFA6281, VH-XVS as QFA6285, VH-UZF as QFA6283, VH-XVO as QFA6287, VH-XVX as QFA6289, VH-UZH as QFA6291 and VH-UZI as QFA6295 all departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Brisbane. 

Plus Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70s VH-NKU as UTY9822 and VH-NUU as UTY9821 and Fokker F-100 VH-UQG as UTY9820 also all departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 9 March, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU as RON314 departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane. It had arrived the previous evening from Darwin on a diversion from Brisbane as RON312.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-HPE as SH101 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa after several days parked out there.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And the welcome sight back in CQ of Skytrans Airlines Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A as SKP801 which flew down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to Brisbane.

Of interest, Skytrans has been cleared to start A319 wet-leasing operations, with CASA signing off on updates to its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).  After being purchased last year by global aviation firm Avia Solutions Group, Skytrans received its first A319, VH-L7A (ex LY-FAB), in mid-December and just received its second into Brisbane to be registered VH-L7C (ex LY-FAC).  VH-L7C is pictured below arriving into Toowoomba-Wellcamp from Brisbane to also escape TC Alfred.

Finally, also on Sunday 9 March, Brisbane-based Cessna 310R VH-NBI departed Rockhampton Airport for Quilpie and Coober Pedi.  It had arrived last week from Archerfield to avoid the weather.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 flew into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Ayr.

And over the last week, the LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets have continued to complete medical evacuation flights with some of them in and out of the region.

VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" has been noted visiting Longreach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

While VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was spotted (above) visiting Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 8 March and was noted also visiting Mackay, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast)  and Hervey Bay Airports.

Photos taken by Steve Vit, Tom Carmichael and Phil M  ©

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

On Friday 7 March, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to Townsville before then flying down to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Roma Airport.  It then returned to Moorabbin.

File photo

Of interest, VH-WMY was at Roma Airport earlier in the week on Tuesday 4 March.

McNab Aviation Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM was noted flying up from its Toowoomba base to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 March, VH-BSM departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and was noted returning to Toowoomba.

While Bourketown-based Beech 58 Baron VH-AYV flew across to Clermont Aerodrome from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 March, VH-AYV returned to Mount Isa from Clermont Aerodrome.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 421" looked to fly into Bundaberg Airport from Cairns via Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 March, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB as "Ambulance 624" flew down from Townsville to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and is due back to Townsville later.

Of interest, VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has visited Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport (twice) this week.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" has also visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport this week, as well as Longreach and Mackay Airports while operating out of Brisbane.

Finally, also on Friday 7 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 as "Wallaby 10" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Amberley before it then departed to Mount Isa and RAAF Base Tindal.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 March, A34-009 "Wallaby 10" again landed at Longreach Airport from Tindal before it then departed to RAAF Base Richmond.  

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Multiple QantasLink / Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 and Other Aircraft and Helicopters Continue to Escape TC Alfred to Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 6 March, Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued to bear down on the South East Queensland coast and as a result, flights in and out of the major Airports down there have all been cancelled causing most aircraft and helicopters to escape the region to safer places including into Central Queensland.  And with the massive hangar and additional parking space available, many Alliance Airlines / QantasLink Embraer E-190 jets landed at Rockhampton Airport mostly from Brisbane for parking while the Cyclone passes.

VH-XVO arrived on the scheduled QFA1986 flight.  

VH-UZI arrived as QFA6293.

VH-XVQ arrived as QFA6284 and was one of three to be parked on Taxiway Juliette.

VH-UZQ arrived as QFA6289.

VH-XVS arrived as QFA6281.

VH-XVX arrived as UTY6296/QFA1942 from Brisbane via Gladstone Airport.

VH-UZF arrived as QFA6288.

And Fokker F-70 VH-NKU flew from Brisbane to Emerald Airport as VOZ1265 then to Rockhampton Airport as UTY9820. 

Plus QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) E-190 VH-UYR flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane as QFA6295 - presumably to transport crews back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 6 March, there was some movement with the McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna Citation bizjets that arrived into Rockhampton Airport yesterday.

Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 VH-ZIY as "Machflight 74" departed to Brisbane. SUY was 74 yesterday and ZIY was 421. PIY was 41.  And Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SUY as "Machflight 74" also departed to Brisbane

Finally, also on Thursday 6 March, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport seemingly also for parking - UPDATED with photo!

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 March, VH-LEP departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Melbourne (Avalon).

Fellow Linfox Express Charter / Air National Australia Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 VH-LEF also arrived into Hamilton Island Airport but from Essendon via Sydney.  It looked to remain parked on Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Monday 10 March, VH-LEF departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.

While new Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS looked to visit Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

And three Queensland Government (State of Queensland) aircraft looked to visit Rockhampton Airport.  

Beech B300C Super King Air 350s VH-8PE and VH-8PH visited from Cairns and Brisbane respectively.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 March, VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport once again from Cairns and Townsville before later returning direct to Cairns.

Plus the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-PQX also visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 March, VH-PQX visited Rockhampton Airport once again from Cairns.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for their help in gathering information for this historic post - and of course for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Nigel Tuckwood, Scott Harris, Steve Vit and Phil M  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

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Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to Mackay Airport before it then continued up to Townsville.  VH-WMY then flew back to Moorabbin.

Of interest, VH-WMY has also visited Chinchilla Aerodrome and Roma Airport over the last couple of days.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and Emerald Airport before returning to Rocky and then Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

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

On Saturday 15 February, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield. It had arrived yesterday from Archerfield via Dalby and Natal Downs.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay then to Longreach, Charleville, Wellcamp and Brisbane.  It had also visited Mackay Airport and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport at the start of the week.

UPDATE!  VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport again directly from Brisbane on Sunday 16 February.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also visited some CQ Airports this past week, including Longreach, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports during a busy week flying out of and back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 15 February, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Lady Elliot Island and then departed to Townsville.  It then flew down to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 February, VH-MIF departed Labona to Emerald Airport and then returned to Labona and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and onwards to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Saturday 15 February, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) VH-UZI looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as QFA2690/3 on a sports charter flight for the Queensland rugby League (QRL).

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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.

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

On Saturday 25 January, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet 9H-VJH was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

It was flying as 'VJT884' / "Vistajet 884" and flew down from Cairns after arriving there the previous day from Hawaii (as shown above).

The sleek bizjet then departed back to Cairns to meet Australian Border Force requirements before it then continued to Phuket.

This is the second lovely VistaJet Global Express bizjet to call into Hamilton Island Airport within a week with VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet 9H-VIK as 'VJT712' / "Vistajet 712" visiting last Saturday - see Blog post below!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 25 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport before continuing to Brisbane.

Also during the week, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport as well as Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Of interest, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" operated more flights to overseas destinations.

Finally, late on Friday 24 January, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Jonanthan Williams  ©

VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet 9H-VIK Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 18 January, VistaJet Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet 9H-VIK as 'VJT712' / "Vistajet 712" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Washington, Denver, Honolulu and Cairns where it cleared Australian Border Force requirements.

After a short time on the ground 9H-VIK departed Hamo and returned to Cairns for parking (as shown).

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

While a nice little corporate we haven't seen for a little while in the form of Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was noted flying down from Longreach Airport to Brisbane. It had arrived from Mount Isa the previous day as shown.

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It seems that VH-ILJ has spent a lot of recent times flying from Brisbane to various destinations in Asia and the Middle East.

Also noted visiting Longreach Airport also on Saturday 18 January was Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41".  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and later returned there but via Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Longreach Airport.  It then flew to Cairns and then down to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport before it then returned to Brisbane.

It was a busy week for VH-OFA which also visited Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports during the latter part of the week.

Plus LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has completed two big overseas trips in the last week or so but managed to visit both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports on Wednesday 15 January.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 18 January, Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ as "Bomber 455" arrived into Longreach Airport from Gunnedah and departed to Mount Isa to assist with a bushfire emergency.

It joined VH-AWU which arrived into Mount Isa on Thursday 16 January, flying up from Toowoomba via Roma Airport and Longreach Airport.

Photo taken by Jonathan Willimas ©