Real Time Aviation (Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Spotted at my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 3 October, I was able to photograph Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ parked at Clermont Aerodrome after it had arrived the previous evening from Archerfield and Dalby.  On Friday, it returned to Dalby and then Archerfield.

While Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew from Longreach Airport to the Sunshine Coast and back before later flying back to the Sunshine Coast.  As posted below, it had arrived into the Central West last weekend.

And Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine) yet again.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 3 October, Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Blackall Airport from Armidale then departed up to Richmond and then down to Kingaroy and back to Armidale.

While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ ferried down from Townsville to Archerfield flying via Emerald Airport.

And the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe after flying down there for planned maintenance back in late March.

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos taken by Darren Massie and Jonathan Williams  ©

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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

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

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

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

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

Photos taken by 'IAD' and Graham Aspinall  ©️

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  ©

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

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

File photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Heli Support (PNG) AS350B2 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PDC Passes Through Mackay and Gladstone Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 November, Heli Support - Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter P2-PDC was noted passing through Townsville, Mackay and Gladstone Airports while venturing from Cairns to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

P2-PDC at Cairns Airport some years ago  (https://www.controller.com/)

It had arrived into Cairns from the North the previous day.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Mackay and Bundaberg Airports while flying South from Townsville to Archerfield presumably for a period of planned maintenance. 

And the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR returned to Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour via the Sunshine Coast after it underwent planned maintenance.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 November, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from the Gold Coast to Rockhampton Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew down from Moura Aerodrome to Archerfield.

Davies Aviation Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-VPY visited Longreach Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VPY ditched into the sea about 50 km east of the Sunshine Coast Airport.  VH-VPY was conducting a ferry flight from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Pago Pago, American Samoa, with 2 pilots on board. The crew reported engine issues to air traffic control and an intent to return the aircraft to the Sunshine Coast.  During the return, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and the crew ditched the aircraft onto the ocean, about 50 km from the coast. The 2 crew exited the aircraft into a life raft and were winched aboard a rescue helicopter, while the aircraft was observed beginning to sink.

While locally-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG flew 'home' to Bundaberg Airport from Boulia and Longreach Airports.  It had flown West over the weekend.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.  It eventually returned to Essendon and Moorabbin.

Plus Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 10 November, VH-VDF departed Prosie and looked to head to Cairns.

Finally, late on Tuesday 7 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Longreach Airport and then across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew to Brisbane and then back to Townsville.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP511 to Brisbane after completing the FIFO flights to and from Labona.

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/aaronsaircraftimages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR Heads off from Rockhampton Airport for Maintenance - Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV Replaces it! - Plus More!

On Monday 31 July, the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coffs Harbour Airports where it will undergo planned maintenance.

Fellow Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV, which arrived into Rockhampton Airport last Tuesday 25 July, hopped from the old heli-pad to the new one and looks to be taking up the role of "Rescue 300".

Meanwhile, also on Monday 31 July, Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW was noted flying down from Hamilton Island Airport to Brisbane.  It arrived at Hamo on Thursday 27 July.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Roma Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to Waikerie.

And Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Mildura and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It had arrived from these places on Thursday 27 July.

Photos taken by John Lee  ©

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Cross University / Eastern Air Link Cessna 337G VH-AEV Operating at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

As it has done each day so far this month, on Wednesday 29 March, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV completed an aerial survey flight out of and back to Gladstone Airport.

VH-AEV at Gladstone Airport last week

Research reveals that VH-AEV first arrived into Gladstone Airport from Port Macquarie on Friday 3 March and almost each day since it has completed an aerial survey flight out of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.  It has been reported that South Cross University is utilising VH-AEV to complete complex research of the Reef.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 April, VH-AEV finally departed Gladstone Airport one final time, returning to Port Macquarie via Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 March, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 March, VH-UJU departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Stirling Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 VH-HKC was noted flying between Rockhampton Airport and Gladstone Airport.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY flew up from Armidale to Mackay Airport before later returning there but via Port Macquarie. 

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew out from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Charleville and Emerald Airports before then returning back to Wellcamp. 

While locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR departed Rockhampton Airport for the Rolleston Open Cut Mine with a heap of people on board.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And of the other Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport before then flying back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

It also looks like VH-HLL also visited Mackay Airport but on Tuesday 28 March, flying down from Townsville and out to Labona and then back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

Finally, also on Wednesday 29 March, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew down from Weipa to Mackay Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had flown North over that route on Monday 27 March. 

American-Registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Archerfield.  It had flown up there last Wednesday 22 March.

While Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns and operated around the Herbert Creek area East of Ogmore and Marlborough for a while before it then moved to the North-East part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before eventually returning to Cairns. 

And Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR looked to operate a delayed freight service into both Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport.  It departed Brisbane and firstly called into Mackay Airport as QFA7424 before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport as QF7425.  VH-SQR then returned to Brisbane from Rocky as QF7426.

Photo taken by Swavek Topolski  ©️

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Crash Victims Remembered Today

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

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

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

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

Pictured above is one of the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service's current choppers - recently delivered Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia operated Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR - arriving into the very successful Old Station Fly-in and Airshow at Raglan.  VH-YXR operates for the service as the primary "Rescue 300".

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

The Old Station Fly-in and Heritage Show 2022 at Raglan - Many Photos from a Wonderful Long Weekend!

What a wonderful long weekend!

The Old Station Fly-in and Heritage Show at Raglan was held over the long weekend of Friday 27 May to Sunday 29 May, with 1000's of people from all over the region in attendance over the three days enjoying the sights and sounds as over 200 aircraft and helicopters flew in from all parts of Queensland and interstate! There was also an impressive truck show, some classic cars, and plenty of new and old machinery. Meanwhile, the tractor pulling was extremely popular with big crowds enjoying the action during the weekend!

The entire weekend was hosted by the Creed Family and the Old Station Flying Club. There was support from numerous sponsors and various charity organisations, along with other local flying groups, who not only had their aircraft on display, but also assisted with the ground marshalling, parking all the visiting aircraft and helicopters.

Most aircraft had arrived by Friday with pilots enjoying dinner and entertainment on Friday night.  From early on Saturday, one of biggest crowds seen at the Old Station Farm came to and wandered amongst the visiting aircraft (with even more arrivals!) and enjoyed car and truck displays, market stalls, various machinery and of course, the tractor pulling!

For most of the weekend, the crowd was entertained by some spectacular Warbirds which operated regular aerobatic joyflights out of the Old Station.  

Paul Bennet Airshows had all their 'regular' aircraft in attendance - plus their merchandise truck!

Inverted Downunder / Matt Hall Racing Extra EA-300L VH-IOG and MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE also operated several aerobatic joyflights during the weekend.

Slightly more sedate was Rockhampton Helicopters Robinson R44 helicopter which also operated joyflights over the Old Station and surrounds.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International are always great supporters of the Old Station Fly-in and this time they sent three helicopters - new registered Bell Helicopter Textron 214B-1 Biglifter VH-SUF and Aerospatiale / Eurocopter Dauphins N365JA and N366SR.

During the middle of Saturday afternoon, the crowds settled in for a spectacular airshow which featured aerobatic displays by Paul Bennet Airshows and Australia's own Top Gun pilot Matt Hall.

The skies above the Old Station came alive as the airshow started with a four-ship formation featuring Paul Bennet and Gary Graham in Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB and 'new' Edge-540 VH-PBU, along with Matt Hall and Emma McDonald in MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE and Extra EA-300L VH-IOG.  They then performed a missing-man flight in memory of late Old Station Flying Club president Allan 'Kiwi' Andrew who recently passed away.

This was followed by a patriotic parachute drop from Skydive OZ Cessna U206F VH-OZP with the parachutist accompanied on his descent by Paul Bennet himself in his Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB.

Matt Hall and Emma McDonald in MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE and Extra EA-300L VH-IOG then completed a display with Matt Hall later returning to the skies to complete a spectacular solo display.

The Old Station's own Bell 47G-2A-1 helicopter VH-AKN then took to the sky to complete a spirited display.

It was followed by the unmistakable Grumman TBM-3E Avenger Warbird VH-MML.

And then Paul Bennet returned to the skies putting his Amateur-built Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB through its paces with a truly spectacular aerobatic display which had the massive crowds buzzing!

Caboolture-based Commonwealth CA-16 Wirraway Mk3 VH-MFW was next up completing several nice flypasts.

The ever popular North American T-28 Trojan VH-TRO then put on a great display featuring several flypasts.

Performance Aero / Flying Fighters Museum (Brisbane) Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros VH-SIC then completed a spectacular high-speed display.

Rockhampton-based R-Mach Aviation PZL Warszawa-Okecie M-18B Dromader VH-MDR and Ayres S2R Turbine Thrush VH-NFF then put on a great combined handling and then water-bombing and spraying display.

New Zealand Aerospace Industries Ltd CT-4A Airtrainer VH-CTQ then took the skies over Old Station.

And finally, Paul Bennet and Gary Graham in Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB and 'new' Edge-540 VH-PBU flew together for the last act of the day. 

In all, a 2-and-a-half hour airshow. 

After the airshow, the people that stayed at the Old Station - including a large amount of on-site campers - were entertained with live music, bonfires and a spectacular fireworks display.

It was a wonderful weekend with most aircraft departing for their home airfields during a cool but clear morning on Sunday.

It should be pointed out that all proceeds from the weekend - from admissions, auctions, food and drink sales, and part of the joyflights - will be given back to all the volunteer associations that assisted with the weekend.  This includes the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) and as always, the CHRS (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR proved again to be a popular visitor on the Saturday after it flew down from Rockhampton Airport as "Rescue 300".

Finally, one other touching tribute to the late Leonie Creed was seen with a lovely gathering area and lookout over the entrance to the farm bearing her name.

We would like to congratulate the Creed Family and the Old Station Flying Club for running yet another very successful weekend! Their hard work and commitment are remarkable and should be heartily congratulated!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for their help in compiling this article!