Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter (Darwin) Dassault Falcon 900 Bizjet VH-PPD Pops into Williamson Airfield within The Shoalwater Bay Training Area - Plus More!

On Thursday 3 July, an interesting visitor into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flying up from Canberra to land at the Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It later departed there for Brisbane.

File photo

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Natal Downs and this afternoon returned to Thangool Airport and Archerfield. 

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

And during the morning Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to North East of Yeppoon and operated there until mid afternoon before returning to Cairns. 

During the afternoon, fellow Surveillance Australia (Leidos) Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNE as "Rescue 330" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to out from Yeppoon, replacing VH-XNC "Rescue 440".  It later landed at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Essendon. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 4 July, Challengers VH-XNC "Rescue 440" from Cairns and VH-XNE "Rescue 330" from Essendon reached the area North East of Yeppoon about the same time.  Early afternoon, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" returned to Cairns and VH-XNE "Rescue 330" again landed at Rockhampton Airport for fuel before then returning once again to Essendon. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 3 July, Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ visited Gladstone Airport from the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

And FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Airnorth (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2I (ex N236JB) Departs Rockhampton Airport to Darwin - Plus More!

On Sunday 8 June, Airnorth (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2I (ex N236JB) departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin as ANO4001.

VH-A2I arrives into Darwin Airport

As mentioned below, the aircraft had arrived into Rockhampton Airport as N236JB on Sunday 25 May after completing its delivery flight from the USA.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 June, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC visited Hamilton Island Airport again from Archerfield.  It looked to fly to the Central West the previous day.

Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX also visited Hamo from Archerfield.  It then flew to the Sunshine Coast.

Tindal Air (NT) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NNA departed Hamilton Island Airport and also flew down to Archerfield.  It looked to have flown into Hamo from there on Thursday 5 June.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down to search ops off the coast between Gladstone and Bundaberg and on completion returned to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Sunday 8 June, Gold Coast based Cessna 310R VH-CSX flew up from Southport to Blackall Airport and then to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Southport. 

And Diamond DA40 NG Diamond Star N29MT landed at Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAX Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 May, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAX was noted passing through Longreach Airport. It arrived from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

P2-NAX at Longreach Airport in March on its way to Adelaide  (File photo)

It has been in Adelaide since the start of March where it appears to be going for planned maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAX wears the colours and titles.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 May, and probably in support of the Federal Election, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 Freighter VH-HPE as "Sharp 174", which had landed at Charleville Airport from Brisbane yesterday, departed there to Longreach Airport and then to St George and Toowoomba as "Sharp 174/3".

Search for Trans-Pacific Rower Stranded in Seas Whipped up by Cyclone Alfred Brings AMSA Challenger 604 VH-XNF "Rescue 550" to Rockhampton Airport Plus ADF Support

Across the weekend, a search was launched for Lithuanian national Aurimas Mockus who is in a row-boat, some 740km off the coast of Mackay.  He was attempting to cross the ocean between San Diego and Brisbane, but reportedly ran into trouble on Friday night in massive seas being whipped up Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Consequently, on Saturday 1 March, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Rockhampton Airport before embarking on a near-6-hour search mission.  It then landed back at Rockhampton Airport and departed back to Essendon on Sunday 2 March.

UPDATE!  VH-XNF "Resue 550" returned to the region, again landing at Rockhampton Airport, in the wee small hours of Monday 3 March as the rescue looked to take place.

Also landing at Rockhampton Airport, also on Sunday 2 March, was fellow AMSA Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" which flew down from Cairns and also patrolled the search area.  It later returned to Cairns but looks to be due to return to Rockhampton Airport on Monday 3 March.

Finally, during the evening on Saturday 1 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-009 as "Rescue 251" flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh to the search area before it then landed at Townsville - after an 8+ hour flight.

It looked to return to Edinburgh on Sunday 2 March.

Finally, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) amphibious Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) ship HMAS Choules has set sail from Brisbane to the search area in an effort to rescue the stranded the rower.

UPDATE!  On Monday 3 March, sailors from HMAS Choules completed the rescue!  Good news!

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Additional Images from Defence...

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAX Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 1 March, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAX was noted passing through Longreach Airport. It arrived from Cairns and later departed to Adelaide (pictured) where it appears to be going for planned maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAX wears the colours and titles.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 1 March, there was a pair of Rugby League sports charter flights into the region.  QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 jet VH-UZK flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport as QFA6281 before returning to Townsville as QFA2693.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport as QF2692 before then heading back to Townsville as QFA6282.

And Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 jet VH-UQW flew from Cairns to Mackay Airport and back to Cairns as UTY3381/2 before later flying back to Mackay Airport and then back to Cairns as UTY3383/4.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 12 February, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

File photo

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Archerfield and Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning directly to Archerfield.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some aerial surveillance / search work South of Roma.  It then landed at Emerald Airport to refuel before returning to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" flew back down to the search area near Roma and completed more airwork while on a flight out of and back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 12 February. Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE, which had landed at Planet Downs yesterday, departed there back to Archerfield.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP, which flew down from Keeroongooloo to Warwick and Toowoomba the previous day, flew out of Toowoomba to Warwick, Caldervale Station, Keeroongooloo and Tumbah Station this morning, continued on to Emerald Airport and then Tierawoomba.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as HND455.

And APA Helicopters Eurocopter AS350B3 VH-83Q arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South and parked at Stirling Helicopters.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

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.

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 7 July, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Cairns and later departed to Adelaide.

File photo

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea.  It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance. 

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAZ wears the colours and titles.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 7 July, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM passed through Longreach Airport while flying up from Tamworth to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and then flew down to Sydney.  It then returned to Brisbane.

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

Finally, on Saturday 6 July, Yulgibar Pastoral Company (Victoria) Cessna 560 Citation Encore bizjet VH-YUL was noted visiting Emerald Airport.  It arrived from Baryulgil and departed to Cairns.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL as Skytrans 965 departed Rockhampton Airport to Cairns before later in the night, returning to Rocky from Cairns but as Skytrans 966.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 June, National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYJ made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport from Brisbane and Cairns as JTE1072/258.  It then returned to Cairns and Brisbane but as JTE259/1093.

VH-IYJ had flown across to Brisbane from Perth via Adelaide (as shown above) over the weekend and replaced fellow Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA which ferried out of Brisbane to Perth via Alice Springs for planned maintenance. 

UPDATE!  A photo has been added from Emerald Airport where it arrived late on Tuesday 18 June and stayed for the night.

The 'other' Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP continues to operate into CQ Airports from and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 June, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mount Isa. 

While fellow Flight One Australia Cessna 172 VH-NOE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed to Archerfield.

Beech 95B55 Baron VH-8D8 visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Toowoomba.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Miranda Downs. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 June, VH-8HP returned to Tierawoomba from Miranda Downs.

And Aerospatiale AS.355F1 helicopter VH-SEV "Media 21" flew down from Cairns to Charter Towers and Clermont Aerodromes and then further to the South.  It had flown North via Roma and Emerald Airports to Cairns at the end of last week.

Finally, also on Monday 17 June, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Vanrook Station and then departed to the South-East.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNF "Rescue 550" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 February, 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 to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" low-level North-East of Bundaberg. 

File photo

After a long time, they flew in to land at Bundaberg Airport. After a refuel VH-XNF "Rescue 550" departed Bundaberg Airport back to Cairns.  VH-XCY "Rescue 522" departed the area to the Royal Brisbane Hospital. 

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ continued flying in the region, starting the day at Moura Aerodrome and then heading to Rockhampton Airport and then Julia Creek and Alice Springs before heading to Archerfield.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" visited Dalby Aerodrome from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 February, Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM flew down from Mackay Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Quilpie.  Later, it flew back to Clermont Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport before then flying to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-SLM had flown from Rocky to Mackay Airport on Sunday 25 February.

VH-SLM also did a similar flight at the start of last week - see Blog post and photo below.

South Australia-based Gippsaero GA8 Airvan VH-ANE also popped into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying from Windorah to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Port Agusta in South Australia the previous day.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  This seems to be a weekly run. 

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Monto Aerodrome.  It had arrived last Thursday 22 February.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew back to Emerald Airport from Gympie.  It had flown down there over the weekend.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport before it later returned to Archerfield and then Toowoomba. 

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew the normal HND3310/1 flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site  and back to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Labona but as HND428.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 February, VH-CVN departed Labona for Townsville again as HND428. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-CVN departed Townsville for Rockhampton Airport again as HND428.  It then completed a run to Labona and back as HND3350/1.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 January, the nice sight of Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It later flew back to Tulla but via Melbourne (Avalon).

File photo

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was back at Hamilton Island Airport, this time visiting from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

While Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete some airwork off the coast of Proserpine in the Whitsundays.  It then returned to Cairns.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-JSZ visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield once again.

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

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 January, The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived from Brisbane then departed to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-SGQ flew back down the Queensland coast from Cairns to Brisbane via Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 January, VH-SGQ departed Brisbane for Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport yet again and then departing back to Brisbane.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 January, VH-ISS flew back up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Townsville.  It then reversed the flight.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

And Beech 58 Baron VH-PRB visited Bundaberg Airport from its Lismore (New South Wales) base.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 6 January, Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

The smart looking Global Express arrived from Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Melbourne (Avalon) and later looked to depart to Brisbane before returning to Tulla.

Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC landed at Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Oakey and then back to the Sunny Coast.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then onwards to Carins.  It then flew to Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns landed at Longreach Airport via airwork near Georgetown.  It then departed back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 6 January, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp.

Sisterships VH-YTI and VH-YTU were also noted in the region, flying up towards Maryborough Airport from and back to Wellcamp.

A pair of Victoria-based visitors in the form of New Day Aviation Services Piper PA-31 VH-MWC and Piper PA-23-250 VH-CUW flew out of Gladstone Airport together heading for Coffs Harbour and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  They both had arrived into the Port City from Victoria on Boxing Day.

Cessna 182 VH-PNA flew from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Emerald Airport before returning to Gladstone Airport.

Fellow Cessna 182 VH-SGN flew down from Ayr to Emerald Airport and then Roma Airport before continuing to Coonamble.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 14 January, VH-SGN flew into Charleville Airport from Parkes and Walgett.  On Monday 15 January, VH-SGN continued to Emerald Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Tuesday 31 October, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from Griffith and then later depart to Melbourne (Essendon).

While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK arrived into Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It is due to return to those places on Wednesday 1 November. 

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then departed back to Archerfield. 

Meawhile. also on Tuesday 31 December, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR arrived into Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba.  It later departed back to those places and then Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Oaky Creek Mine Site. 

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP arrived into Mackay Airport from the North-East.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 October, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCK as "Rescue 522" on some search operations North-East of Bundaberg.  The Challenger then landed at Bundy and later departed back to Essendon.

VH-XCK "Rescue 522" then flew to the Bundaberg Hospital. 

Photos taken by 'AC' and Swavek Topolski  ©

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. 

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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.

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP Starts Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

A bit of history for the region on Monday 3 July, with the first scheduled Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight operated by National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) touching down at Moranbah Airport.

Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP arrived from Brisbane as 'JTE344' / "Jetex 344 Delta".  On departing the capital, it received a traditional spray from the Brisbane Airport firefighters!

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After parking for the day, VH-IYP later returned to Brisbane as 'JTE351' / "Jetex 351 Delta".

As mentioned below, National Jet Express has burst into the Queensland resource sector market with a long-term contract to provide FIFO services for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) into Moranbah Airport.  They plan to initially procure two Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen turboprop aircraft for Queensland and establish a new operational base in Brisbane to support the expansion of its services.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 July, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted flying from Rockhampton Airport to Townsville as HND428.  This seemingly only leaves one Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan at Rockhampton Airport for this FIFO charter flights to and from Labona - VH-ETF.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and then Mount Isa.

And Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, also on Monday3 July, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF finally departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Bourke, Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It had arrived from Essendon and Bourke last Monday.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Essendon and Archerfield to Miles, Proserpine and Mackay Airports.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 650 Citation VII bizjet VH-LYM popped into Charleville Airport while flying up from Armidale to Darwin.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Wednesday 17 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM was noted visiting Longreach Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Armidale and Walgett and later depart to Vanrook Station and then Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 May, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to complete and coordinate Search and Rescue operations North-East of Gladstone.

It acted as overseer for LifeFlight Bell 412s VH-XCI "Rescue 522" which flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport before then heading out to the search area.  It later returned to Gladstone Airport and then back to Bundy.

VH-XNC "Rescue 440" returned to Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 17 May, Beech A36 Bonanza VH-ILG flew up to Mackay from the Sunshine Coast.  VH-ILG usually frequents Mackay and also Emerald Airports but of late, it has been on some adventurous flights to Western Australia and most recently, South Australia.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.

While Van's RV14 VH-TRV flew down from Mareeba to Blackall Airport before then departing to Cobar and Benalla.  VH-TRV is registered in Malaysia but shows with a Victorian operator.  Indeed it has been noted visiting several places since arriving into Australia from Malaysia earlier in the month.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" flew down from Mackay Airport to complete airwork near Emerald before then landing at Emerald Airport.  It then departed for more airwork before then returning back to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Nathan Pawley  ©

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-XNC "Rescue 440" & VH-XNE "Rescue 330" at Mackay Airport

On Friday 14 April, a pair of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets looked to complete search and rescue operations off Mackay with both eventually calling into Mackay Airport for fuel.

In the wee small hours of Friday morning, VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns and operated off Mackay Airport before landing at Mackay Airport.  It then took off and resumed the airwork before returning to Cairns.  Of interest, VH-XNC "Rescue 440" had only flown up to Cairns from Melbourne (Essendon) earlier on Thursday 13 April.

While later on Friday morning, VH-XNE as "Rescue 330" also flew down from Cairns to complete search and rescue operations off Mackay before also landing at Mackay Airport for fuel.

However, VH-XNE "Rescue 330" then flew from Mackay Airport to Melbourne (Essendon) but looked to promptly flying back all the way back to Mackay Airport where it landed in the wee small hours of Saturday 15 April.  It then took off again from Mackay Airport and then returned once again to Essendon.

Of interest, this appears to be the first visit by VH-XNE into the region since it returned from planned maintenance earlier in the year where it had some unique Indigenous artwork applied.

As shown, Torres Strait Islander artist Michael Nona, from Badu Island in the Torres Strait, was selected to produce the artwork following an Expression of Interest process run by the Torres Strait Regional Authority earlier this year.

The inspiring Indigenous design will be wrapped around the front of the Challenger 604 rescue aircraft, operated for AMSA by Cobham Special Mission, which is part of their search and rescue fleet in Australia.

The design concept features a shark, known as Baydham in Kala Lagaw Ya language, representing an important symbol in the Torres Strait region.  Known as the protector of the reef, sharks play a role in maintaining balance in the seas.

All photos taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAT Passes Through Longreach Airport Heading Home!

On Sunday 8 January, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAT was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Adelaide and later departed to Cairns following a period of planned maintenance at the South Australian capital.

P2-NAT taxis out at Adelaide Airport for a test flight.

UPDATE!  On Monday 9 January, P2-NAX continued from Cairns to Tabubil in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8 arrived into Adelaide in late October to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAT wears the colours and titles.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAT Passes Through Longreach Airport

On Saturday 29 October, a nice surprise visitor into Longreach Airport was Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAT.  It arrived from Cairns and later departed to Adelaide.

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAT wears the colours and titles.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Friday 7 October, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a busy day of flying.

File photo

It looked to fly up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Parafield (Adelaide) to Roma Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.  VH-WMY returned to Roma Airport and then flew up to Hamilton Island Airport and then back once again to Roma Airport where it seems to be staying.

While GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bowen Aerodrome.  It had flown across from there on Tuesday 4 October.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before the continuing up to Natal Downs.  It then flew back to Labona and then Dalby before returning to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 October, Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Beech B200 King Air VH-WZN flew down from Cairns to Rockhampton Airport before heading to Brisbane.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport before flying back to Townsville and then Cairns.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE flew across from Mount Isa to Townsville and then down to Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport.  It had been to and departed Darwin at the start of the week.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport before heading across to Great Keppel Island.  It then returned to Rocky and then back to Bundy.

And RACQ LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIL completed a training flight from Toowoomba to Gladstone Airport via Chinchilla Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 7 October, a search by the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR "Rescue 300" to the North-East of Heron Island, saw Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" fly up to and back the search area from Melbourne (Essendon).

Of interest, earlier in the week on Wednesday 5 October, fellow AMSA Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF "Rescue 440" flew down to off the Capricorn Coast while on a flight out and back to Cairns.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©