'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ Out and About at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 March, 'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ flew from Hedlow Airfield to 'Red Rock' and back before later departing Hedlow to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back. 

'JB' / https://www.jetphotos.com/

Of interest, their 'usual' ride of Cessna 208 Caravan VH-RTC has reportedly been parked at Archerfield since October last year. 

While Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 March, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back down to Archerfield. 

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL  made a late visit to Longreach Airport arriving from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and down to Gladstone Airport and then back to Brisbane.

XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 10 October, XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

VH-OTK at Adelaide Airport last month  (File photo)

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 October, VH-OTK departed Hamo and returned to Essendon,

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 October, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew out from Hedlow Airfield to Tamworth.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 October, VH-RTC returned to Hedlow from Tamworth.

Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ flew up from Moree to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Mackay Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 10 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Mitchel 05" was noted completing two missed approaches at Gladstone Airport.  It flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to Gladstone Airport before then returning there via more airwork at Moree.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' at CQ Airports Completing Survey Work - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 September, ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' was noted operating out of Rockhampton Airport on aerial survey flights.  It had arrived from Mackay Airport where it had been hangared for the last couple weeks.

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UPDATE!  Over the next week, VH-YSI 'ZD440' continued to operate out of and back to Rockhampton Airport before flying up to Mackay Airport on Thursday 18 September.

Another aircraft completing aerial survey work in the region was Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ which landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield via survey work south of Emerald.

While Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Goonoo Feedlot from Canobe.  

And Mitchell Water Australia Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour then down to Chinchilla and Cootamundra and Melbourne (Essendon) before returning to Moorabbin.

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).

NSW Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation V Bizjet VH-VJT "Firescan 200" at Bundaberg Airport - And Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 December, New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation V bizjet VH-VJT as "Firescan 200" was spotted on the ground at Bundaberg Airport after arriving from the Sunshine Coast.

After completing a couple of local flights, it returned to the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 December, VH-VJT "Firescan 200" was back in region, this time spotted on the ground a wet Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport after arriving from the Sunshine Coast once again.  

It then returned to the Sunshine Coast and then continued to RAAF Base Richmond where it is presently based.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 December, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane. This twice-weekly flight sometimes includes a visit to the Oaky Creek Mine site but not today. This is also most likely the last time we will report on this repeat movement!

UPDATE!  Predictably, on Thursday 2 January, VH-VEY completed the same flight!

Finally, also on Monday 30 December, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Croydon and then its 'Red Rock' home at Comet.  It then departed there to the Sunshine Coast before it then returned to Hedlow. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 January, VH-RTC reversed its Monday flight, departing Hedlow to Sunshine Coast then back via Red Rock and Croydon. 

Photos taken by Ross Huntington and Garth Coad  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 9 December, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport.  Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 December, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport before then continuing to the Sunshine Coast and home to Orange.

 McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Mackay Airport from the Susnhine Coast and Archerfield.

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

Meanwhile, also on Monday 9 December, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up to Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport before then flying down to Lady Eliott Island.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site and Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield before it then departed to Redrock (Comet), Longreach Airport and Tobermorey on the
Western Queensland border. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 December, VH-RTC arrived back into Rockhampton Airport direct from Tobermorey and then hopped back to Hedlow Airfield.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA "Machflight 74" Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 21 November, recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA as "Machflight 74" was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

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It looked to have arrived into Hamo from the Sunshine Coast at the start of the week.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Melbourne (Essendon) and Ararat to Roma Airport and then to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport where it appears to be staying.

UPDATE!  On Monday 25 November, VH-WMY finally departed Mackay Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before flying down to Roma Airport and then back to Ararat and Moorabbin.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 21 November, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Redrock Station (Comet) and then further to the West. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before flying down to Brisbane and Toowoomba.  It had flown up to Cairns from Toowoomba yesterday.

Re-registered Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. 

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

Re-registered Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew from Archerfield and Brisbane to Townsville before flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane and Archerfield.

Parry's Aviation (NSW) Cirrus SR22 VH-8TC Pops into My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 3 November, nice sleek little Parry's Aviation (NSW) Cirrus SR22 VH-8TC popped into my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It arrived from Cairns and then departed to Sunshine Coast.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Friday 3 November, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC was photographed departing Rockhampton Airport for Red Rock Station (where it is registered to), Dalby and up to Hedlow Airfield.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES was also spotted parked in the General Aviation parking area of Rockhampton Airport.

As was Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU.

While the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

South Australian-based Piper PA-46R-350T Malibu Matrix VH-ZXJ landed at Longreach Airport from Aldinga (South Australia) and then departed to Cairns

And Aero Logistics / Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys Cessna 441 VH-LEM continues to complete aerial survey work out of Emerald Airport.

Photos taken by Mike Didsbury and Trevor Hardsman  ©

'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC pops into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield - Plus More!

On Sunday 17 September, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived from Hedlow Airfield then departed to Croydon Station and Red Rock Station (where it is registered to) and then further West. 

File photo

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT was in and out of Bundaberg Airport.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Townsville base.

And Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK was noted visiting Moranbah Airport from Brisbane using the Pel-Air flight numbers and callsigns of PFY9342/3.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 17 September, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Mackay Airport from and back to Archerfield.

Finally, on Saturday 16 September, Basair (Vectra Holdings) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees VH-VDN landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa before then flying across to Mackay Airport.  It had come from Alice Springs and Tenant Creek yesterday. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from then Gold Coast to Bundaberg Airport and Keeroongooloo and then to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Armidale. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 18 September, VH-8HP looked to depart Armidale for Keeroongooloo and then to Emerald Airport.

And Hughenden based Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 Longranger VH-ZRG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South-West.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet VH-UYX Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 13 August, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

File photo

It then departed to Adelaide and Sydney.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV has been operating out of both Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour over the past week on aerial survey flights and on Sunday, it departed to Cairns.

Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU arrived into Bundaberg Airport during the middle part of July and is still operating aerial survey flights from the Rum City.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew out from Hedlow Airfield to Rockhampton Airport and then up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Red Rock Property where it is based and then back to Hedlow.

Of interest, VH-RTC did almost the same flight on Friday 11 August except it flew out of and back to Hedlow.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 12 August, the new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then back to Moorabbin.

And re-registered Interair (Essendon) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU flew up from Toowoomba to Emerald Airport and then Clermont Aerodrome where it then started aerial survey operations for the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Monday 14 August, VH-PJU completed operations and departed Clermont Aerodrome for Toowoomba.

And Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Toowoomba and Archerfield after operating in the Fraser Coast and Mackay regions for at least the pervious couple of months.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More over a Busy Weekend!

On Sunday 9 July, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted arriving into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Wagga Wagga.

File photo

It then departed back to Archerfield.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to Chinchilla Aerodrome and Melbourne (Essendon).  VH-WMY had arrived into Mackay Airport from various places on Monday 3 July.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 9 July, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew out from Archerfield to near Moura then to Barcaldine Airport and then Alice Springs before returning and landing back near Moura.

UPDATE!  On Monday 10 July, VH-PGA departed to Mudgee and then back to Archerfield.

And Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Dubbo and Bathurst.

Finally, on Saturday 8 July, re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM landed at Barcaldine from Dinah Island.  It had flown up there last weekend.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 July, VH-UJM departed Barcaldine Airport for Lethbridge Airpark in Victoria.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC to Red Rock Station and ports further West.  It returned to Hedlow on Sunday.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield before then departing to Roma Airport and back to Archerfield. 

Avisyst P/L (Brisbane) Beech 35-B33 VH-TIM flew into Emerald Airport from Redcliffe and Noosa.  It is due to return South on Sunday.

JV Regional P/L Cessna 421B VH-DEG, which landed at Hamilton Island Airport from Ingham last Sunday 2 July, departed there for Bourke and Shepparton. 

New Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew back to Mackay Airport from Keeroongooloo.  It had flown there on Thursday 6 July.

And Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA looked to fly back up to Aberfoyle from Tamworth.  It flew down on Wednesday 5 July.

Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Skydiving Aircraft VH-XFB Flys into Lakeside Airpark in the Whitsundays - Plus More!

On Monday 5 June, Sydney-registered Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Skydiving Aircraft VH-XFB was noted flying up the Queensland coast, arriving into Lakeside Airpark at Bloomsbury, near Proserpine, to take up parachuting operations in association with the nearby Laguna Quays Resort.

It looked to fly up from the Sunshine Coast via Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  It looks like VH-XFB returned South before the week was out, with it returning to Lakeside Airpark from Wilton near Sydney on Saturday 10 June.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 June, Brisbane-based Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III VH-YSA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.  It looks to have flown up from there last Thursday 1 June.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew out from Hedlow Airfield to Lotus Creek and then down to somewhere near Rolleston, before then continuing to Roma Airport and Toowoomba. During the afternoon, it reversed the flight leaving out Lotus Creek. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield before later returning back there.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp before then departing to Julia Creek. 

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-XDW returned to Wellcamp from Longreach Airport on Wednesday 7 June.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport presumably to operate flights to and from Labona as the week progresses.

UPDATE!  Indeed on Tuesday 6 June, VH-TFB completed a run to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.  And then on Wednesday 7 June, VH-TFB again departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona but then looked to fly back down to Hervey Bay Airport.

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 3 April, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and back to Archerfield.

File photo

While on Sunday 2 April, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Albury and Adelaide (Parafield) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later returned to Albury and returned to Moorabbin on Monday 3 April.  

On interest, also on Sunday 2 April, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 April, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQI landed at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns as SKP85 before it then continued to Rockhampton Airport as SKP780.  But enroute, VH-QQI returned to Proserpine Airport before then departing there to Labona but as SKP1780.  It then flew to Rockhampton Airport as SKP774.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 April, VH-QQI operated three flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back before departing Rockhampton Airport for Townsville on Wednesday 5 April.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

Outback Aero Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FTT departed Longreach Airport for Bourke.  It looks to have departed Bankstown mid-last week on another 'outback adventure'.

Inverted Downunder (New South Wales) Piaggio P-180 Avanti II VH-ICK flew up from Cessnock to Charleville Airport and then to Mount Isa.  It later returned South.

Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF flew up from Elderslie and Port Macquarie to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then continued up to Lakeside Airpark where it will no doubt take up skydiving operations in the coming days.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted departing the Goonoo Feedlot near Comet to the North-West.

After some time out of the air, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It later returned to Rocky.

And Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF flew down from Townsville to land at Mackay and then Rockhampton Airports.  It then looked to continue to Bundaberg Airport and Redcliffe.  Over the weekend just gone, fellow Forster Helicopters Robinson R66 helicopter VH-DPU was noted operating out of Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, the crash of Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee VH-PXR in the Clarke Ranges West of Proserpine late on Sunday 2 April, brought a couple of fixed wing and helicopter aircraft to the region to search for the wreckage and retrieve the bodies of the two victims on Sunday and again on Monday 3 April.  VH-PXR was heading from Natal Downs to the Lakeside Airpark late Sunday when it failed to arrive amid storms in the area.

File photo

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 around the search area and also landed at Mackay Airport.  And also operating out of Mackay Airport was the Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 VH-CQJ "Rescue 412".

While flying down from Townsville were the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopters VH-EZJ and VH-ESZ as "Rescue 520" and "Rescue 521" respectively.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 3 March, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA popped into a couple of Central Queensland Airports during a busy day of flying.

File photo

VH-JYA flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport before it then departed to Brisbane.  It later flew up to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Townsville and Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 3 March, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Croydon Station at Lotus Creek then over to Red Rock Station near Comet.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 5 March, VH-RTC looked to fly back to Croydon Station / Lotus Creek from Rockhampton Airport before returning later in the day.

And locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 4 March, VH-NWF flew from Archerfield to Caboolture and then on Sunday 5 March, VH-NWF then returned to Clermont Aerodrome.

Finally, also on Friday 3 March, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY called into Mackay Airport also during a busy day of flying, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Renmark, and Waikerie before then flying back to Moorabbin.

Photo taken by Garry Wilkinson  ©

Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 Bizjet VH-PPD Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 February, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

File photo

VH-PPD looked to arrive from the Gold Coast and Newcastle before later departing to Brisbane.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to the sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 February, it was Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights galore around the region including Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Newcastle to Roma and Collinsville then to Mackay. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-VEJ departed Mackay Airport for the Newlands Coal Mine site before then flying all the way down to Moree, Newcastle and Goulburn. 

Of interest, fellow Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW, which has been working in PNG for a month, flew down from Port Moresby and Cairns to Archerfield.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back but this time via Mackay Airport.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF was noted doing the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back to Latrobe Valley and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200C VH-HPP arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.  It then departed to Labona before returning to Toowoomba.  It appears that VH-HPP had earlier complete two runs from Toowoomba to Taroom Aerodrome and back.

Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN popped into Labona as well, arriving from and later departing back to Townsville.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then flying out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.  Of interest, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-CVN and VH-MRZ are currently completing the FIFO charter flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.

UPDATE!  VH-NDC also operated into Mackay Airport on Wednesday 1 March, flying down from Townsville to Labona and then to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And after arriving into Rockhampton Airport the previous day from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 and then completing a flight to Labona and back as SKP771/2, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed once again to Labona but as SKP773 but did not return.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, after encountering a technical problem, VH-QQB departed Labona for Cairns as SKP506.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQG flew down from Townsville to Labona as SKP761 before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport as SKP774.  It later flew back to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport again as SKP775/6. 

Plus Skytrans Airlines new Dash-8-300 VH-QQL also completed flights between Townsville and Labona.

Finally, also on Tuesday 28 February, Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then my local Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 March, VH-MPT departed Clermont Aerodrome for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for 'Red Rock' Station near Comet and then down to Watts Bridge.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted departing the Goonoo Feedlot near Comet for a property South of Rolleston before it then departed to Brisbane.  It appears to have flown up from Brisbane the previous day.

And Southern Airlines Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-LCE finally departed Charleville Airport and headed back to Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It has been completing aerial survey flights out of Charleville and nearby Airports since late last year - including most days throughout February.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 February, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Cairns and Townsville.  It was later spotted departing to Brisbane.

While Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport again.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 February, VH-RTC flew out to 'Red Rock' Station near Comet and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU called into Biloela / Thangool Airport on the airlines scheduled service from Brisbane. It then hopped across to Gladstone Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra Bizjet VH-LHU (ex VH-WFE) Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 February, Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-LHU (ex VH-WFE) was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 February, VH-LHU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield. 

And late on Wednesday 22 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before continuing up to Townsville.  It had earlier completed a run from there to Cairns, Mount Isa and frown to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 February. Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport and then 'Red Rock' Station near Comet (where it is registered to) and then back to Rockhampton Airport. 

While re-registered Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE (ex VH-FGZ) looked to fly up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to 'Planet Downs'.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 February, VH-PDE returned to Archerfield from 'Planet Downs'.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 February, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND320 before it then flew up to Townsville as HND221.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-MRZ flew down from Townsville to LAbona as HND220 flew then flying across to Rockhampton Airport as HND321 - an aircraft swap!

Another Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-CVN operated out of Rockhampton Airport for Labona and back before then flying down to Gladstone Airport and back to Rocky as HND480.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Trevor H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos from Rockhampton Airport this week!

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Air Charter Coordinators (ACC) / Brescon P/L (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 10 February, new(ish) Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL was spotted making what we believe to be its first ever visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It flew down to Prosie on Skytrans' scheduled SKP85 service from Cairns.

It later flew back to Cairns as SKP86.

UPDATE!  VH-QQL looked to also complete the SKP85/86 service from Cairns to Proserpine Airport and back on Friday 17 February.

Of interest, VH-QQL was delivered to Skytrans Airlines at Cairns in November 2022, wearing the Canadian registration marking of C-FNCU.  It first flew in British Airways livery as G-NVSB and was then flown by various operators before going to Voyageur Airways on the behalf of the United Nations.  

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 February, Air Charter Coordinators (ACC) / Brescon P/L (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during yet another visit to the region.  It flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then continued up to Bowen Aerodrome before then returning to Labona and Wellcamp.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew from Rockhampton Airport to the Sunshine Coast once again.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 February, VH-RTC returned to Rockhampton Airport from the Sunny Coast.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-TFS flew into Mackay Airport from Redcliffe where it had been since the start of December 2022 undergoing extensive maintenance including re-painting.

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

VH-TFS later departed Mackay Airport for Cairns.  It was heard to be flying as 'HND800'.

Finally, also on Friday 10 February, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Mackay Airports before it then continued to Townsville and Cairns.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Recently Registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-PAC Spotted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 January, recently registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast where it seems to be currently based.

Of interest, the Victorian-registered Citation Mustang is 100th off the production line and looked to previously operate in Thailand as HS-IOO.

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

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" has visited Rockhampton Airport in the evening from Brisbane.

And Careflight (NT) Raytheon / Beech 400XT Nextant bizjet VH-OVS popped into Longreach Airport while flying down from Darwin to Sydney as "Careflight 46".  It is due to return to Darwin from Sydney but via Mount Isa on Saturday 28 January.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 January, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Red Rock Station near Comet - where it is based. It then continued down to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 January, VH-RTC returned to Red Rock Station and then Rockhampton Airport.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned North and called back into Rockhampton Airport before departing direct to Cairns.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Boulia and then Alice Springs.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 28 January, VH-KNV departed Alice Spring and returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And New South Wales-based Beech 58 Baron VH-JML visited Bundaberg Airport, flying up from and later back to its Lismore base.

Photos taken by Alex Eecen and Tony Haynes  ©

Heli Niugini (Papua New Guinea) Kawasaki BK117B-1 Helicopter P2-HNA Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 23 January, Heli Niugini (Papua New Guinea) Kawasaki BK117B-1 helicopter P2-HNA was noted passing through Emerald Airport while heading South.  It looked to start the day at Charters Towers Aerodrome and finish possibly at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

File photo

This is the second Heli Niugini helicopter to be noted passing through the region in recent days with Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter P2-HNJ spending a night at Rockhampton Airport while heading down to Victoria.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 January, Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEQ visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

After flying West at the end of last week, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from the North-West, flying via stops at Longreach Airport and Red Rock Station near Comet - where it is based.

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

While Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY was noted completing a flight from Townsville to Labona and then back.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 to operate the Labona flights this week.

UPDATE!  Late on Monday 23 January, VH-QQC actually flew up to Townsville from Labona and fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB 'replaced' it by flying down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Rockhampton Airport.