TWO FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) Turboprops VH-OTE & VH-NTL Both Pop into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 25 March, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) as PE95.

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Soon after, fellow FlyPelican Jetstream 32 turboprop VH-NTL also arrived into Emerald Airport as PE745 on the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

VH-NTL later returned to Wellcamp and Archerfield as PE746 and then returned to Emerald Airport again on Thursday 26 March operating today's FIFO charter flight over the same route as PE743/4

While also on Thursday 26 March, VH-OTE departed Emerald Airport and returned to Williamtown again as PE95.

And Cirrus SR22 N312GM visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Plus Helicom AU P/L Bell 206L-4 helicopter VH-SHA landed at Gladstone Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Mackay Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G First Visit of Type to Rockhampton Airport BUT on a Diversion from Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 January, poor weather over the Whitsundays saw QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G operating as QLK1592 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport unable to land at Hamo and divert into Rockhampton Airport.

This is the first time that an Airbus A220 has landed at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, the A220 was unable to continue to Hamilton Island and instead re-positioned back to Brisbane as QLK7801. 

And a little later, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YIQ as VOZ1283 from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport was also unable to land up there and also diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

VH-YIQ departed Rocky and was able to land at Hamilton Island Airport before it then returned down to Sydney as VOZ1282.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 16 January, VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon and then Moorabbin.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS looked to depart Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport and then down to Cessnock.

Late in the day, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-ACV completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 14 January.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.  It had flown up last Saturday 10 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Thursday 8 January, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport. VH-EGK flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-ESH arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

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

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTD was also spotted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as PE743/4.  It also visited late on Wednesday 7 January on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run over the same route but as PE745/6.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Richmond and then Mount Isa. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Plus Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 121" landed at Boulia from Cairns. 

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet N605JL Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 26 December, Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL as "Machflight 01" flew up from Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and then West to Ayers Rock and then down to Brisbane.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 27 December, N605JL again as "Machflight 01" returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane before again flying out to Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 December, N605JL yet again as "Machflight 01" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney before it then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 26 December, D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF flew up from Adelaide and Kingscote to Charleville Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It then hopped to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Ayers Rock and then across to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Friday 26 December, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp. It is also due to visit Emerald Airport again from these places on Saturday 27 December.

The rare National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH visited Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and departed to Brisbane.

Townsville Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-NXU completed the East Air flight EA1/2 run yet again to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI, which was flying up from Gold Coast to Lady Elliott Island, was just to the South of there when they activated their Emergency Beacon, which was immediately heard by a passing Jetstar plane.  They also called a "Mayday" as their Engine Fire light came on. They assessed there was no actual trouble and continued to and landed safely at Lady Elliott Island.

UPDATE!  VH-TQI remained on Lady Elliott Island until Friday 2 December when it finally departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH Spotted Making First Visit to CQ at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 December, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-IYH was spotted making what we believe was its first ever visit to Central Queensland visiting Emerald Airport from Brisbane on a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) charter flight as JTE358/9.

It looked to fly across from Adelaide into Brisbane via Prominent Hill on Friday 19 December.

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL flew down from Emerald Airport to Toowoomba-Wellcamp as PE746.  It had arrived the previous day from Archerfield as PE606.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH was spotted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 December, re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" flew up to Hamilton Island from the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne (Essendon) before returning to the Sunny Coast later.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport after flying down to Brisbane last week - as posted below! It then flew back down to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 December, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.

Finally, also on Wednesday 24 December, Smartlynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and this afternoon fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQI departed Rockhampton Airport as SKP532 to Cairns.

And Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Poseidon Aviation Group Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER (G-VI) Bizjet N968FA Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 November, Poseidon Aviation Group Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER (G-VI) bizjet N968FA flew up from Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport. It had arrived into the Sunny Coast the previous day from Melbourne.

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

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ flew down from Brisbane to Moree then up to Emerald Airport and then further North.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Cairns.

Southern Airlines Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-LCE was noted completing aerial survey flights out of and back to Gladstone Airport after arriving there from Archerfield earlier in the week.

UPDATE!  Over the next weekend, VH-LCE moved its operations to Bundaberg Airport where it continued to operate local aerial survey flights.

While Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 jet VH-UQN visited Hamilton Island Airport on what seemed to be a charter flight from and back to Brisbane as UTY550/1.

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was noted on the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run between Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Emerald Airport both today and last night.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet N605JL Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 September, Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL as "Machflight 01" was noted visiting Mackay Airport.

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While Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-8MJ was noted arriving back into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 September, VH-8MJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Townsville and then Nadi, Fiji.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 September, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville then departed back to Cairns

Air Link Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AL4 landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and later it departed to Devoncourt Station. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 26 September, VH-AL4 returned to Longreach Airport and then on Saturday 27 September, VH-AL4 departed Longreach Airport for Archerfield and then Bankstown.  Of interest, M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH also flew into Longreach Airport from Devencourt on Friday and then departed to Archerfield on Sunday 28 September.

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTD was on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run from in Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp with it visiting on Thursday and late Wednesday.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 September, Aerostar (Yakovlev) YAK-52 VH-YDB flew into Rockhampton Airport from the South with reports that the beautiful warbird might now be locally owned!

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 August, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane. (It also looked to complete a local test flight on Monday 4 August.)

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 20 August, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ departed Blackall Airport for Dalby.  It then looked to keep flying down into New South Wales and Victoria.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 421" landed at Blackall Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also Thursday 14 August, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-ACV completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight Late on Wednesday 13 August.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Scone (NSW) based Textron Aviation B200GT King Air VH-8PO departed Emerald Airport for Scone.

And finally, a few aircraft landed at Longreach Airport including NSW based Piper Cherokees VH-CNP and VH-JPL along with Cessna 172 VH-NYK which arrived into Rockhampton Airport together from Sunshine Coast and then headed West to Longreach Airport.

Also NSW based Cessna 182 VH-MJB together with more Piper Cherokees VH-IJD, VH-JDC and VH-NFR plus Piper Seminole VH-PIE all landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. 

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8IH First Visit into CQ at Mackay Airport on Charter Flight - Plus More!

On Thursday 10 July, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8IH was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport.  It operated a charter flight as VOZ9521/0 from and back to Brisbane.

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VH-8IH was delivered into Brisbane from the USA on in late August 2024 before entering service at the start of September.  The aircraft was named 'Palm Beach' and is the 8th B737-8MAX delivered to Virgin Australia.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 10 July, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Natal Downs and then down to Clermont Aerodrome and then further down to Wagga Wagga.

UPDATE!  On Friday 11 July, it looked like VH-JSZ reversed the run, arriving back into Clermont Aerodrome from Wagga Wagga before it then went to Natal Downs and back to Archerfield.

While GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then flying down to the Gold Coast and then back to New Zealand.

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTE was noted visiting Emerald Airport on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.  It also visited late on Wednesday 9 July.

Finally, also on Thursday 10 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 12" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before flying South and completing another one at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

And two of the visiting Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters departed Rockhampton Airport for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back as "Stockman 12" and then "Stockman 11".

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Spotted by me Again at my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 June, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was again spotted by me visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby. 

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

And Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM, which had landed at Hamilton Island Airport on Monday, flew down from there to the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 19 June, Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350s VH-8PE and VH-8PF were both noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  Fellow Queensland Government Airwing Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was spotted at Bundaberg Airport, arriving from Brisbane and then later departing back there but via Miles Airport.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport and headed West to Mount Isa, Brunette Downs and Inverway and then up to Darwin.

As they do each and every week, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 179" flew from Archerfield to Labona and back. 

Melbourne-based Raytheon 58 Baron VH-CNN landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, VH-CNN departed Longreach Airport for Walgett. 

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 18 June.

And Textron Aviation Inc of Wichita, Kansas Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX flew up from Goondiwindi to Tumbar Station and then to the West.  It seems to be a tour of Australia and New Zealand although it has been down under for quite some time!

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UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, N813EX flew into Charleville Airport before heading to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 June, N813EX arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane before continuing up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Thursday 19 June, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2J (ex N238JB which arrived back in mid-May) departed Rockhampton Airport and completed a test flight as UTY9820 down to about Gayndah and then back to Rockhampton Airport.  During the late afternoon, it then departed to Brisbane as UTY9821.

Photos taken by Ross Huntington and Tony Haynes  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 11 June.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 June, it was noted that the Qantas/QantasLink Embraer E-190 flights have started using the callsign "Qlink" and the Aerlink ATR-72s have started using the "Aerolink" callsign plus flight numbers with the code 'AL'. 

Finally, Skytrans Airlines recently commenced operations out of Sydney to Lord Howe Island operating Dash-8-Q200 aircraft acquired from Qantas/QantasLink.  The first flight operated with a Skytrans flight number and callsign was on Saturday 10 May.

The acquired aircraft include VH-TQG which looked to position to Sydney from Cairns via Roma Airport on Wednesday 11 June.

The other aircraft acquired by Skytrans are VH-TQS and VH-TQX and we reckon could definitely make an appearance on the airline's flights from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - as well as Moranbah Airport with scheduled services from Cairns recently announced to start in July.

The Moranbah Airport flights will be operated by Dash-8-100/200 aircraft with the proposed schedule showing 3 weekly flights starting from Monday 30 June.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

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

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

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTD Spotted at Gladstone Airport – Again! – Plus More!

On Wednesday 2 August, an interesting visitor to the region, presumably on a closed charter flight, was FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTD. It was spotted at Gladstone Airport visiting from Brisbane as PE998.

VH-OTD also visited Gladstone Airport last month so is becoming a nice semi-frequent visitor!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 2 August, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" flew up to Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 3 August, VH-LXZ "Navair 169" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock and Bankstown.  

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

Also locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Gladstone Airport before returning later in the day.

Photos taken by Jamie C and John Lee  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTD Spotted at Gladstone Airport – Plus More!

On Thursday 6 July, an interesting visitor to the region, presumably on a closed charter flight, was FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTD.  It was spotted at Gladstone Airport visiting from Narrabri and Brisbane as PE998.

After returning to Brisbane, VH-OTD continued to Newcastle (Williamtown).

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 6 July, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Toowoomba to Injune Aerodrome and then down to Port Macquarie then up to Emerald Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

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 then returning there but via the Sunshine Coast.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to Labona before returning to Archerfield direct.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Gladstone Airport before continuing to Brisbane but via a missed approach at Gayndah. Aerodrome 

Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  It is planned to return there on Friday 7 July.

Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) looked to land at Emu Park Aerodrome from its Toowoomba base before then continuing to North towards Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 July, VH-PID flew down from Townsville way to land at Emerald Airport before continuing to Canberra and then returning to Toowoomba.

VH-TFB

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited 'Planet Downs' from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  Today, on Thursday 6 July, VH-PDE was 'officially' re-registered to Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services.

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD was noted flying down from Hamilton Island Airport to its Monto Aerodrome base.  It seems to have flown up there last Wednesday 28 June.

NSW based Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee VH-RSG landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports.  It looked to have flown up from Kempsey last Tuesday 27 June.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 July, VH-RSG continue to Cloncurry, Borroloola and Emkaytee in the Northern Territory.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before flying back down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

Finally, also on Thursday 6 July, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II bizjet VH-VDF flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Monday 10 July, VH-VDF returned to Proserpine Airport from Townsville before continuing back to the Sunny Coast.

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" was back in the region again, arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Townsville before returning to Archerfield.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as 'MC38' visited Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

All photos taken by Emily C  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 31 May, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

File photo

During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane before later returning there but via Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 31 May, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS landed at Labona from Barkley Downs and then departed to Wellclose.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 June, VH-ISS departed Wellclose for Roma Airport.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew up from Archerfield to Townsville via Gladstone and Mackay Airports.

Finally, also on Wednesday 31 May, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' looked to complete its closed tourist chart flight, coming down from Townsville to Hamilton Island Airport and then Mackay Airport before it then flew down to Newcastle (Williamtown).

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300s VH-QQL and VH-QQM Start Flying to Labona Airstrip at Carmichael Coal Mine - VH-QQL Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 29 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It earlier flew down from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 and then completed a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

As mentioned previously, 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 flown by various operators before going to Voyageur Airways on the behalf of the United Nations.  It looked to actually make its first visit to Labona in early February and was spotted (below) operating the SKP85/86 flight between Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Friday 10 February - possibly its first visit into CQ.

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While making what we believe was its first visit into CQ since it was delivered just last month in April 2023, back on Thursday 11 May, was Skytrans Airlines other recently delivered Dash-8-300 VH-QQM.  It looked to also complete the Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back run as SKP85/86.  VH-QQM also completed the SKP85/86 run on Thursday 18 May and has also this week been noted completing flights Labona from Townsville Airport and back for the first time.

Of interest, VH-QQM was delivered to Cairns wearing the Canadian registration marking of C-FTAK of Voyager Airways.  The Dash-8-300 has been operated by and for various regional airlines of Air Canada since 1990.  Hopefully we will see VH-QQM at Rockhampton Airport soon!

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 May, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' departed Mackay Airport for Townsville as it continued its closed tourist charter flight.

Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNC looked to fly up from Watts Bridge to eventually call into Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Charters Towers Aerodrome after a period of undergoing planned maintenance.  

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 May, VH-BNC continued from Charters Towers Aerodrome to Mareeba.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from its Armidale base before then continuing up to Cairns.  VH-OXY then flew back to Armidale.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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 Monday 29 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Longreach Airport from Moree before it then departed to Vanrook Station. 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Broken Hill, Waikerie, Melbourne (Essendon) and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Roma Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by John Lee and 'AC'  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe Jetstream 32 VH-OTQ Continues its Charter Flight at CQ Airports Over the Weekend - Plus More!

Over the course of the weekend, the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' was spotted and noted visiting a couple more Central Queensland Airports as its closed tourist charter flight continued.

On Saturday 27 May, it flew out from Gladstone Airport to the East and flew at low level around Lady Musgrave Island then around the reefs North of there then around Heron Island and to land at Rockhampton Airport.

Then on Sunday 28 May, VH-OTQ was photographed (above) before it later departed to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 May, VH-OTQ 'PE990" continued from Mackay Airport to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also over the weekend, also on Sunday 28 May, brand new and recently delivered Flight Options (Australia) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525C CitationJet CJ4 VH-8CJ was photographed as it departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

It had arrived from there on Friday 26 May.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was also spotted departing Hamilton Island Airport but for Archerfield.

It had arrived from there on Thursday 25 May.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Zauner Aviation Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FMM departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for its Albury base via the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from these places on Friday 26 May.

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed its Denison Downs (Emerald) base for the Whitsunday Airpoort at Shute Harbour before later returning there.

And Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Emerald Airport and then Boulia and Barrow Creek before returning direct to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Saturday 27 May, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 141" called into Moura Aerodrome from Dubbo, Bourke and Alice Springs.  It later returned to Dubbo via Archerfield.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Tambo Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Sydneyean Air (Sydney) Piper PA-31-350 VH-JVD was noted departing Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and Archerfield.  It seems to be on a closed tourist charter flight through parts of the region.

Kirkhope Aviation (of Melbourne) Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOK also seems to be on a closed tourist charter flight and flew from Mareeba to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then the Carnarvon Ranges.

While of the various aerial survey aircraft in the region, Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU continues to operate out of Roma Airport, 

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL is operating out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW "Survey 24" is operating out of Mackay Airport.

Plus, it's worth mentioning that Robinson R44 Raven II VH-TBT which operates joy flights from near Mount Hedlow is now registered to Rockhampton Helicopters.

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Nick Sainsbury  ©

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - South-Eastern Section - Textron B300C Super King Air VH-MQK "FlyDoc 286" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 May, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - South-Eastern Section - Textron B300C Super King Air VH-MQK as "FlyDoc 286" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Tamworth.

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UPDATE!  On Friday 26 May, VH-MQK "FlyDoc 286" departed Rockhampton Airport for Albury and then Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 May,  Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ 'PE990' flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport via some sightseeing over the water.

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

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also arrived into Labona but from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before it then returned to these places. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa before it then departed to Brisbane via a low pass over Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEW flew up to Mackay Airport from Goulburn. 

UPDATE!  Over the next couple of days, VH-VEW began operating aerial survey flights out of Mackay and Emerald Airports as "Survey 24".

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE had a busy day of flying, visiting Maryborough, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Bundaberg, Moura, Rolleston and Ingelara Airports while flying out of Canberra (yesterday) and Brisbane.

 

And Campbell Aviation (NSW) Piper PA-28-181 VH-XGN and Schofield Flying Club (NSW) Cessna 182 VH-ZFC flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to the Old Station.  Both aircraft look to have flown up to Far North Queensland over the previous 10 days with them also calling into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Emerald and Longreach Airports last week.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 May, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Emerald Airport while flying South from Townsville to Archerfield presumably for a period of planned maintenance.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©