Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Dragon 36" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT had originally departed from RAAF Base Amberley and flew all the way up to Cairns where it landed for a short time. A39-004 then flew back South via the airwork at Rockhampton Airport and then onwards back to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 36".

Of interest, fellow RAAF KC-30A MRTT A39-005 as "Dragon 34" was also in the air at the same time, also flying out of Amberley but all the way up to Cairns. It then flew down to Brisbane and then back to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 40" flew up from Amberley to complete airwork at Biggenden before it then continued over at low level to complete more airwork at Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew down over Fraser Island and down the Queensland coast back to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Scott Harris ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 A54-045 "Tester 33" Noted Around Fraser Island and Possible Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 5 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 A54-045 as "Tester 33" was noted completing low level operations over Fraser Island and possibly completed a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to complete the flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 December, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-009 (Code 909) was also noted flying around Fraser Island. It was noted to be flying as "TIGR09".

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 79" Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

After flying North the previous day, on Monday 22 September, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 again as "Envoy 79" flew back South on its training flight, departing Townsville and then being spotted arriving at Gladstone Airport.

It then departed and headed to Tamworth before continuing to Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 September,  Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 as "Stallion 65" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley at low level to over Fraser Island before it flew over and then completed a couple of approaches at Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Amberley at flight level.

All photos taken by Jaymee C  ©

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Regional Jet VH-UYR Now Re-Painted and back at CQ Airports - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Friday 14 February, QantasLink operated but Alliance Airlines owned Embraer E-190 regional jet VH-UYR made a return to Central Queensland Airports following a period of time in the Flying Colours paint shop in Townsville receiving the QantasLink livery.  It operated into Emerald Airport twice during a busy day as QFA1902/13/78/21 both times flying from and back to Brisbane.  (UPDATE!  Photo added below!)

Of interest VH-UYR was transferred back to the QantasLink / Alliance stable after operating in Darwin with Air North for some time.  It was re-painted in Townsville during January and February.

While Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns ad Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  VH-PSK completed a similar flight earlier in the week.

Fellow Flightech Air Logistics / Townsville Airlines Aero Commander 500-S VH-YJI arrived visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Forster Helicopters (Townsville) new Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 VH-KFT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 as "Trojan 14" was noted flying up from RAAF Base Richmond to descend to low level overhead Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then flew low level around Fraser Island before climbing back up overhead Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back South.

Photo taken by Gareth Ruhe  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 "Ausy 624" Completes a Fraser Coast Run!

On Thursday 18 July, a great sight over the Fraser Coast region including Fraser Island as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-464 completed a low-level flight in the area.

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A97-464 was flying as 'ASY624' and came up from Newcastle (Williamtown) to complete low-level operations around the Fraser Coast region including Fraser Island and also off Bundaberg. 

It then climbed to flight levels and headed for Townsville.

Nice!

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

On Tuesday 22 August, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport where it appears to be staying for the night.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 August, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to Labona before then flying all the way back down to the Sunshine coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 August, Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed 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 South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

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

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then back to Townsville as HND2290/1/2/3.

Aero Logistics (Bayswater Road P/L) Cessna 404 VH-LHV landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Normanton.

RDO Equipment Cessna 210N VH-JSC visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Townsville.  It looked to have arrived from there the previous day after also visiting Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Fellow ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as ZD440 was noted completing aerial survey work around the Hervey Bay and Fraser Island areas before flying into Toowoomba.

And Australian Army Aviation operated (Tillair Services / Omni Aviation Services) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV as "Waler 18" was noted on a flight out of and back to Oakey via completing airwork at Miles Airport.

The "Waler" callsign which is reportedly an Australian Army callsign.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-009 "Wallaby 52" Completes Airwork at Fraser Coast Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 9 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-009 was noted completing airwork at a couple of Fraser Coast Airports.

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It was flying as "Wallaby 52" and departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew at low level up the Fraser Coast and around Fraser Island before then completing a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then flew across to Bundaberg Airport and completed more airwork including at least one touch-and-go approach.

A34-009 "Wallaby 52" then returned to Amberley via more airwork at Kingaroy.

Meanwhile, back on Monday 7 August, fellow RAAF C-27J Spartans A34-004 as "Wallaby 36" and A34-007 as "Wallaby 31" completed airwork at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Miles Airports respectively.

Finally, also on Wednesday 9 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-006 "Dragon 42" departed Rockhampton Airport and flew to Adelaide before then flying back to RAAF Base Amberley. It had arrived the previous day - see Blog post below!

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-008 "Wallaby 33" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport

On Friday 9 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 was noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

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The Spartan was flying as "Wallaby 33" and departed RAAF Base Amberley and completed airwork at the Sunshine Coast first before then flying low level up the Fraser Coast including Fraser Island. It then completed more airwork including several touch-and-go approaches at Bundaberg Airport.

A34-008 "Wallaby 33" then returned to Amberley.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Numerous RAAF and USAF Aircraft Heard in the Skies Above CQ This Week during Exercises at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA)

On Wednesday 3 May (Happy Birthday Me!), and on other days this week, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets and Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets have been noted completing exercises within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

Defence image...

They have been flying up from RAAF Base Amberley in formations using callsigns such as "Cannon", "Carbine", "Colt" and "Buckshot" for the Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron, while the Growlers from No. 6 Squadron have been flying as "Sabre" and "Brutal".

They have also been heard to fly low-level around Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also Wednesday 3 May, two Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) have again flown North via CQ airspace before calling into Townsville.  The RAAF C-17 was identified as A41-209, while the USAF C-17 was identified as 05-5146, and they were heard to be flying together as "Charger".

Both flew up from Amberley to land at Townsville.

They were supported with air-to-air refuelling by RAAF Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 "Dragon 07" which is also pictured landing at Townsville.

Exercise Global Dexterity 2023 was conducted at RAAF Base Amberley from Monday 24 April to Friday 5 May 2023, and is designed to develop the bilateral tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Both the United States and Australia rely on the C-17A to provide strategic and tactical airlift across the Indo-Pacific region, with its ability to provide short-notice and time-critical airlift support making it essential during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Photos taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-448 "Trojan 10" Low-Level Ops over Fraser Island

Interesting to note that on Thursday 1 September, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules A97-448 completed a flight all the way around Fraser Island at a very low-level altitude.

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It had originally departed RAAF Base Richmond and landed at RAAF Base Amberley before departing there for the flight up towards the Fraser Coast.  It flew North-East from Gympie to the coastline where it descended to below 1000 feet before then flying up to and around Fraser Island.  The Herc then climbed and flew overheard Hervey Bay to then return to Amberley.

Of interest, A97-448 was heard to be flying as "Trojan 10".

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-440 Completes Airwork at CQ Airports - Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 15 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-440 was spotted completing a touch-and-go approach at Rockhampton Airport.  The Herc was flying as "Trojan 35" and flew up directly from RAAF Base Richmond to Rocky.

After completing the touch-and-go, A97-440 "Trojan 35" continued up to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport before then landing at Townsville for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 August, A97-440 "Trojan 35" departed Townsville and flew down to complete airwork at Longreach and Charleville Airports before returning to Richmond.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-007 was noted flying through the region, completing a very low-level pass circuit over Fraser Island.

It was flying as "Blackcat 01" and came up from RAAF Base Edinburgh to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then track North at below 1000ft to complete a left circuit of Fraser Island.  It then flew overhead Hervey Bay and Bundaberg and then climbed up to flight-levels and flew up towards the Whitsundays.

A47-007 "Blackcat 01" then completed a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns Airport before it too landed at Townsville for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 August, A47-001, but now as "Blackcat 02" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then to one at the Sunshine Coast before it then flew all the way back to Edinburgh.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 Bizjet VH-PIY Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 May, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International recently delivered Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  

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It looked to arrive from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and later depart back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 May, VH-PIY was back in the region, popping into Mackay Airport from Brisbane and Archerfield before later departing to Cairns.

And early in the morning, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XND "Rescue 660" flew down from Cairns to the Northern tip of Fraser Island to provide aerial support to the Bundaberg-based LifeFlight Bell 412EP VH-XCI "Rescue 522" which was on a search and rescue task.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 May, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-TFB  flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew back down to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba. 

While at Rockhampton Airport, Piper PA-46R-350T Malibu VH-SOG looked to arrive from its Toowoomba base.  It is due to return there early on Tuesday 31 May.

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310 VH-DZX flew up from Toowoomba to Roma and then Rockhampton Airports.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 May, VH-DZX departed Rockhampton Airport for Dalby.  Then on Wednesday 1 June, it returned to Roma and then Toowoomba.

Victoria-based Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche VH-ICS called into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and Moree before it then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And Schultz Equipment (Marburg) Bell 206B helicopter VH-ITM departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg, Redcliffe, Archerfield and Gold Coast Airports.

Finally on Sunday 29 May, Inverted Downunder / Matt Hall Racing Extra EA-300L VH-IOG and MX Aircraft MXS VH-CQE both arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from the Old Station and once again parked on the General Aviation (GA) Apron.  On Monday 30 May, VH-IOG was noted completing joyflights out of Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (QD-9227) "Sumo 87" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 26 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227) was spotted again in the region, this time photographed visiting Rockhampton Airport.

The Herc was flying as "Sumo 87" and had earlier flown down from Townsville to complete exercises off Fraser Island before then flying down to RAAF Base Amberley.  It then returned to the exercise area off Fraser Island and then flew up to Rockhampton Airport where it landed for a refuel.

"Sumo 87" then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned direct to Townsville.

Of interest, 169227 (QD-9227) is one of two Hercs that have been deployed to Townsville during joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) and are flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".

The other - as has been reported on here frequently - is Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (Tail Code QD-8075) and has been mostly operating as "Sumo 86" also out of Townsville.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris, Steve Vit and Ash Burggraaff  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (QD-8075) "Sumo 87" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (Tail Code QD-8075) was spotted again in the region, this time photographed completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

The Herc was flying as "Sumo 87" and had earlier flown down from Townsville to complete exercises off Fraser Island and flew up to Rocky from there.  At Rockhampton Airport, it completed several touch-and-go approaches before eventually landing for fuel.

"Sumo 87" then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the exercise area off Fraser Island before then returning direct to Townsville.

Also on Wednesday 21 July, sistership and fellow USMC Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227) "Sumo 86" also flew down from Townsville and was photographed and videoed completing a touch-and-go at Bundaberg Airport.  It then returned to Townsville.

It appears that both Hercs have changed their callsigns around today!

Of interest, the two Hercs have been deployed to Townsville during joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) and are flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 July, the now becoming familiar sight of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 "Wallaby 01" looked to fly down from Townsville out to Emerald Airport where it completed a missed approach before flying further down to RAAF Base Amberley.

Finally, earlier on Wednesday 21 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 "Stallion 16" departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It had arrived from there the previous afternoon - see Blog post below!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos and video!

Photos and video taken by Steve Vit, Dan Beck Photography and Peter Sajko  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (QD-8075) "Sumo 86" Spotted Above Rockhampton Airport

Flying operations off the Queensland coast (and in particular the Fraser Coast) have seemed to ramp up this week, and on Tuesday 20 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (Tail Code QD-8075) was photographed as it overflew Rockhampton Airport while flying South from Townsville.

The Herc was noted to be flying as "Sumo 86".

The other US Marines KC-130J Hercules deployed to Townsville - 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227)  "Sumo 87" - appeared to also fly down to the Fraser Coast region and back to Townsville.

Also heard flying through the region, also on Tuesday 20 July, were US Marines Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.  Some from Townsville were heard departing the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) as "Kingfisher 21", while it appears a single Osprey as "Magnum 31" flew off the USS America (LHA-6) amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy (USN) down to RAAF Base Amberley and back.

Finally, also on Tuesday 20 July, one notable aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to be noted flying of the Coast of Fraser Island was one of the last Lockheed AP-3C Orion aircraft A9-660 which flew up from and back to RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 Spotted Completing Airwork at CQ Airports

On Friday 4 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 was noted completing airwork at some Central Queensland Airports.  It looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete missed approaches at Rockhampton and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports.

The Globemaster then continued up to Townsville where it completed a touch-and-go.  It then flew back to Amberley but via another missed approach this time at Emerald Airport - where it is pictured above.

For the entire flight, A41-209 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Stallion 35".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Wallaby 35" was noted completing airwork in the Fraser Coast region and around Fraser Island on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ANZAC Day 2021 Flypast Details for Central Queensland Sunday

With ANZAC Day on tomorrow, Sunday 25 April, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released details of planned flypasts during Queensland commemorations - including some Central Queensland locations.  ANZAC Day also holds special significance for the RAAF this year, following the marking of its 100th birthday on 31 March 2021.

Details from the RAAF 'Flying Operations' website for Queensland only (https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/) indicate a single F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley will conduct a flypast of ANZAC Day commemoration activities on Sunday 25 April around Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast region at:

Fraser Island - 11.36am

Hervey Bay and Pialba - 11.40am

Buxton - 11.44am

Bargara - 11.48am

Burnett Heads - 11.49am

Rosedale - 11.54am

Calliope - 12.05pm

Monto - 12.15pm

Meanwhile, a RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft from Number 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at several locations including:

Bundaberg - 9.05am

Maryborough - 10.00am

Agnes Water - 10.22am

Gladstone - 10.32am

Elliott Heads - 11.25am

Moore Park Beach - 11.40am

Kingaroy - 12.12pm

Gayndah - 12.30pm

And finally, a single RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Number 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is expected to flypast at locations in North Queensland including some in CQ at:

Charters Towers - 9.30am

Airlie Beach - 10.15am

Daydream Island - 10.20am

Hamilton Island - 10.25am

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

The RAAF 'Flying Operations' also reminds everyone that "All Air Force flypasts can be cancelled or changed subject to weather, operational requirements or other aviation considerations. For public safety, drones must not be operated in the vicinity of flypasts."

Photos taken by John Van Den Bosch and James Saunders  ©

Three RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Complete Airwork around Bundaberg - A34-007, A34-010 & A34-001 - Flying Together as "Mongrel"

Certainly interesting to note that on Tuesday 30 March, three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were flew together around the Fraser Coast region including near Bundaberg in what seems to be a rehearsal for the upcoming RAAF 100th Anniversary Fly-over in Canberra this week.

Defence Image...

The three C-27Js were identified as A34-007, A34-010 and A34-001 (pictured) and looked to fly up from RAAF Base Amberley in formation at block level five thousand to seven thousand to a position out over water North of Bundaberg.  They then turned back toward land, descended to below 500 feet and flew down the coast to past the Sunshine Coast and back to Amberley.

A Pair of RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft Pop Into Bundaberg Airport - A34-007 & A34-009 - Flying Together as "Mongrel"

Certainly interesting to see that on Wednesday 24 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft popped in together to Bundaberg Airport.  They had earlier departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew up low level to complete airwork at Wondai before then flying overhead Gayndah and onwards to Bundy.

After completing some airwork, both Spartans landed at Bundaberg Airport for a short period of time.

After some time on the ground, the two Spartans departed Bundaberg Airport and again flew at low level to the East to then track down the Eastern side of Fraser Island and then overhead the Sunshine Coast and back to Amberley.

Of interest, both Spartans were heard to be using the single formation callsign of "Mongrel".

As mentioned previously, the Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi. The RAAF has ten C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters with 35 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley after they were ordered by in May 2012 to replace the now-retired De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou fleet.

The RAAF C-27J Spartan aircraft complements the capabilities of the current C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster aircraft and uses common C-130J Hercules infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems. They will be equipped with missile warning systems, electronic self-protection and battlefield armour allowing them to operate freely in high-threat environments.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Sophie C and Peter S for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Sophie Crow and Peter Sajko  ©