Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (52-1C) "Cotam 1161" Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 July, making its very second appearance into Central Queensland in as many days was Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (Code 52-1C) which arrived into Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base Amberley as "Cotam 1161".

After some time on the ground, the CASA departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Amberley.

It seems the crew might have had some 'tourist time' as they were spotted returning to the aircraft with carry-bags from the Bundaberg Rum Factory!!

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-003 was also photographed on the ground at Bundaberg Airport after it too arrived from Amberley but as "Valour 02".

Of interest, A34-003 later completed another flight out of and back to Amberley as "Wallaby 63".

Finally, also on Thursday 20 July, United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules aircraft 18-5891 as "Jackal 92" looked to fly up once again from and back to RAAF Base Richmond and visit the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

UPDATE!  On Friday 21 July, 18-5891, this time as "Jackal 93" again visited the Shoalwater Bay area while on a flight up from and back to Richmond.

Plus fellow United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules aircraft 20-5939 as "Rogue 71" was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport also from Richmond.  It later returned there.

Sincere thanks to the local Bundy Spotters for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander and Dan B  ©

Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (52-1C) "Cotam 1161" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 July, making its very first appearance into Central Queensland (or at least on this Blog) was Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (Code 52-1C) which arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as "Cotam 1161".

It had earlier flown up to Townsville from RAAF Base Amberley.

After some time on the ground, the CASA departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Amberley, flying at low-level (around 500ft) all the way down the coast.

Of interest, the French Air Force currently operates 19 CN-235 medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft which are able to carry five tons of cargo or forty passengers.  It appears that '065' is flown by the Squadron ET00.052 La Tontouta at BA186 Noumea/La Tontouta in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Valour 02" was noted visiting the Samuel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Amberley.

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

Photos taken by John Lee and Scott Harris  ©