Real Time Aviation - Brisbane - Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into my local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 13 July, and given our recent post about common movements, the familiar sight of Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was back yet again flying from Archerfield and Dalby to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It was planned to return South on Tuesday 14 July.

File photo

UPDATE!   On Wednesday 15 July, VH-JSZ appeared to fly back up from Archerfield to Dalby and then Moura and Springsure Airports before returning back South yet again on Thursday 16 July.

This will almost certainly be the final time we report on VH-JSZ...  

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Cairns.

While Nexus Airlines Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC as CT802 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island and Cairns on the school-holiday charter run.  It then departed to Brisbane as CT805.

And several interstate light aircraft who landed at Emerald Airport over the weekend departed there together heading up Shute Harbour. NSW based Cessna 172 VH-NLS, Beech Bonanza VH-ANX and Piper Cherokee VH-FGE, along with WA based Piper Saratoga VH-NJD and ACT based Piper Cherokee VH-IAL were all noted. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 13 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as Wedgetail 01 flew up from Williamtown to a missed approach at Sunshine Coast then up to three low over shoots at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Williamtown.

Later A30-006 now as "Wedgetail 03" flew up to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

And fellow Wedgetail A30-001 as "Mitchell 02" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before returning to Williamtown.

Finally, on Sunday 12 July, RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-450 as ASY655 flew down from Townsville and completed low level work in the Humboldt National Park between Humboldt and Rolleston.

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-ACC Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 9 July, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC popped into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

File photo

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM which had landed at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport at the start of the week, hopped from there to Hamilton Island Airport and then later departed to Canberra.

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown).

And South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF continues to make weekly visits up from Adelaide and Maitland to Collinsville Aerodrome (yesterday) and then Proserpine Airport (today) and back.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 8 July, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) GA8 Airvan VH-MFI and Cessna 172 VH-WMC landed at Longreach Airport from Barkley Wayside Inn and Mount Isa.

Finally, on Thursday 9 July, an ex-Jetstar Asia Airbus A320-200 N300XT departed storage at Alice Springs for Cairns and then the USA.

It was previously registered as 9V-JSY and 9V-TRD with Tigerair/Scoot and was ferried into Alice Springs in October 2025 with plans for it to be placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-X3R and enter service with Jetstar Australia - which obviously did not occur.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Jonathan Williams  ©

A Pair of Australian Army CH-47F Chinook Helicopters A15-307 "Salty 47" & A15-306 "Easy 328" Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 7 July, a pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters were spotted at Mackay Airport.  They appear to have flown down from Townsville via completing air work individually in the Whitsundays – at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Hamilton Island Airport – before continuing down to Mackay Airport.

The two Chinooks from the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville, where identified as A15-307 which flew as "Salty 47" and A15-306 as "Easy 328".

After some time on the ground, both Chinooks departed for Townsville with A15-307 "Salty 47" again completing air work at Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 25" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley and parked on taxiway Juliet. A bit later it departed to the North and completed a missed approach at Townsville before then returning to Amberley.

Finally, on the civilian side of movements, also on Tuesday 7 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying across to Ayers Rock. It later returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Adelaide.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast. It had arrived on Saturday 4 July from Port Macquarie and Rockhampton Airport.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" appeared to fly South from a property near Dysart.  It had earlier flown up from Archerfield and also from Wagga Wagga the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 July VH-A8L 'WA669' was again noted flying in the region ultimately arriving into Longreach Airport.  Then on Thursday 9 July, it departed Longreach Airport for Isisford, Wrotham Park and then Cairns.

Photos taken by Graham Kevin Jackson  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 6 July, and possibly entering service in its own right, was General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD.

It flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport and Townsville as 'GA845' / "Gamair 845" and was due to return South from Townsville to Brisbane via only Mackay Airport on Monday evening as 'GA847'.

Of interest, VH-YJD has been noted completing several training and test flights between Brisbane and Maryborough Airport in recent weeks with still the occasional run out to Emerald Airport in place of the  Cessna 208 Caravan VH-UJK.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 6 July, Albury-based Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO visited the region again this time arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra and Brisbane and then later departing to Bundaberg Airport.

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM departed Archerfield for Canberra before then flying up to Hamilton Island Airport and then across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport to Melbourne (Avalon).  It seems to have flown up from Mildura on Thursday 2 July.

While Arbormeta P/L (Byron Bay) Gippsaero GA8-TC 320 Airvan VH-AUM flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway to Emerald Airport before continuing to Mareeba and Cairns.

And Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M was spotted at Longreach Airport after earlier arriving from Winton.

Finally, over the weekend, on Saturday 4 July, Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Port McQuarrie and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Liam Sellick  ©

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 4 July, Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Port McQuarrie.

File photo

It later departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 4 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614"  flew up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport and then Cairns before later flying down to Blackall Airport and then Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

We don't mention the LifeFlight Challengers much any more but they are still regular visitors to CQ Airports!

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY and Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV Call in Together to CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 3 July, New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY together with Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV, where both across from NZ to Archerfield on Wednesday, flew up from there to Gladstone Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  Over the subsequent weekend, they departed to Pinnarendi.

If you're interested in following their tour(s), both pilots are running a couple of blogs, feel free to take a look...

Andrew: https://nzcirruspilot.com/trans-tasman/

Peter: https://merwood.blogspot.com/

Finally, on Thursday 2 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Mildura.

UPDATE!  On Monday 6 July, VH-LEP departed Hamo for Melbourne (Avalon).

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Bankstown.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 62" at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 29 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 62" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra via Coffs Harbour on what appears to be a training flight.  It then departed to Hamilton Island Airport via overheard Emerald before later heading up to Townsville via airwork at Cairns.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, A62-001 as "Envoy 62" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before it later departed to the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 June, Black Edge Aviation (Scone) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH landed at Charleville Airport from Scone and before it then headed up towards Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, Black Hawk N274TH departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa, Katherine and Darwin. 

It also seems that Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter ZK-HKU flew North-West from Roma Airport also heading up towards the North of Australia.

Finally, on Sunday 28 June, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQA as SXI2622 departed Brisbane for Darwin and then overseas eventually for scrapping.  

File photo

Of interest, the final revenue service that VH-UQA looked to operate was on Tuesday 3 March into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane on behalf of Virgin Australia as VOZ1245/1248.

Photo taken by Jamie C  ©

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A (Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa) First Visit to Mackay Airport on a Diversion - Plus More!

On Friday 26 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A was flying from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport as QLK1592 but was unable to land there and diverted to Mackay Airport - the first ever visit by an Airbus A220 into Mackay Airport.

File photo

It later continued from Mackay Airport to Hamo as QLK1592 and then returned to Brisbane as per normal, albeit a little late!

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQX was noted operating the SKP85/6 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Cairns. A rare visit!

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT flew across from Alpha Aerodrome to Emerald Airport. It looked to earlier fly up from Warwick.

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172 VH-MAO and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-MFI departed Longreach Airport for Richmond and Mareeba.  It looks like they had arrived into Longreach Airport on Wednesday 24 June from Barkley Downs and Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 25 June, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was heading up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport but half way it turned back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 June, VH-EGF landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Cairns. 

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 61" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport before returning down to Amberley for more.

Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopter N52-103 as "Warhorse 33" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Oakey and this afternoon departed back to there but as "Warhorse 34".

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 61" Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 as "Envoy 61" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed back to there.

File photo

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 55" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed to Coffs Harbour.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sunshine Coast. Later, VH-PIY again as "Machflight 41" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 161" looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 June, VH-IEQ "Navair 161" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bankstown.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB Diverts into Rockhampton Airport with Hydraulic Problem - Plus More!

On Monday 22 June, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB as JTE342 flying up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport but after holding due to low cloud there, then diverted to Rockhampton Airport with a reported hydraulic problem on the left side. It landed safely with the local fire trucks on standby and they followed it from touchdown to the Bay. Later the aircraft was towed to the Alliance Airlines Hanger.

File photo

During the afternoon National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA as JTE504 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Moranbah Airport as JTE342 before returning to Brisbane as JTE505.  Fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 VH-IYK also completed a run to Moranbah Airport from and back to Brisbane as JTE352/3.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-8QB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as JTE505.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 June, re-registered SHM Aviation P/L / LifeFlight Commercial Ltd Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3+ VH-SHM visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

Of interest VH-SHM was previously registered as VH-TCS and was re-registered across March and April this year.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-SHM visited Mackay Airport also from Archerfield.

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC had a busy day, flying up to Blackall Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports before then returning to Archerfield.  It then departed to Dubbo before returning to Blackall Airport and then flying back to Archerfield. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-JSZ departed Clermont Aerodrome to Natal Downs and then down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport before later reversing the flight.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Plus LifeFlight Agusta A109SP helicopter VH-XNR was noted flying out of Maryborough Airport.

Finally, over the weekend on Saturday 20 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It also visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast on Friday 19 June. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Roma Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport - UPDATED!

On Friday 19 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

Photo updated!

VH-X4L is the 12th A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel at the end of last month.  It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink just over a fortnight ago.

Continuing the theme of the A220s being named after native Australian wildlife, VH-X4L wears the name 'Blue Tongue Lizard'.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Green Sky Aviation (USA) Gulfstream GV-SP (G550) Bizjet N671LE Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 June, Green Sky Aviation of Florida in the USA Gulfstream GV-SP (G550) bizjet N671LE flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns (pictured) after it had earlier arrived from overseas.

Its exact movements are unfortunately not fully known.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 8 June, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

It then departed to Brisbane.

And Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil Helicopter PK-HCY Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 5 June, HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil helicopter PK-HCY was noted flying North from the Sunshine Coast to Gladstone Airport and then Mackay Airport.

It had flown down to Sunshine Coast in October 2024.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, AS350 PK-HCY departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cooktown. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 3 June, former Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ was spotted passing through Emerald Airport.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Longreach Airport.

It is also believed that Touchdown Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N4875A passed through Birdsville Airport while ferrying from Shell Harbour in NSW to Indonesia for their firefighting season.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Dalby to Mackay and Collinsville Airports and then Natal Downs and this afternoon reversed the flight. 

VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG visited Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, VH-EXG flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Essendon.  On Monday 8 June, VH-EXG departed Prosie and flew back to Essendon.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 01" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport.  It then returned to the Sunshine Coast. 

At the same time, fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned south to Brisbane but as "Machflight 01". 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, Citation VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  Then in the afternoon, Citation VH-PIY now as "Machflight 01" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

And now former Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 now registered N770XT (ex 9V-JSX/VH-X3P) departed Alice Springs to Cairns.  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, A320 N770XT departed Cairns to Kiribati and Honolulu.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Jonathan Williams  ©

Melbourne-based Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OFJ Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 1 June, ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

https://www.facebook.com/Bundaberg.Aviation.Fuel

Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M landed at Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

While new and just registered to Sutcliffe P/L Mackay, Tecnam P-2012 VH-HID, which landed in country last night from Norfolk Island into Brisbane and then the Gold Coast, departed to Goldie for Mackay Airport.

Finally, on Sunday 31 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG arrived into Roma Airport from Cairns before then departing to Sydney all as SKP552.

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-VGX at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 30 May, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet VH-VGX flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 31 May, VH-VGX departed Mackay Airport and returned to Essendon.

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

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Townsville.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

THREE Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' Training Helicopters Arrive into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 28 May, three Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopters were noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as "Jackal" after flying up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  They have been identified as N52-101, N52-102 and N52-103 and were parked up for the night.

Then on Friday 29 May, the three H135 helicopters again as "Jackal" flew out of Rockhampton Airport to The Glen Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rocky.  

They later all returned down to Oakey - N52-101 was noted on radar flying as "Warhorse 27".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 29 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 89" flew up from Canberra to land at Coffs Harbour and Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth. 

RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 as "Hudson 25", which landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base East Sale late yesterday, departed back to East Sale.

Finally, also on Friday 29 May, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.  It appears to have arrived into Hamo from Archerfield via Brisbane at the start of the week.

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 161" looked to arrive into Emerald Airport from Bankstown.  It then departed to Cairns.

And Cairns-based Air Tour Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photos taken by Darren Massie  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 May, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD was spotted completing testing at Emerald Airport.

It had earlier flown in from Brisbane via Biloela / Thangool Airport and then later departed back to Brisbane.

It also seems that VH-YJD completed a test flight to Maryborough Airport from and back to Brisbane on Wednesday 27 May.

This is the first time we have seen the 'new' but second-hand Beech 1900D Freight aircraft that GAM are going to take delivery primarily for Queensland operations for Team Global Express.  VH-YJD (UE-254) was previously N254GL of Alpine Air Express in the USA and was flown over to Melbourne (Essendon) where it was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register late last month.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-FMP as "Flydoc 802" visited Rockhampton Airport from Alice Springs.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork to the North-East of Gladstone before then heading South to the Sunshine Coast.  It was also noted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport the previous day.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It then returned directly to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 as "Stallion 64" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then Mackay Airport before it then flew back to Amberley. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Avcair LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-AVL Pops into Emerald and Rockhampton Airports on a Medevac Flight - Plus More!

On Thursday 21 May, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Emerald and Rockhampton Airports while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.  (We may stop reporting on this regular medical evacuation visitor...)

File photo

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421" flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Mackay Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived into Hamo from Cairns the previous day.  

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 May, VH-PIY 'Machflight 41' departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 121/73" visited Hamo from Cairns.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast and later depart to Townsville.

And NSW based Little Wings Beech 58 Baron VH-LW4 visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Mitchell 27" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to a complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport before then returning back to Williamtown. 

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 56" flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach each at Emerald Airport, Rockhampton Airport and then the Sunshine Coast before returning back to Amberley. 

And RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 77" completed airwork around Miles and Tara Airports while on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

Finally, on Wednesday 20 May, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 as "Aussie 574" flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach each at Emerald Airport, Rocky Airport and Mackay Airport before then landing at  Townsville.  It then departed to Malaysia on Thursday 21 May.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopter NZ3306 'Warrior' Pass Through Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 18 May, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopter NZ3306 as 'Warrior' arrived from Townsville and after a break departed to RAAF Base Amberley.  It is reportedly due to continue to return to NZ in the coming days.

While United Aero Helicopters 1982-build Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk N360UH was noted passing through Charleville Airport before being spotted late in the day at Longreach Airport.

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 10" flew up from Rockhampton Airport to Townsend Island and back. It later departed to Archerfield via Bundaberg Airport.  VH-XIA had arrived into Rockhampton Airport the previous day from Archerfield.

Company LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIR which is at Rockhampton Airport called up to depart on a test flight to Pirate Point and back, taxied out did a hover check before departing and taxied back to park. Later it flew its test flight. 

And Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S flew from Archerfield to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then departed to Sunshine Coast.  It also appeared to visit Hervey Bay Airport from the Sunshine Coast last week too!

Plus Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV visited Moranbah Airport from Archerfield. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 18 May, RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-003 as "Wallaby 65" flew up from Amberley to complete a missed approach at Kingaroy and Bundaberg Airports before it then returned back to Amberley. 

Finally, a couple of nice visitors we missed over the weekend was Cirrus SR22T N312GM which was noted flying across from Emerald Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Armidale and Adelaide.  It then departed to Armidale.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Liam Sellick  ©