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  ©

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-87X Pops into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 13 April, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

It arrived from and then later departed back to the Sunshine Coast.

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

Like many of the other Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter fights into CQ, we probably won’t report on these much anymore.

And Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH flew up from Watts Bridge following planned maintenance to land at Biloela / Thangool Airport, Emerald Airport, Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Cairns.

Finally, also on Monday 13 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-209 as "Stallion 27" flew out from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Charleville Airport and up to Rockhampton Airport where it landed for a bit.  It then departed up to Mackay Airport where it completed another missed approach before then landing at Townsville.

Photo taken by Fraser Coast Aviation and Plane Spotting  ©

Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 28 January, Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Coominya (Watts Bridge) and then departed to Emerald, Charters Towers and Cairns Airports.

Emerald-based Amateur-built Lancair 360 VH-HIN visited Rockhampton Airport from there.

Auslink Aviation / Aircrew Training and Support Diamond DA-40 VH-END landed at Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later returning to Archerfield.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba before later departing to Archerfield and then back to Toowoomba.

While Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF flew a couple of flights from the new Helipower Hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns.  It later flew down to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned South to complete a couple more at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

Flexjet LLC (USA) Gulfstream G650ER Bizjet N673FX as 'LXJ673' / "Flexjet 673" Pops Back into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 October, the sleek Flexjet LLC (USA) Gulfstream G650ER bizjet N673FX as 'LXJ673' / "Flexjet 673" was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.  It later flew down to Sydney.

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As posted below, N673FX was noted visiting Hamo last week!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 October, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 86" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ flew up from Sydney to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 October, VH-VSZ departed Hervey Bay Airport for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 October, VH-VSZ departed Proserpine Airport for Brisbane and then Sydney.

While Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Melbourne (Essendon). 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMD flew down from Townsville to Hamilton Island Airport and then Lady Elliot Island.  It had flown up there from the Gold Coast yesterday.

And Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH landed at Emerald Airport from Cairns then departed to Watts Bridge for planned maintenance. It had come down from Horn Island yesterday.

Photo taken by Christopher Mabbott  ©

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 26 September, Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns. 

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Interair (Essendon) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU continues to complete aerial survey flights out of Bundaberg Airport.  It had originally arrived at the start of the month following spending some time at Roma Airport so it has been busy!!

  

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP landed at Longreach Airport from then Sunshine Coast and Roma Airport. It was also noted visiting Emerald Airport and other places during the week.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 27 September, VH-8HP departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and then the Sunshine Coast. It then continued to Cessnock and Canberra.

And Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome and then departed to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Watts Bridge for planned maintenance. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 26 September, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

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

Recently re-registered (registration marking) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-A74 (ex VH-DAA) as "Machflight 74" called into Mackay Airport from Horn Island.  It then departed to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

And after flying up to Natal Downs the previous day, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed there and landed at Clermont Aerodrome before then returning to Natal Downs.  It then flew back into Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Dalby and Archerfield.

Photo taken by Stephen Bottom  ©

Townsville Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NXU Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More Light Movements!

On Wednesday 24 September, Townsville Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NXU flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Townsville.

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

Colville Aviation Services / Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-PSX looked to fly up from Watts Bridge to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Cairns.

New South Wales based Beechcraft Corporation G58 Baron VH-8DC visited Clermont Aerodrome from Fairy Bower (near Coonamble in New South Wales). 

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 landed at Clermont from Townsville then departed back to there.  It then flew to Mackay Airport.

Fellow ZephAir Australia Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as ZD110 departed Mackay Airport for Townsville.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH arrived into Emerald Airport from Townsville and later departed there to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Toowoomba. It was also noted visiting Mackay Airport from Toowoomba at the start of the week.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane then departed to Mount Isa, Avon Downs and Brunette Downs. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 29 September, VH-STE landed at Emerald Airport from Canobie and then departed to Goonoo Feedlot near Comet. 

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW departed Mackay to the Newlands Coal Mine site and Collinsville Aerodrome then down to Goulburn.  VH-VEW had arrived into Mackay Airport from Brisbane, Oaky Creek, Clermont Aerodrome and the Newlands Coal Mine site at the start of the week.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 September and Friday 26 September, fellow Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-VEY completed the charter operators flights into CQ including to Emerald Airport, Clermont Aerodrome, Rolleston Aerodrome and Oaky Creek Mine site.

And the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT was noted completing aerial survey work around Bundaberg.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ VH-VEZ (ex N450XJ, N350AG) First Visit to CQ at Theodore Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 September, a surprise arrival into the region, and making what we believe is its first ever visit, was Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEZ, which flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to land at Theodore Aerodrome on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight.

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It later returned to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Since the SAAB was delivered to Link Airways, it has primarily been operating on regional Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) routes in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.  The airline also operates some flights on behalf of Virgin Australia Airlines.

Of interest, VH-VEZ previously operated in the USA with Mesaba Airlines for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines as N450XJ, but most recently, it flew with Florida-based Silver Airways as N350AG.

It was flown into Australia with that American registration marking in November 2022 and was re-registered and delivered to Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) as VH-VEZ. It entered service on Monday 20 February 2023 on behalf of Virgin Australia on the link between Canberra and Sydney - which it has operated quite a bit over the years!

VH-VEZ was one of three four most recently acquired SAAB 340s, and as far as we are aware,  two of the other four which were acquired about this time - VH-VEA and VH-VEQ - are still yet to make an appearance in Central Queensland.  VH-VER has been into CQ about two years ago.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 September, Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane.  It later returned to Cairns. 

And Torres Strait Air (Collville Aviation Services) Britten Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-27 Islander VH-89M landed at Emerald Airport from the South and then departed to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Thursday 4 September, SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport once again from Melbourne (Essendon).

Plus on Wednesday 3 September, re-registered Equipment Holding (WA) / Aeronautics and Technology Holdings P/L (NSW) Cessna 501 Citation I/SP VH-XJI made its first visit into the region visiting Emerald Airport from Cessnock.  Research reveals that this Citation was previously registered N501AF and was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register last year.

Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ landed at Blackall Airport from Dalby.

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 September, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, Brian Kenney, Chris Hall and Brian Gibbens  ©

New Zealand-based American-registered Cessna T206H N63PH Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 23 May, New Zealand-based American-registered Cessna T206H N63PH was noted calling into a couple of Central Queensland Airports.  It looked to fly up from the Gold Coast to land at Gladstone Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It looks to have arrived into the Gold Coast from New Zealand earlier in the week.

https://nzcivair.blogspot.com/

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 May, N63PH departed Hamilton Island Airport for Normanton.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 June, after completing a flight up to Darwin, N63PH returned to the region, landing at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.  It then flew down to Roma Airport.  On Thursday 12 June, N63PH departed Roma Airport for the Gold Coast before eventually returning 'across the ditch'.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 May,  Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns.

Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNC landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome and then departed to the Sunshine Coast and Watts Bridge.  It had flown down from Horn Island yesterday. 

Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Airs VH-8UY as "Machflight 242" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island and are staying the night. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 May, it appears that VH-PUY "Machflight 11" departed Rockhampton Airport to Horn Island and VH-8UY "Machflight 242" departed to Cairns. 

And finally, some notable General Aviation (GA) aircraft that landed at the Old Station Farm today for the fly-in and Airshow this weekend included:  Nanchang CJ-6A VH-XXB, Brisbane-based North American P51-D-30NT Mustang VH-FST, and the Paul Bennet Airshows contingent arrived led by Amateur-built Wolf Pitts Pro VH-PVB.

Jet Travel Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-8TP Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 March, Jet Travel Australia Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-8TP flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane

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McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and this afternoon departed to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 March, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Cairns.

And Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2B-20 Islander VH-WZP landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Mareeba and this afternoon departed to the South - possibly Watts Bridge for planned maintenance. It had come down from Horn Island to Mareeba on Sunday.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 27 March, Torres Strait Air Islander VH-IZH flew up from Watts Bridge to Thangool, Emerald, Charters Towers and Mareeba Airports. 

Finally, on Monday 24 March, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted visiting Mackay Airport.  And  Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 7 January, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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It then flew down to Sydney and then back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 January, Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mareeba and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then departed to Gold Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 January, VH-IZH continued to Watts Bridge Airfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.

And Sydneyean Air (Sydney) Piper PA-31-350 VH-JVD flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before departing to Labona and then back to Townsville.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport and Visiting a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 8 July, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 11 July, N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Proserpine Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before returning to Mackay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 8 July, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome. It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and then Lady Elliott Island.

New South Wales-based Cessna 182C Skylane VH-NLN departed Rockhampton Airport to Barcaldine Airport and then further to the North-West.  It had arrived yesterday from Moruya via Roma Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast and later departed to Bundaberg Airport and the back to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM, which flew to Mackay Airport from Rocky yesterday, departed there for Clermont Aerodrome and Quilpie. It then returned to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.

Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK flew across from there to Clermont Aerodrome and then down to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, VH-LDK reversed the flight.

And Consolidated Pastoral Company P/L Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC flew down from Darwin, Katherine, Newcastle Waters and Mount Isa to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then flying back up to Middlemount Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 July, VH-UTC departed Middlemount Aerodrome for Mount Isa and Newcastle Waters.

Finally, late on Sunday 7 July, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

New Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus BK117D3 H145 Helicopter P2-PHD Pops into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 June, new Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus BK117D3 H145 helicopter P2-PHD was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports while heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Sistership P2-PHA / https://www.pacifichelicopters.aero/

It flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton Airport and the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then onwards to Mareeba.  It was due to continue into PNG on Friday 14 June.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 June, ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI as 'ZD440' flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Bundaberg Airport for survey work.  It is due to continue to Tamworth and Canberra on Friday 14 June.

Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge then departed to Cairns. 

Eastern Air Services / Eastern Air Link Beech 58 Baron VH-SFC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from its Port Macquarie base. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 June, VH-SFC departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 13 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) new Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD landed at Bundaberg Airport from Sunshine Coast and then departed back to there. 

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

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It is due to return to the Sunny Coast over the weekend.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XNF "Rescue 550" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 February, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew down from Cairns to operate with LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" low-level North-East of Bundaberg. 

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After a long time, they flew in to land at Bundaberg Airport. After a refuel VH-XNF "Rescue 550" departed Bundaberg Airport back to Cairns.  VH-XCY "Rescue 522" departed the area to the Royal Brisbane Hospital. 

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ continued flying in the region, starting the day at Moura Aerodrome and then heading to Rockhampton Airport and then Julia Creek and Alice Springs before heading to Archerfield.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" visited Dalby Aerodrome from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 February, Rockhampton-based Peace Aviation Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM flew down from Mackay Airport to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then onwards to Quilpie.  Later, it flew back to Clermont Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport before then flying to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-SLM had flown from Rocky to Mackay Airport on Sunday 25 February.

VH-SLM also did a similar flight at the start of last week - see Blog post and photo below.

South Australia-based Gippsaero GA8 Airvan VH-ANE also popped into my local Clermont Aerodrome while flying from Windorah to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Port Agusta in South Australia the previous day.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  This seems to be a weekly run. 

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Monto Aerodrome.  It had arrived last Thursday 22 February.

Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew back to Emerald Airport from Gympie.  It had flown down there over the weekend.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Emerald Airport before it later returned to Archerfield and then Toowoomba. 

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew the normal HND3310/1 flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site  and back to Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Labona but as HND428.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 February, VH-CVN departed Labona for Townsville again as HND428. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-CVN departed Townsville for Rockhampton Airport again as HND428.  It then completed a run to Labona and back as HND3350/1.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ Ferries South via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 29 January, Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander VH-URJ arrived into Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome. It then departed to Biloela / Thangool Airport and Watts Bridge where it will undergo planned maintenance.

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VH-URJ had flown into Charters Towers Aerodrome the previous day from Horn Island, Coen and Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 January, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON as "Navair 170" flew up from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew back to the Sunshine Coast and then to Archerfield.

Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOS visited Labona from Townsville.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU visited Mackay Airport from Quilpie.  It had flown into Quilpie from its Tamworth base the previous day.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 Turboprop VH-VET Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Certainly an unusual sight on Thursday 21 December with Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visiting Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

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While Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.

And Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG called into Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge Airfield where it has undergone planned maintenance.  It then continued to the North.

Meanwhile also on Thursday 21 December, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had flown down there from Mackay Airport on Tuesday 19 December.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from Archerfield and departing to Charters Towers Aerodrome.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then flew across to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK Starts Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights into Emerald Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Tuesday 24 October, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK made its first ever visit into Central Queensland and completed the first ever visit by the airline on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Brisbane as JTE388.

VH-IYK then flew up to Moranbah Airport before returning back to Emerald Airport where it will spend the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 October, VH-IYK was photographed (above) preparing to depart Emerald Airport for Moranbah Airport and then to Brisbane as JTE381.

Of interest, VH-IYK only ferried into Brisbane from Perth via Adelaide over the previous weekend and now joins fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 VH-IYP in operating FIFO charter flights out of Brisbane into Moranbah Airport and other places.

And another FIFO charter flight into Emerald Airport on Tuesday 24 October with Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-100 VH-QQB visiting from Brisbane and Toowooma-Wellcamp as SKP745/6.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 24 October, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew into Mackay Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 24 October, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up to Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG called into Emerald Airport from the North before continuing to Watts Bridge Airfield where it will undergo planned maintenance.

YCAB Aviation Mooney M20R VH-OVH visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ looked to fly up to Collinsville from Brisbane and then across to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Oaky Creek and back to Mackay Airport but looks to have suffered a technical problem.

Fellow Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY was due to make a late arrival into Mackay Airport from Goulburn.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 25 October, VH-VEY departed Mackay Airport for Collinsville, Oaky Creek and Brisbane, while VH-VEJ flew from Mackay Airport to Goulburn.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Victorian-based Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet N227SL Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 20 September, Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and this afternoon departed to Archerfield.  It looked to have flown up from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp the previous day.

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While Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Prosperine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew down to Archerfield before returning to the Sunny Coast.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast.  It looks to have actually flown down there the previous day - which we missed!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 September, Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ of Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-JES visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns as HND422/3.

Colville Aviation Services / Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-PSX flew up from Watts Bridge to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then Cairns following a period of planned maintenance.  It looked to have flown South from Far North Queensland to Watts Bridge back in July.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE departed Mackay Airport and completed aerial survey work in the Whitsundays before looking to land at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.  It then departed to Brisbane. 

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ "Navair 188" Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 20 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 188" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 38" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then flew to Mount Isa and back to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Sunshine Coast. 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Roma Airport and then back Essendon and Moorabbin.

And American-registered but Australian-based Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet N360LF was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 20 July, Colville Aviation Services / Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-PSX arrived into Biloela / Thangool Airport from Cairns before then continuing South to Watts Bridge for planned maintenance.

The new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP continued to complete daytrips out of and back to Emerald Airport - today flying to Armidale and back before then flying to Miranda Downs, Lake Nash and Mount Isa and then back to Emerald Airport. 

Great Western Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.  It then returned there via the Sunshine Coast.

Plus Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also called into Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned to Archerfield direct.

Photos taken by 'JM' and John Lee  ©

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'  ©

Elphinstone Group (Burnie) / Revesco Aviation (Perth) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom Bizjet VH-PNM Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 April, Elphinstone Group (Burnie) / Revesco Aviation (Perth) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Melbourne (Essendon), Burnie and Narrabri to Hamilton Island Airport before it then returned to Narrabri.  VH-PNM is due to return to Essendon on Thursday 6 April.

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Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 199" arrived into Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 April, VH-LXZ "Navair 199" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock and then Bankstown.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Moranbah Airport.  It then flew down to Middlemount Aerodrome and appeared to have stayed.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 April, VH-PIY departed Middlemount Aerodrome and returned to Moranbah Airport.  It then returned to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back down to Brisbane and the Sunny Coast. 

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Dalby and Natal Downs before then returning back down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 5 April, Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNC looked to fly down from Charters Towers Aerodrome to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Watts Bridge where it is going to undertake planned maintenance.  VH-BNC had flown into Charters from Horn Island, Coen and Mareeba the previous day.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then across to Mackay Airport before then flying back to Labona and Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

Of interest, Hinterland Aviaton Cessna 208 Caravans VH-MRZ and VH-JES continue to operate Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.

Victoria-based Cessna 402C VH-ZMG flew down from Mount Isa to Charleville Airport and then Scone in New South Wales.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba before then flying up to Emerald Airport and then back down to Archerfield and back to Toowoomba.

And Stirling Helicopters Bell 206 VH-JAQ hopped across from Rockhampton Airport to Stapleton Park on the north side of the city for joyflight operations during the Rocky Nats.  During the late afternoon, it completed a flight to the coast via the southern tip of the Berserkers and back.

UPDATE!  During the remainder of Rocky Nats, VH-JAQ operated from Stapleton Park and the Rockhampton Showgrounds, plus heading back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©