XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 May, XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 May, VH-OTK departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS also flew up to Hamilton Island Airport but from Cessnock.  It then returned to Cessnock.  Of interest, this is the first time we've seen the most recent version of the PC-24 VH-DMS with this airframe (cn 614) only registered and delivered at the start of this month.

And Indara Holdings / Corporate and Luxury Air Charter Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 May, Cirrus SR22 N312GM arrived visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ landed at Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport and then continued to Nebo Aerodrome on its usual Tuesday Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run up there and back.

Finally, over the weekend, on Sunday 10 May, Microflite (Moorabbin) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MI was noted flying up from Charleville Airport to Cairns.

And on Saturday 9 May, Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME as "Careflight 2" departed Longreach Airport for the North.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

American-based Super Blue Moon LLC Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet N750CR Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 November, new American-based Super Blue Moon LLC Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet N750CR flew down from Cairns to Hamilton Island Airport. It had arrived into Cairns (pictured) from Hawaii over the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 November, N750CR departed Hamo for Townsville (pictured below) and overseas.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM landed at Emerald Airport from Mareeba and then departed to the South.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Dubbo.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 23 November, VH-VKX departed Hamo and returned to Dubbo.

While LifeFlight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-EHQ, which had landed at Emerald Airport from Mount Isa yesterday, departed there for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Archerfield.  It used to operate as "Rescue 400" out of Mount Isa.

Angel Flight Australia Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-AF4 visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield.

Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Cessna 402C Utiliner/Businessliner VH-UCM visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns.

And three Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft were all noted in the region at different times.  VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville. It later returned South again via Rockhampton Airport.  VH-8PH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns.  And VH-8PF visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Friday 21 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 34" flew from RAAF Base Williamtown down to complete a missed approach at Albury and then up to one at Coffs Harbour before then completing another missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before continuing up to Townsville.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 84" looked to call into Bundaberg Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photos taken by the FNQ Skies Blog and Graham Aspinall  ©

LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIR Spotted at Rockhampton Airport Receiving Maintenance(?) - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 November, LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIR was spotted operating out of Rockhampton Airport, completing what seemed to be a test flight from the Alliance Airlines hangar to over Pirate Point then Hedlow Airfield where it seemed to complete some training.

VH-XIR then returned to the Alliance Airlines where it has been for some time where it has been possibly receiving some planned maintenance (?).

Of interest, VH-XIR completed similar flights last week including some night flying.

UPDATE!  On Friday 7 November, VH-XIR departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It then continued to Archerfield on Saturday 8 November and seems to be completing short local flights out of Archerfield.

Also Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME as "Careflight 2" landed at Longreach Airport from Tindal, Burketown, Mount Isa and Winton and then departed to Charleville Airport. It had come from Darwin yesterday.

Meanwhile, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE has been in the region this week, flying up from Canberra on Monday 3 November to Brisbane, Maryborough and Bundaberg Airports, before then calling into Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 4 November.  On Wednesday 5 November, VH-STE departed Rocky for Rolleston and Springsure Aerodromes before then flying down to Brisbane.  It was due to return to Canberra from Brisbane on Thursday 6 November.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP has also been the region yet again, flying out of Tierawoomba on Monday 3 November and returning there on Wednesday but not before it visited places like Windorah, Millmerin, Toowoomba, Warwick, Keeroongooloo, as well as Bundaberg and Emerald Airports.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 5 November, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

 McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Bundaberg Airport before flying down to Sydney.  It then returned back to Bundy and the Sunny Coast.  Busy day!

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 November, VH-WMY departed Archerfield for Essendon before flying back up to Ararat and then Mackay Airport before then ending the day at the Gold Coast.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB Passes Through CQ Airports on way to PNG - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 August, Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while reportedly heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

It arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Southport and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before finishing the day at Townsville.

VH-VCB is due to depart further to Carins and Far North Queensland before heading up to PNG on Sunday 4 August.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 3 August, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Roma Airport and RAAF Base Amberley.

And six Victoria based and two Queensland based helicopters landed at Agnes Water, flying up via Orchid Beach.  Locally-based AS350 Squirrel VH-WMW and Eurocopter EC130 VH-EHY were joined by Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-LLZ and VH-CMS, Robinson R66 VH-VVU, AMT OH-58A Kiowa VH-DJW, Bell 505 VH-ZVJ and Bell 206B VH-NXZ.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing for Cairns.

While Regional Express (REX) Airlines SAAB 340+ VH-ZLA visited Moranbah Airport from Cairns as RXA9472/3.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork East of there. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

And Piper PA-34-200 Seneca VH-IAJ arrived into Springsure Aerodrome from Tamworth. 

Photo taken by Arthur Scharf  ©

PNG Registered Pacific Helicopters Airbus BK117 Helicopter PK-BKZ Spotted at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Wednesday 7 February, a nice 'new' helicopter was spotted passing through the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour in the form of Papua New Guinea registered Pacific Helicopters (Goroka) Airbus BK117 helicopter P2-BKZ.

Little is known about the chopper, but it did ferry up to the Whitsundays on Tuesday 6 February from the Sunshine Coast via Bundaberg and Rockhampton Airports.

 

On Wednesday, P2-BKZ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Townsville, Mareeba and ports to the North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 February, the sleek SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast as "AirMed 923".

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, VH-SEQ "AirMed 923" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the Sunny Coast and Archerfield.

And Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew up Archerfield to Townsville and then Rockhampton Airport before then departing back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 7 February, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Mackay-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX departed Mackay Airport for Cloncurry Airport.

UPDATE!  After making a few stops, VH-DWX returned to Mackay Airport on Friday 9 February.

And the visiting Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ completed a flight from Rockhampton Airport to Emerald Airport and back to Rocky.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

South-East Helicopters / Trecked Pty Ltd (New South Wales) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-FHD Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 6 August, South-East Helicopters / Trecked Pty Ltd (New South Wales) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-FHD landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Roma Airport.  It had flown across from Darwin the previous day.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Monday 7 August, it looked like VH-FHD continued down from Roma Airport to Bankstown.

And New South Wales based lighties - Rockwell Commander 114B VH-CXE and Cessna 182 VH-MVL - both arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra before they then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  Both flew up from Maitland on Friday 4 August.

Piper PA-32-300 Saratoga VH-CDK landed at Gladstone Airport from Caloundra before later also departing to Shute Harbour.  It had flown up from Bankstown on Friday 4 August.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 5 August, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVI was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport on what appears to be a closed sports team charter. It arrived from and then later departed (after dark) back to Townsville as HT701/2.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY also visited Rockhampton Airport but from Armidale and Archerfield.

Finally, late on Friday 4 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Longreach Airport from Cairns before later departing to Brisbane.  It had earlier flown up to Cairns from Brisbane and Winton.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Plenty of Action at Lakeside Airpark (Bloomsbury) - USMC Ospreys, Vipers, Venoms - Plus Japanese Army CH-47 Chinook - Plus More!

Across Wednesday 26 July and Thursday 27 July, contingents of United States Marine Corps (USMC) and other World forces, completed an exercise to capture the private Lakeside Airpark Airfield at Bloomsbury in the Whitsundays, against opposing forces, as part of the joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23).

Bowen-based plane spotter James K was on hand at and around Lakeside Airpark to capture some great photos of the practice assault, which was part of a Talisman Sabre force-on-force exercise by troops from the U.S., Australia and eight other nations operating across 17,000 square miles.

He was able to capture the arrival of troops including from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, on board a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168243 / EP-00 and 168660 / EP-11 both of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) "Dragons" which looked to fly from and back to the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6).

A pair of unidentified United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters (Code 42) and (Code 43) both of VMM-265 kept an eye on proceedings.

While later, Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey) helicopters 168503 (Code 39) and 168784 (Code 34), both of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and assigned to the U.S. Navy Sailors amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) departed Lakeside Airpark for the ship.

And down at the beach at nearby Midge Point, there was a US Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) (hovercraft).

Back at Lakeside Airpark on Thursday, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter 161993 / YN-19 loaded the personnel dropped off the previous day and returned them to the USS America.

Later, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Japanese Army) Kawasaki CH-47JA Chinook helicopter JG-(5)2979 (Code HGPVI) of 106 Hikotai, loaded and ferried personnel out of Lakeside Airpark.

It is believed the Chinook came from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s light aircraft carrier ship (formerly helicopter carrier) JS Izumo (DDH-183).

Sincere thanks to James K for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by James Kirk  ©

Additional photos from US Department of Defense