S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Photographed at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 March, the two visiting bizjets that arrived into Gladstone Airport late the previous day departed but not before one of them was spotted in spectacular early morning light.

Local plane spotter Glenn L captured some stunning photos as S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA rested in the early morning light before it later departed Gladstone to Sydney.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 01" departed Gladstone Airport to Warwick, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Natal Downs from Archerfield and Toowoomba and this afternoon returned to those places.

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney.

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-8DE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then Moorabbin.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Avalon).

UPDATE!  On Sunday 22 March, VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

While Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ7 flew down from Mackay Airport to Roma Airport and then Dubbo.

NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers Aerodrome. This seems to be now a regular flight and note worth mentioning much more!

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 179" flew up from Archerfield to Clermont Aerodrome and then Labona and this afternoon returned to Archerfield.

And Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Sincere thanks to Gladstone plane spotter Glenn L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH Spotted at Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 March, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH was spotted at Bowen Aerodrome.  It had flown up from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site where it arrived yesterday - see Blog post below.

It later departed back to Archerfield.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Mackay Airport from Toowoomba.

And Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

McDermott Aviation Bell 214ST helicopter N724HT at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 11 March, McDermott Aviation Bell 214ST helicopter N724HT departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport.  It had arrived late last week.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 March, N724HT arrived back into Emerald Airport from Bundaberg Airport before it then departed to Longreach Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 March, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then Rockhampton Airport and this afternoon departed to Coffs Harbour.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 Freighter VH-HPE visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane as TFX172/3.  Fellow Sharp Airlines Metro Freighters VH-UZN and VH-UZP also operated the 'usual' week-daily freight services passing through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Archerfield to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then down to Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Labona.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 March, VH-UVH departed Labona and was spotted at Bowen Aerodrome - see Blog Post above.  It later departed back to Archerfield.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 5 January, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before it then flew down to the Gold Coast and then back to Archerfield.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 5 January, Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba to Brisbane and then Barcaldine Airport.  It then continued to Winton for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 6 January, VH-NMW departed Winton for Julia Creek before then flying back to Barcaldine Airport and then Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Monday 5 January, the regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights into the CQ region are picking back up and continuing - and here is our chance to mention them - once!!

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-VEW was back at these places, as well as Emerald Airport, during the latter part of the week.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 VH-MJA as ZD110 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then out to Lady Elliot Island

And at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site, there was SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-300s still visiting from Rockhampton Airport (VH-QQL) and Townsville Airport (VH-QQM).

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK visited from Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 5 January and Wednesday 6 January, VH-LZK also visited Labona from and back to Mackay Airport.

Plus Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited from Archerfield and the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 January, VH-FAQ "Navair 173" visited Labona again, along with Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ from and back to Archerfield.

Hope this is of some interest!

Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N247JB Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 22 October, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR N247JB arrived into Rockhampton Airport at the end of a delivery flight as 'SXI2542' / "Southern Cross 2542".

It arrived from Brisbane having started its delivery flight at San Jose (Costa Rica) and flying via Oakland, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.

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As shown, N247JB was delivered in full Alliance Airlines livery and looks to be going to be placed on the Australian Aircraft register as VH-A2J - as shown on the front of the aircraft.

N247JB was promptly parked inside the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 22 October, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208B Caravan VH-KNQ was spotted on the run between Mackay Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It flew down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and Townsville.

Of interest, on Tuesday 21 October, VH-KNQ flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then out to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.

Hinterland Aviation has been completing this run between Townsville, Mackay and Labona for some time now.

The Cessna 208B Caravan VH-KNQ was acquired by Hinterland Aviation in December 2024 and this is the first time we have certainly spotted the Caravan in CQ - although I think it has visited the region once before!

SmartLynx Australia Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville while fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport to Townsville as SKP532.

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

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 06" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 23 October, VH-PIY again as "Machflight 06" looked to fly into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane before then departing up to Ingham.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 October, VH-PIY 'MC06' popped into Maryborough Airport from Ingham and Townsville before departing to the South.

Mitchell Water Australia Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Stawell to the Gold Coast before then continuing up the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later flew back direct to Moorabbin.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Goonoo Feedlot from Dalgonally Station.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 23 October, VH-AAC departed Goonoo Feedlot for Brisbane.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to Caboolture and then back to Archerfield.

And Orange Helicopters operated Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N711BF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caboolture and Bundaberg Airports.  It parked on Taxiway Charlie.

It joins the locally-based Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ which as mentioned below arrived back into Rockhampton Airport yesterday!

Photos taken by Michael Malick, Nick Dean, 'AC' and Neil Richardson  ©

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW at Clermont Aerodrome Yet Again! - Plus More!

On Monday 1 September, and as it continues to do each week, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

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Peace Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MMB flew out from Rockhampton Airport to Emerald Airport and then Clermont Aerodrome.  It then flew up to Richmond.  At the time of writing, VH-MMB is due to return to Rockhampton Airport over the reverse route on Tuesday 2 September.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Rocky and then Hervey Bay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 2 September, VH-TLH was back in the region, flying up from Lady Elliot Island to Mackay Airport and before then later flying down to the Labona Airstrip and then back to Mackay Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 3 September, VH-TLH completed another flight from Mackay Airport to Labona and back before then flying down to Hervey Bay Airport.

**It seems the Seair Caravan VH-TLH may have replaced a similar run operated by Hinterland Aviation and one of their Cessna Caravans(??) 

And Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 121" visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 2 September, VH-ZSY but as "Machflight 73" called back into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 1 September, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew back to Moorabbin via Charleville and Ararat Airports. 

Finally, also on Monday 1 September, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-450 as "Trojan 10" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to complete a missed approach at Coffs Harbour, the Sunshine Coast and then Rockhampton Airport before then continuing up and landing at Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 2 September, A97-450 "Trojan 10" flew down from Townsville to complete a touch and go at Emerald Airport before it then flew back to RAAF Base Richmond.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Spotted by me Again at my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 June, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was again spotted by me visiting my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby. 

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and then returned to there. 

And Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM, which had landed at Hamilton Island Airport on Monday, flew down from there to the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 19 June, Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350s VH-8PE and VH-8PF were both noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  Fellow Queensland Government Airwing Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ was spotted at Bundaberg Airport, arriving from Brisbane and then later departing back there but via Miles Airport.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport and headed West to Mount Isa, Brunette Downs and Inverway and then up to Darwin.

As they do each and every week, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 179" flew from Archerfield to Labona and back. 

Melbourne-based Raytheon 58 Baron VH-CNN landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, VH-CNN departed Longreach Airport for Walgett. 

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 18 June.

And Textron Aviation Inc of Wichita, Kansas Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX N813EX flew up from Goondiwindi to Tumbar Station and then to the West.  It seems to be a tour of Australia and New Zealand although it has been down under for quite some time!

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UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, N813EX flew into Charleville Airport before heading to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 21 June, N813EX arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane before continuing up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Thursday 19 June, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2J (ex N238JB which arrived back in mid-May) departed Rockhampton Airport and completed a test flight as UTY9820 down to about Gayndah and then back to Rockhampton Airport.  During the late afternoon, it then departed to Brisbane as UTY9821.

Photos taken by Ross Huntington and Tony Haynes  ©

NQ Heli-Worx (Meridan Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T1 Helicopter VH-MXW "Energy 404" Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 May, sleek looking NQ Heli-Worx (Meridian Helicopters) Eurocopter EC135 T1 helicopter VH-MXW as "Energy 404" looked to fly down from Emerald Airport to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Archerfield.

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It appears to have flown down to Emerald Airport the previous day from Townsville via Mackay and Clermont Airports.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 May, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before then flying to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 May, VH-MIF departed Rockhampton Airport and flew to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rocky before then flying down to Gladstone Airport and then Hervey Bay Airport. 

During the afternoon, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS and Cleveland Bay Aviation Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC both flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before then flying out to Labona.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and this afternoon departed to Archerfield. 

UPDATES!  On Thursday 15 May, VH-WPH visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba.  Then on Friday 16 May, VH-WPH flew up from Toowoomba to Bundaberg Airport and then Emerald Airport before then flying back to Toowoomba.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield via Dalby.  Of interest, it appears to be being utilized by those that usually fly in Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ which seems to be grounded at Mount Isa since last month.

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

Armidale Fire and Safety Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-TFW Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 22 April, Armidale Fire and Safety Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-TFW flew up from Armidale and Tamworth to Mackay Airport before later flying down to Gympie. 

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UPDATE!  In early May, VH-TFW was re-registered (operator) to AFS Aviation also in Armidale.

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Doomadgee. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 April, Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ which landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed Longreach Airport for Birdsville and then this afternoon returned to Longreach Airport. 

UPDATE!  Over the remainder of the week and into the weekend, VH-FOJ looked to operate day-flights to a location and back to Longreach Airport.  These places included Eromanga, Bedourie, Muttaburra, Stonehenge, Jundah, Windorah and Isisford.  VH-FOJ returned to Archerfield from Longreach Airport on Wednesday 30 April.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew up from Archerfield to Moura Aerodrome Degunnie and then onwards to Mount Isa. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 23 April, N175NG flew from Mount Isa to Julia Creek and back during the morning before then departing Mount Isa again to Julia Creek but then down to Longreach Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 24 April, N175NG departed Longreach Airport to Taylors Plains and then up to Degunnie.  It then flew down to Dalby and then Archerfield. 

Cleveland Bay Aviation Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC flew down from its Townsville base to Rockhampton Airport and then out to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It seems to becoming a frequent visitor to Labona.

And Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island and then departed to Cairns.

Photo taken by Malakai Keen  ©

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

On Saturday 15 February, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield. It had arrived yesterday from Archerfield via Dalby and Natal Downs.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay then to Longreach, Charleville, Wellcamp and Brisbane.  It had also visited Mackay Airport and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport at the start of the week.

UPDATE!  VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Mackay Airport again directly from Brisbane on Sunday 16 February.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also visited some CQ Airports this past week, including Longreach, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports during a busy week flying out of and back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 15 February, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Lady Elliot Island and then departed to Townsville.  It then flew down to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 February, VH-MIF departed Labona to Emerald Airport and then returned to Labona and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and onwards to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Saturday 15 February, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) VH-UZI looked to visit Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as QFA2690/3 on a sports charter flight for the Queensland rugby League (QRL).

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New Zealand Based (American Registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX Bizjet N146EX Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 10 February, New Zealand based (American registered) Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N146EX arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, N146EX departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It then flew onwards to Auckland, New Zealand.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport. Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 February, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP continues to fly around the region.  From early in the morning, it flew a round trip from Mackay Airport to Cairns, Tumbar Station, Bundaberg Airport and back to Mackay Airport.  Then during the afternoon, it flew down to Emerald Airport and Keeroongooloo.

Flylink Aviation College Diamond DA 40 VH-EUU flew out from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then Longreach Airport.  It looked to be planned to return to Archerfield over that route on Tuesday 11 February.

Finally, over the weekend, on Sunday 9 February, visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included Cleveland Bay Aviation (Townsville) Piper PA-31-350 Navajos VH-XMC and VH-JVD (which is registered in NSW) which flew down from Townsville to Labona and then operated between Labona and Emerald Airport.

While on Saturday 8 February, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" and AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 179" called into Labona from the Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns at various times.

Also on Saturday 8 February, re-registered Winton-based Cessna 177 VH-DZF departed my local Clermont Aerodrome for Dalby.  It was later noted heading further South towards Boonah.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X "Navair 143" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 7 February, Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 143" flew up from Bankstown to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast and back to Bankstown. 

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

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew out to Longreach Airport from Brisbane before then landing at Emerald Airport and heading back to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has had a busy couple of days late this week, visiting Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport twice.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" seems to be presently based at Townsville and called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport earlier in the week.  As did LifeFlight Challenger 604 "Ambulance 614" which also visited Prosie and Mackay Airports but from Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" has returned from a stint in Singapore and visited Barcaldine Airport on Tuesday 4 February from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" again visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 February, there was a swap of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters with VH-EZJ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departing to Mackay Airport and Townsville.  While Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Townsville based Cleveland Bay Aviation seemed to take delivery of Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC after it flew up from Mackay Airport.  The former Victoria based aircraft looked to arrive into Mackay Airport from Adelaide via Traralgon in September last year having looking like it was grounded in Adelaide since early 2023.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And several visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included a single Skytrans Dash-8 flight from each of Townsville and Rockhampton Airports - plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then to Cairns - and a pair of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air turboprops VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" both from and back to Cairns.

It seems that there were no flights in and out of Labona on Thursday 6 February most likely due to inclement weather.

Finally, also on Friday 7 February, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane.  On Thursday 6 February, and after diverting into Emerald Airport the previous day from Mackay Airport, VH-VEW did the same, flying from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane before it then flew back to Emerald Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" completing some aerial survey work in the area, flying out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn via Biloela / Thangool Airport on Thursday.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, job done, VH-VEH "Survey 23" departed Emerald Airport and returned to Goulburn.

Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 January, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA was noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

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It arrived from Toowoomba, Brisbane and Mount Isa and later returned to Brisbane and Toowoomba.

While both Sydney-registered Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-JVD and Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-CYY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. They both then returned to Townsville.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Archerfield and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. It later flew back to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Gareth Ruhe  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 January, the sleek looking GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 143" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

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While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

And Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Lizard Island. It then departed back to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 January, Townsville Airlines Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It then departed to Cairns.

And Aviair (WA) Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 Airvan VH-URB landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Photo taken by Jamie C  ©

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  ©

CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 42" Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 December, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 42" flew down from Mackay Airport to Gladstone Airport where it was photographed landing alongside the 'local' helicopters.  It had flown down from Townsville to Mackay Airport late the previous day.

After taking on fuel, VH-RQY "Choppa 42" departed Gladstone Airport for RAAF Base Amberley.

It appears that the RAAF Rescue helicopters was returning after it has been in Townsville supporting the recently completed RAAF fast jet Exercises Crimson Dawn and High Sierra.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 December, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB looked to re-start closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane as JTE392/3.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before then returning to Brisbane. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 13 December, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Clermont Aerodrome and then Archerfield.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and went back to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane. 

Finally, also on Thursday 12 December, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS, as well as Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173", both visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and from the Sunshine Coast respectively.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE, which flew to Alice Springs yesterday, flew across from there to Planet Downs and Archerfield. 

Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It also looked to visit Rockhampton Airport - as well as Maryborough Airport - at the start of the week.

And the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PH flew up from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Miles Airports before returning to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 13 December, VH-8PH flew up to Gladstone Airport from Brisbane before then again flying into Miles Airport and then back to Brisbane.

All photos taken by Jamie C  ©

American-registered but Australian-based (Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet N360HP Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 3 December, American-registered but Australian-based (at Melbourne - Essendon) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N360HP was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports during what has been a busy couple of days flying.

After arriving into Cairns from Essendon the previous day (as pictured above), it then flew down to Townsville.  On Tuesday, N360HP flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport before then visiting Rockhampton Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before it then continued down to the Sunshine Coast.

While Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived last Friday 29 November.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 3 December, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned to Cairns.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and a bit later departed to Cloncurry Airport.  It looked to have flown South from there over the weekend via Blackall Airport.

And Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU landed at Agnes Water Aerodrome from Toowoomba and Chinchilla and during the afternoon it reversed the flight.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-HQK Spotted at Rockhampton Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor looked to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew into Clermont Aerodrome from Natal Downs.  It then continued down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-8HP flew South-West from Mackay Airport to Tumbar Station and then East back to Archerfield. 

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted departing their private airstrip North of Emerald township for Redcliffe.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-FYN flew back to its private airstrip near Emerald from Redcliffe.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield returning via Emerald Airport.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE landed at Emerald Airport from Canberra and Dubbo. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-STE departed Emerald Airport to near Consuelo then to a place near Rockhampton.  Late in the afternoon it hopped to Rockhampton Airport.  It is planned to return to Dubbo and Canberra on Thursday 28 November.

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

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-VEC was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and then Horn Island.  It then flew back to Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI was photographed as it operated their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

We can only assume one of the bigger Dash-8-300s is in for maintenance.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 November, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its fifth deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

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It looked to fly down as "Fireguard 541" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.  It will take up a new radio callsign of "Bomber 390".

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport at the start of September from Avalon after being stored there since February. 

UPDATE!  It's worth noting that on Wednesday 27 November, fellow Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQF as "Fireguard 391" arrived into Brisbane and then Avalon after ferrying all the way over from Abbotsford in Canada.   It looks to be joining C-FFQE at Avalon for the Victorian bushfire season as "Bomber 391".

Also of interest, on Monday 25 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" departed Bundaberg Airport also for Avalon. 

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Busy!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee, Lloyd Fox and Graham Aspinall  ©

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ Spotted on a FIFO Charter Flight at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 19 November, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ was spotted at Mackay Airport.  It looked to be operating a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.

VH-HLJ had flown down from Cairns as HND455 before completing the charter as HND2291/2 before later returning to Cairns as HND455.

It also appears that VH-HLJ operated the same flight last week, so it seems that weekly flights (on a Tuesday) by Hinterland between Mackay Airport and Labona are operating again.

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Mackay Airport to Blackall Airport and then to Keeroongooloo, Archerfield and Tamworth.  During the afternoon it returned to Keeroongooloo. 

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU flew up from Tamworth and Archerfield to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then continued to Bundaberg Airport and then to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Over the remainder of the week, VH-EQU departed Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport and then Townsville and Cairns before it then flew down to Innisfail, Gladstone Airport and Maryborough Airport, then Lismore, Grafton, Archerfield and back to Tamworth.

Gold Coast-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-OXF was noted flying into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 November, VH-OXF departed the Towers and returned to the Sunny Coast and Brisbane.

And the Queensland Government B300 Super King Air VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then returning directly to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 19 November, private Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 600 bizjet T7-JCI departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived on the weekend - see Blog post below for a photo!

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 121" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Maryborough Airport.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Emerald Airport before then continuing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew up to Hamilton Island Airport and back to Labona before returning to Emerald Airport and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, also on Tuesday 19 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Wallaby 71" flew up the Fraser Coast from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport before returning to Amberley.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter N274TH "Helitak 290" Lands at Kabra near Rockhampton - Plus More!

During the afternoon on Tuesday 12 November, Timberline Helicopters (USA) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH as "Helitak 290" was noted landing at private property at Kabra, near Rockhampton.

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It looked to start the day North of Goondiwindi and possibly made a fuel stop enroute. 

The civilian Black Hawk looked to arrive into Scone in New South Wales from overseas - and via Charleville Airport - in late October and seems to be based there for the Australia bushfire season.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 November, Black Hawk N274TH "Helitak 290" departed the Kabra location for Bowen Aerodrome and then further North to Mareeba.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 November, Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 November, 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.

Photo taken by George Pergaminelis  ©