Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB Surprise Diversion into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 23 November, a nice surprise visitor touched down at Rockhampton Airport on a diversion from Brisbane which was experiencing rain storms with Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB touching down as ANZ271 from Wellington in New Zealand.

After taking on fuel, ZK-NHB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane again as ANZ271.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 November, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X  visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO flew down from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then to Archerfield.

Emerald-based Cessna 177B VH-UGS was noted flying West of Mackay.

Re-registered Aero Facilities (SA) / Alamah (NSW) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-PGA as "Birddog 376" departed Bundaberg Airport for the Gold Coast.

NSW based Amateur Built Lancair IV-P VH-XL7 flew up to Hamilton Island from Port Lincoln.

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 November, VH-XL7 departed Hamo for Murwillumbah.

R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT and Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME both returned to Rockhampton Airport from The Old Station.  They flew down there the other day.

Brisbane based Cessna A185F Skywagon VH-OZA was also noted at The Old Station.

And sadly, also at The Old Station Farm, Private Van's RV-8 VH-YGY experienced an engine failure shortly after take-off and made an emergency landing in a field and hit a fallen tree and caught fire.

The pilot suffered life-threatening burning injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by the post impact fire.

Finally, on Saturday 22 November, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning to Moorabbin.

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Michael Mallick  ©

Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP Helicopter VH-VAU Spotted Operating for Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 12 July, a couple of nice photos have been shared to us of the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU now currently operating for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) out of Rockhampton Airport - complete with titles!  Nice!

As mentioned below, the much-travelled rescue helicopter had been previously working from Horn Island as "Rescue 700" and left there to Rockhampton Airport - via a few stops - back in March.

While during the afternoon, Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 water bombing helicopter VH-T53 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and Bundaberg Airports.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 13 July, VH-T53 departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and points further North.  The big Huey helicopter was photographed at Cairns Airport (as above) later in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 12 July, American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG landed at Degunnie from Archerfield and Augathella and then departed back to Archerfield.

Emma McDonald in her American registered Edge 540 N540MH departed Rockhampton Airport to Goondiwindi.

A bit later locally-based R-Mach Aviation's Lancair 4 VH-VIE departed Rockhampton Airport also to Goondiwindi before continuing to Lake Macquarie and Leongatha.

While Cirrus (Australia) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NFP landed at Longreach Airport from Dubbo before later departing to Horn Island.

UPDATE!  VH-NFP flew South from Horn Island to Mackay Airport and then Melbourne (Essendon) on Friday 18 July.

And Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Sydney.

Photos taken by Darren Massie and Jonathan Williams  ©

Nice Capital Jet Charter (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-88M Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 7 October, nice Capital Jet Charter (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-88M flew up from Canberra to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Sydney and back to Canberra.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 7 October, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK is back in the region flying out to Roma Airport from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast as JTE442/4.  It then flew up from Brisbane to Cairns and then down to Moranbah Airport and back to Cairns and Brisbane as JTE508/258/259/509.  Welcome back!

VH-IYK had arrived into Brisbane from Perth and Adelaide over the weekend, while fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB returned to Perth from Brisbane and Adelaide over the weekend.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then Moranbah Airport before then flying back to Wellcamp and then onwards to Archerfield.

Atlass-Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-KBO has been spotted and noted completing aerial survey flights out of Rockhampton Airport around Central Queensland.

New South Wales based Amateur-built Van's RV7 VH-ZEE flew up from Heck Field to the Old Station Farm and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

Tasmania-based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-LNZ flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Walgett, Merinbula and Devonport. 

And New South Wales based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-ZYA flew down from Shute Harbour to Narrabri and Wedderburn.

Finally, also on Monday 7 October, a bushfire just West of Maryborough saw both Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters VH-UHR "Helitack 515" and VH-8UH "Helitack 516" along with Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404" flew out of and back to Bundaberg Airport.

It appears that VH-8UH had arrived into Bundy over the weekend after ferrying all the way up from South Australia via all stops.

Photo taken by Mike Didsbury  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton (and Mackay) Airport - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Wednesday 19 July, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Adelaide as SFZ9090/696.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Adelaide but as SFZ9088.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-IKJ departed Adelaide for Newcastle (Williamtown) before then flying up to Mackay Airport all as SFZ716.  VH-IKJ then returned to Brisbane from Mackay Airport but as SFZ9093.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 July, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 123" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown and is due to return to there later in the evening. 

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before returning down to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Hellwin Aviation (Emerald) Robinson R44 II VH-TIB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then departed to Agnes Water.  VH-TIB looked to later reverse the flight and return to Shute Harbour.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Mackay Airport and then onwards to Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 July, VH-SGQ flew back South from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before returning to Brisbane. 

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-CJJ looked to visit Gladstone Airport, arriving from the South and looked to depart to the West.

And New South Wales registered Lancair IV VH-LKG, which landed at Longreach Airport on Monday, departed there to Aramac to Birdsville Airports. 

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

New Wettenhall Air Service new Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 July, new Wettenhall Air Service new Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT was noted calling into Emerald Airport from Ayr.  It then to flew onwards to its Tocumwal base.

As pictured, VH-8RT departed Tocumwal on Sunday 16 July and flew up to Roma Airport and then Ayr.

VH-8RT was only registered in the middle of June after being delivered at N513MW earlier in the month.

And American-registered but Australian-based Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet N360LF was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It had arrived from there on Thursday 13 July.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 July, Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" also visited Labona, arriving from the Sunshine Coast and then departing to Cairns and Mount Isa.

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns and Townsville before then returning to Rockhampton Airport.  It had arrived late on Sunday 16 July.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 18 July, VH-LYI departed Rockhampton Airport for Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And New South Wales registered Lancair IV VH-LKG flew up from the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Longreach Airport.  It then looked to fly across to Aramac.

Finally, also on Monday 17 July, New Zealand Registered Glasair Sportsman 2+2 ZK-SPO departed Charleville Airport for Gympie.  It looks to have flown all the way over the Western Australia and back and could possibly be returning to New Zealand in the coming days.  A great little holiday!

Photo taken by Owen Peake  ©

Victoria-based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SWI (ex VH-MOR) Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 April, Victoria-based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-SWI (ex VH-MOR) was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from its Warrnambool base in Victoria and later departed to Cairns.

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Of interest, until March 2021, VH-SWI was previously registered VH-MOR and was a frequent visitor to Central Queensland!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 April, VH-SWI returned to Longreach Airport from Cairns and Cooktown before later departing down to Warrnambool.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 169" visited Maryborough Airport from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. 

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It later departed to Townsville and then returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 April, 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.

As did Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON which also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW flew up from Toowoomba to call into Maryborough Airport and then Emerald Airport.  It then continued up to Julia Creek before flying down to Longreach Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa

UPDATE!  On Friday 14 April, VH-SGQ did the same flight, visiting Rockhampton Airport once again from Mount Isa - where it seems to be currently based.

Now locally-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-IEK was noted operating between Monduran Airfield near Bundaberg and Bundaberg Airport itself.

Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-EQF visited Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

UPDATE!  VH-EQF looked to visit Bundy once again on the same flight on Saturday 15 April.

While Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey VH-UHH looked to return to Emerald Airport after it appears to have operated out of Maryborough Airport for the week since arriving at the start of of the week.

And Tasmania-based Amateur-built Lancair Legacy VH-LNZ flew into Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Charleville Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 16 April, VH-LNZ departed Mackay Airport for Walgett, Wagga Wagga and Devonport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 25 January, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Sydney before then departing to Archerfield.  VH-SEQ did the reverse of this flight at the end of last week.

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While recently registered Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC visited Maryborough Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 25 January, a gaggle of light General Aviation (GA) Aircraft were also noted visiting Maryborough Airport.

Amateur-built Lancair 360 VH-DBW visited from Archerfield.  Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ visited from its Toowoomba base.  Gold Coast-based Cessna 182Q arrived from Southport.  A.M.T. Helicopters Cessna 172R visited from its Caboolture base.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 January, VH-DBW visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM had a busy day of flying out of Archerfield and heading up to Miles, Springsure and Emerald Airport before returning to Archerfield over that same route.

Mackay-based Piper PA-34-200T VH-COP returned to Mackay Airport from Barcaldine Airport.  It had arrived the previous day.  

Brisbane-based SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad VH-IPF departed Cloncurry Airport for Barcaldine Airport and then Archerfield.  It looked to fly up to Cloncurry Airport at the start of the week.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew out Gladstone Airport to complete aerial survey work out near Blackwater before then landing at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 January, VH-EPX departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before later returning there but via Townsville. 

Flight One (Services) Cirrus SR22 VH-FOJ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 January, VH-FOJ returned to Archerfield from Rockhampton Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III VH-YSA flew into Rockhampton Airport from Adelaide (Parafield), Windorah and Cairns.  It then departed to Archerfield.  It had flown down to Parafield the previous day.

Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD flew up from its Monto Aerodrome base to Hamilton Island Airport.

And Graham Aviation's re-registered Cessna T206H Float Plane VH-FNB (ex VH-PXT) looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.  It then flew up to Mareeba and back to Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 25 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK was noted again operating a flight from Townsville to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then onward to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to Labona and Townsville.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©️

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 Bizjet VH-PIY Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International recently delivered Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup

It looked to arrive from the Sunshine Coast and Sydney and later depart back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 June, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ made its weekly flight from Bundaberg to Nebo Aerodrome and back - but via Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, VH-NPZ looked to visit Gladstone Airport on Monday 13 June.

While Lancair LC40-550FG VH-XTU visited Gladstone Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Locally-based Horizon Airways Piper PA-31-325 Navajo Chieftain VH-LWW departed Mackay Airport for Cairns.

Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

And MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-JMU arrived into Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown across from Darwin and Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 June, VH-JMU departed Mackay Airport for Miranda Downs.

Finally, also on Tuesday 14 June, Altitude Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS departed Archerfield for Blackall and Longreach Airports.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 June, departed Longreach Airport for Brisbane and then back to Archerfield.

While at Emerald Airport, Southern Airlines Beech 1900 VH-VSO was photographed as it was parked up for the night after earlier arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin), West Sale and Bourke.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 June, VH-VSO departed Emerald Airport for West Sale and Moorabbin.

And Cessna 210 VH-KTE arrived into Emerald Airport from its Gladstone Airport base.

UPDATE!  On Friday 17 June, VH-KTE returned to Gladstone Airport before continuing to Caloundra.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Tasfast Air Freight (Southern Airlines) Beech 1900C VH-VSO Pops into Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 1 February, Southern Airlines Beech 1900 VH-VSO was noted calling into Charleville Airport.  It looked to fly all the way up from its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base via Sydney.

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VH-VSO then departed to Mount Isa, RAAF Base Tindal (Katherine) and Darwin.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 1 February, locally-owned Aero Optics (General Aviation Maintenance operated) Aero Commander 500-S VH-JAJ departed Bundaberg Airport for Rockhampton Airport. It then returned to Bundaberg Airport before then completing airwork around the Hervey Bay area.

Of interest, VH-JAJ had departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport on Monday 31 January, having arrived into the beef capital from Bankstown and Archerfield over a week ago.

Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from its Ingham base.  It then completing an aerial survey flight out of and back to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 2 February, VH-PNW completed another survey flight before then departing Mackay Airport and returning to Ingham.

New South Wales based Cessna 182S VH-RDC departed Rockhampton Airport for Warren.  It had arrived into Rocky from there last Thursday 27 January.

Brisbane-based Amateur built Lancair ES VH-DFH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

And Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 2 February, VH-WJA departed Rockhampton Airport for Moura Airport before later returning to Rockhampton Airport and then departing to Townsville.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 4 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was spotted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

VH-VTF looked to arrive from Archerfield and Warwick before it then later depart back to its Archerfield base.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 4 December, Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-WSF arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 6 December, VH-WSF returned to Archerfield from Shute.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV arrived into Mackay Airport from Tamworth.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 5 December, VH-SKV departed Mackay Airport to Archerfield and then back to Tamworth.

Finally, also on Saturday 4 December, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns as HND450.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 5 December, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as HND480.

And Brisbane-based Amateur built Lancair ES VH-DFH departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It arrived from there the previous day.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©️

Perhaps the Final Post About the Various Arrivals and Departures at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday as Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week) Concludes

On Saturday 8 May, the departures continued from Rockhampton Airport of visiting corporate bizjets and other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft following the end of Beef Australia 2021 (Beef Week). 

Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL departed to Grafton, Tamworth and Armidale.  It had arrived from those places on Wednesday 5 May. 

https://www.facebook.com/edwardsaviation/

Some of the lighties to depart included:  Moree-based Cessna 210 VH-FGY, Dubbo based Cessna 182 VH-HXI to Toowoomba and Orange, Brisbane-based Cessna 182 VH-YLU, Cessna 182 VH-WPG, Crown Cattle P/L Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 VH-MGC to Longreach, Cirrus SR22 VH-LBQ, Malarga Pastoral Co (Brooweena) Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee VH-LJC, Alpha-based Cessna 182 VH-PDH, Beech F33A Bonanza VH-ZWB, Beech 35-C33A Debonair VH-MMH, Paraway Pastoral Co Cessna 182 VH-YDP and Georgina Pastoral Co (Gympie) Beech 58 Baron VH-MCB.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived from Archerfield then departed back to there. 

While Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before later heading back to the South. 

Brisbane-based Amateur built Lancair ES VH-DFH arrived from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 May, VH-DFH returned to Archerfield.

Boxgrove Pastoral Co (Collinsville) Robinson R22 helicopter VH-TLO arrived from the South. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 May, VH-TLO departed to Bundaberg Airport.

Sincere thanks once again to local plane spotters Trevor H and Scott H for taking the time to help put together these posts during Beef Week - the information provided and photos provided and shared have been very welcome!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Scott Harris  ©️

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 5 March,  Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to fly up from Archerfield and the Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.

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At the time of writing, it appears that VH-CDG is staying at Hamo for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 7 March, VH-CDG departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Wellcamp and then Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 March, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited from Brisbane.

New South Wales-based Lancair IV-P VH-LWZ also visited Bundaberg Airport but with it arriving from and later departing back to its Albury base.

And Central Auto Sales (Toowoomba) Piper PA-28-236 Dakota arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Miles Airports.

Finally, also on Friday 5 March, Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ was noted departing the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It flew to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

It appears that VH-FAQ arrived into Labona on Thursday 4 March, arriving from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Grahame Bann  ©

Bundaberg-based CromAir Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-CBT Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 March, Bundaberg-based CromAir Cessna 414A Chancellor VH-CBT was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It had earlier flown up from Bundaberg Airport to Rocky before continuing West to Emerald Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

During the afternoon, VH-CBT then reversed the entire flight, finishing the day back at its Bundaberg Airport base.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 March, the visiting Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA departed Rockhampton Airport for Mareeba. It had arrived from Melbourne (Essendon) the previous day.  This aircraft has recently been re-registered from a previously Victorian-based operator.

While locally-based R-Mach Aviation's Lancair 4 VH-VIE (formerly VH-XVP) flew to Griffith in New South Wales and back to Rockhampton Airport.

And Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM flew out from its Gayndah Airport base to Gordon and return. 

Finally, also on Thursday 4 March, Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Goonoo Feedlot (South of Comet) to Surat before flying to Archerfield.

And Redjet Aviation Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU visited my local Clermont Aerodrome once again from its Toowoomba base.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon Hawker 850XP Bizjet VH-SGY Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 February, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.

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VH-SGY looked to arrive from Brisbane and the Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport and later return to the capital.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 February, a couple of familiar Pilatus PC-12 turboprops were noted coming and going at some Central Queensland Airports.

Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Emerald Airport for Mount Isa. It had arrived into Emerald Airport from Archerfield the previous day.

While Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.

UPDATE!  VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 18 February and returned to Toowoomba.

Also at Rockhampton Airport, the visiting Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO, which arrived last Tuesday 9 February, departed to Hollins Bay (YHOY) near Stanage before later returning.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 February, VH-PYO departed Rockhampton Airport and returned 'home' to Donors Hill (South of Normanton).

Of interest, also noted visiting Rockhampton Airport but on Monday 15 February was NSW based Cessna 310J VH-DKY which arrived from its Coffs Harbour base before then later returning back to there.

And it appears that locally-based R-Mach Aviation's Lancair 4 has been re-registered to VH-VIE.  On Tuesday 16 February, VH-VIE (formerly VH-XVP) departed Rockhampton Airport to then Old Station then to Griffith in New South Wales. During the afternoon VH-VIE reversed the flight.

Finally, also on Tuesday 16 February, Great Western Aviation Beech B200 VH-XGV flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome before then continuing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then returned to Brisbane.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Chinchilla, Yellow Bank Junction and Rolleston Airports before then returning to Chinchilla Airport and then Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

A Pair of Austrek Aviation Lighties Pop into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 23 October, Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZX was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to its Toowoomba base.

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While fellow Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD called into Truganinnie from Toowoomba and Archerfield before later returning to Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, a gaggle of other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft were noted visiting other CQ Airports, also on Friday 23 October, including Cirrus SR22s VH-EDH and VH-FJD which called into Hamilton Island Airport and Rockhampton and the Whitsunday (Shute Harbour) Airports respectively.

Toowoomba-based Cessna 182 VH-YRA also popped into Rockhampton and the Whitsunday Airports.

While Amateur-built Lancair Legacy 2 VH-VIV flew up to Shute from Noosa before continuing up to Dunk Island. 

And Bell 407 VH-CMI was noted departing from its home at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and heading down an inland route near to Blackwater.

Finally, Colville Aviation Services Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2B-26 VH-ZOU was noted passing through Emerald Airport while flying to Mareeba from the South-East corner of the state - possibly Watts Bridge where it was possibly undergoing planned maintenance.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

And Mackay-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Also Spotted Back at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Also photographed at Rockhampton Airport also on Sunday 28 April was the privately owned Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ which visited from its Mackay Airport base for the second day in a row.

It returned to Mackay Airport from Rocky around lunch time.

As mentioned, it also visited Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 27 April - see Blog post below!

Meanwhile, also photographed at Rockhampton Airport, also on Sunday 28 April, were some interesting light General Aviation (GA) aircraft.

Croc Pac (of Cairns) Raytheon G36 Bonanza VH-VCT was photographed preparing to depart Rockhampton Airport for Atherton.  It had arrived from there on Friday 26 April.

The Aero Club of Southern Tasmania Cessna 172P VH-KSR was photographed departing Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport.  It had arrived from Caloundra via Maryborough Airport on Saturday 27 April and appears to be on a long flight certainly up the Eastern Seaboard of Australia.

Brisbane-based Amateur built Lancair ES VH-DFH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield on Saturday 27 April and departed back there later on Sunday 28 April.  It also visited last weekend!

Sunshine Coast-based Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee VH-RQK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caboolture on Saturday 27 April and departed back there later on Sunday 28 April.

Finally, the Brisbane Skydiving Centre Cessna 182P VH-COF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra on Saturday 27 April and departed back there later on Sunday 28 April.  It appears to have been operating on the Sunshine Coast on skydiving duties for some time.

Finally, also noted visiting Rockhampton Airport over the weekend was an interesting visitor in the form of Landsur (Landair Surveys) of Victoria Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-OAV.  It arrived from Toowoomba on Saturday 27 April and made an early departure for airwork to the West before heading to Townsville early on Sunday 28 April.

Sincere thanks once again to local plane spotter Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos from Rockhampton Airport!

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-NEQ Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 22 March, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Bankstown via Bathurst in New South Wales.

File photo

After taking on fuel, it departed Longreach Airport for Lizard Island before ending the day at Cairns.

Also noted visiting Longreach Airport also on Friday 22 March were a pair of Soar Aviation (Melbourne) BRM Aero Bristell NG-5 ultralight aircraft VH-YVN and VH-YWN.  They both looked to depart their Melbourne (Moorabbin) base on Wednesday 20 March and have called into Wagga Wagga, Lismore and Bathurst in New South Wales before arriving into Longreach Airport from Roma Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 March, both VH-YVN and VH-YWN departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and Moree and Bathurst in New South Wales.  I presume they are on their way home.

While Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAD also visited Longreach Airport also on Friday 22 March, arriving from and later departing to its Archerfield base via Taroom.  And Brisbane-based Beech 58 Baron VH-NPT arrived from and later departed back to Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, over at Rockhampton Airport, as this post is being written late on Friday 22 March, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY arrived from its Sunshine Coast base.  It departed to Brisbane before returning to the Sunny Coast.

I have been told that it may have been operating a medical evacuation flight.

Earlier on Friday 22 March, the familiar sight of the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU was back in CQ once again with it calling into both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during a busy day of flying.

Also at Rockhampton Airport, also on Friday 22 March, locally-based R-Mach Aviation Cessna 337G VH-JOE arrived back home after spending time recently operating at Port Lincoln in South Australia.  It arrived from there via Charleville Airport.

R-Mach Aviation's Lancair 4 VH-XVP also flew back into Rockhampton Airport also on Friday 22 March, flying direct from Adelaide - a three-and-a-half hour flight.  It had departed to Port Lincoln the previous day.

Finally, Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation Metro 23 VH-VET was noted flying into Cloncurry Airport from Brisbane early on Friday 22 March.  It then flew across from Cloncurry Airport to Rockhampton Airport before returning to Brisbane.  It flew the opposite way - Brisbane to Rocky to Cloncurry then back around 11 days earlier - see Blog post below.

UPDATE!  On Monday 25 March, fellow Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation Metro 23 VH-VEK was noted flying from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and onward to Cloncurry Airport before later returning to Brisbane.

Numerous Light GA Aircraft Descent upon Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the 2018 Air BP Runway Dinner

Over the last couple of days, there has been numerous light General Aviation (GA) aircraft and helicopters to be noted flying into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where the 2018 Air BP Runway Dinner was held on Saturday 23 June.  Here's a summary...

On Saturday 23 June...

Brisbane-based Pesca Aviation AeroCommander 690-A Turbo Commander VH-ATF flew in from Archerfield.  Mooney M20J VH-SGJ flew in from Longreach Airport.  Victorian-based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA flew in from Melbourne (Essendon) via Deniliquin.  Rockhampton-based Cessna 210 VH-CSD arrived from the South.  And Gold Coast-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ visited briefly, arriving from Hedlow Airfield (North of Rockhampton) and departing to the Gold Coast.

On Friday 22 June...

Several Piper PA-28 Cherokee aircraft were noted arriving into Shute Harbour all (possibly) from Winton - Victoria-based VH-YTA and VH-UQK, Tasmania-based VH-IGL and New South Wales-based VH-XSB.  While New South Wales-based Piper PA-28-181 Archer VH-JRP arrived from Charters Towers.

Also, Piper PA-32-300 Saratoga VH-KEO arrived from its Cairns base.  Sunshine Coast-based Amateur Built Lancair IV-P VH-LWL arrived from the Sunshine Coast via Gladstone Airport.  And Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 206L-4 VH-PRW followed the same path.

Early reports suggest it was a great night!

Great Photos of Rockhampton-based R-Mach Aviation PZL Warszawa-Okecie M-18B Dromader VH-MDR Completing Aerial Spraying Operations

Local plane spotter Daniel B has sent through some great photos he captured recently of Rockhampton-based R-Mach Aviation PZL Warszawa-Okecie M-18B Dromader VH-MDR as it completed aerial spraying operations.

M-18B Dromader VH-MDR was manufactured in 1982 by Polish aerospace company PZL Warszawa-Okecie and has a spraying capacity of 3300 litres.  It underwent a major modification in 2012 when the original Centrum Produckzyne Naukowo / PZL radial piston engine was replaced by a Garret AiResearch TPE33-12 turbine by Dubbo based conversion company, Delta Turbines.

R-Mach Aviation is a Rockhampton Airport based family owned company offering a professional and fully self-supported aerial agricultural service including the capacity to assist fire fighters with a fire-bombing platform if called upon.

As well as VH-MDR, R-Mach Aviation maintains a fleet of three aerial agriculture aircraft which also consists of Ayres S2R Turbine Thrush VH-NFF and Weatherly 620A VH-WEA.

VH-NFF was manufactured in 1989 and is powered by a single Garrett AiResearch TPE331-10-511M turbine engine which allows the aircraft to uplift a spraying capacity of 2000 litres.

Finally, manufactured in 1989, Weatherly 620A VH-WEA was manufactured in 1989 and is powered by a 9-cylinder, Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine.  This particular aircraft has a spraying capacity of 1200 litres.

R-Mach Aviation also operates smart little Lancair 4 VH-XVP on passenger transfer and other general charter flights.

Aerial agricultural services offered by R-Mach Aviation includes weed/pest eradication, fertilising, herbicide, spreading, spraying, baiting and seeding.

Additionally, R-Mach Aviation is AAAA accredited and utilise a GPS marking system for accurate distribution.

For enquires or more information, R-Mach Aviation can be contacted by phoning them direct on: (07) 4921 1525 or (07) 4928 9888 or mobile 0427 473 176.

Alternatively their website is:  http://www.r-mach.com.au/

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Daniel B for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Daniel Bishop  ©