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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 "Stallion 41" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 was spotted completing a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport.

A41-213 was flying as "Stallion 41" and flew up from and then returned back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 April, Flight Options (Australia) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-LJX was also spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport but from its Sunshine Coast base.

Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport once again from Archerfield.

And as evening fell, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 110" was noted flying down from Townsville to Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 17 April, VH-SHI "Navair 110" departed Gladstone Airport for Bankstown.

Photos taken by Andrew Alexander  ©

Cirrus Design Corp. SR22T N51GH at Mackay Airport for Demonstration Flights - Plus More!

On Saturday 11 April, Cirrus SR22T N51GH flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. It was then noted completing some local flights.

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Then on Sunday 12 April, N51GH departed Mackay Airport and departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 11 April, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane. It then flew to Townsville and Mackay Airport and then back to Gladstone Airport and Brisbane.

It is believed that VH-AVL is completing medical evacuation flights and given its frequent visits, we probably won’t report on it much more - similarly to the LifeFlight Challenger bizjets and their almost daily medical evacuation flights in and out of CQ.

Finally, also on Sunday 12 April, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from and then back to Sunshine Coast.

Flight Options (Australia) Learjet 45 Bizjet VH-8WK at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 3 April, Flight Options (Australia) Learjet 45 bizjet VH-8WK completed airwork and then landed at Bundaberg Airport on a flight from and then departed back to the Sunshine Coast.  It then flew down to Melbourne (Essendon).

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It appears that VH-8WK also completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport on Thursday 2 April after flying up much earlier from Essendon.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Ararat and the Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then flying back down to Essendon.  It then flew up from there to Tamworth and Proserpine Airport again before then completing the short hop down to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Mike Didsbury  ©

'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ Out and About at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 March, 'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Based PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VH-DDJ flew from Hedlow Airfield to 'Red Rock' and back before later departing Hedlow to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back. 

'JB' / https://www.jetphotos.com/

Of interest, their 'usual' ride of Cessna 208 Caravan VH-RTC has reportedly been parked at Archerfield since October last year. 

While Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 March, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back down to Archerfield. 

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL  made a late visit to Longreach Airport arriving from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and down to Gladstone Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 9 March, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast and then depart to Ballina.

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Meanwhile, over the weekend, on Saturday 7 March,  Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF (c/n 602) visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.

While down at Mackay Airport Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQC operated a charter flight into from and back to Brisbane as UTY500/1.

And Aerlink ATR 72-212(F) VH-AK3 flew across from Alice Springs to Mackay Airport as AL575.  It had flown out to Alice Springs from Brisbane on Friday 6 March and completed a couple of runs to The Granites from and back to Alice Springs before then flying across to Mackay Airport as mentioned.

Late on Friday 6 March, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  This aircraft is becoming quite a familiar sight in Central Queensland, believed to be operating medical evacuation flights similarly to the LifeFlight Canadair Challenger 604 bizjets so we may not report on its movements as much as we did previously.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PHQ Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 February, Pacific Helicopters (Papua New Guinea) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopter P2-PHQ was noted passing trough a couple of Central Queensland Airports while looking to ferry down to the Sunshine Coast.

https://www.facebook.com/pacifichelicopterspng

After spending the last two days flying down from Port Moresby to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, on Wednesday P2-PHQ flew down from there to Rockhampton Airport and then to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 February,  McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Goldie Motorsport SOCATA TBM-850 VH-TBM arrived into Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast before then departing to Alice Springs and Jandakot.

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

Finally, a couple more visitors to my local Clermont Aerodrome but on Tuesday 17 February, included Atherton Creek Air Charters (Mareeba) Piper PA-24-260 Commanche VH-SMJ which visited from Mareeba. 

And the regular visitor in the form of Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited once again from Archerfield.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Of interest, on Wednesday 18 February, VH-AVL again flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew up to Cairns before returning to Brisbane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Friday 23 January,  ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ made a late arrival into Hamilton Island Airport from Perth. It then departed to Mackay Airport before continuing down Melbourne (Tullamarine) where it had in fact started the day.

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Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 January, VH-ZDM departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield and the Gold Coast.

Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns.  It later flew back down to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Brisbane.

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

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 73" landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Avcair LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-AVL Pops into CQ Airports - Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 22 January, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Emerald Airport and then Mackay Airport.  It then flew across to Longreach Airport where it was spotted below.

VH-AVL then flew back to Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 23 January, VH-VDF departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

While American-registered (but seemingly Australian-based) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet N510MW flew up from Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to the Sunshine Coast.

And Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H, which had landed at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Chinchilla Aerodrome yesterday, flew down from Shute Harbour to Dysart Aerodrome and back. 

Finally, also on Thursday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Wallaby 64" was spotted visiting Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

After dark, A34-005 was back in the air this time as "Wallaby 56" and noted completing airwork at Miles Airport while on another flight out of and back to Amberley.

All photos taken by Liam Sellick  ©

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G First Visit of Type to Rockhampton Airport BUT on a Diversion from Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 January, poor weather over the Whitsundays saw QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G operating as QLK1592 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport unable to land at Hamo and divert into Rockhampton Airport.

This is the first time that an Airbus A220 has landed at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, the A220 was unable to continue to Hamilton Island and instead re-positioned back to Brisbane as QLK7801. 

And a little later, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YIQ as VOZ1283 from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport was also unable to land up there and also diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

VH-YIQ departed Rocky and was able to land at Hamilton Island Airport before it then returned down to Sydney as VOZ1282.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 16 January, VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon and then Moorabbin.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS looked to depart Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport and then down to Cessnock.

Late in the day, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-ACV 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 14 January.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.  It had flown up last Saturday 10 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Major Flooding in Central Queensland - Including in my Home Town of Clermont - Means Multiple Helicopter Movements into Local Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 12 January, the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji have dumped massive rainfall and produced destructive winds across the Whitsundays, Mackay region and into the Central Highlands - including where I am based at Clermont.  Consequently, several helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have been noted flying around these places in support roles.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF around Mackay.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Mackay Airport.

Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron 212 VH-T53 was noted arriving into Longreach Airport.

And around Clermont was Bush Helicopters / Qld Helicopters Bell 407 VH-PUM and GB Helicopters Guimbal Cabri G2 VH-8GB which were both involved with airlift stranded residents on outlying properties.

Nautilus Aviation Bell 407 VH-VPE brought swift water rescue personnel from Mackay Airport.

And Dwyer Aviation Services Bell 407 helicopter VH-XFN also popped in.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 12 January, Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H as "Navair 173" flew down from Bowen Aerodrome (pictured) to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up to Bowen Aerodrome from Brisbane the previous day.

After some the ground, VH-85H "Navair 173" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane. It is rumoured to have brought the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to town.

Finally, also on Monday 12 January, Executjet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-L2B arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney and then departed to the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew back up to Hamilton Island Airport from Toowoomba before then hopping down to Mackay Airport and then back to Hamo.  It had originally flown up from the Gold Coast over the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 January, VH-DMS completed another hop to Mackay Airport and back to Hamilton Island Airport.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL made a late visit to Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

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

On Tuesday 30 December, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

VH-AVL returns to Brisbane from Mackay Airport

It was reportedly completing a medical evacuation flight.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Ballina, Canberra and back to the Gold Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 421" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then flew South to Sydney.

While Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

And Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H landed at Bundaberg Airport from Chinchilla Aerodrome and then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Friday 2 January, VH-85H flew down from Shute Harbour to Bundaberg Airport then back to Chinchilla Aerodrome before then heading back up to Shute.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 3 January, VH-85H departed Shute again for Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Peter Donald  ©

Avcair LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-AVL Overnight Visit into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 December, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL looked to make a pre-dawn visit to Mackay Airport.

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It arrived from Brisbane and Cairns before later returning to Brisbane.

(Possibly a first visit?)

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 06" visited Charleville Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

And Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Weipa.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - A Busy Saturday at Rockhampton Airport including Multiple USAF C-17 Globemaster Transports Visiting

On Saturday 19 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Valour 11" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley then flew out to the North East over water and back.  It then returned to Amberley.

Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A VH-SLD as 'AJAX14' arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Kununurra. 

While Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-002 (Code 902) as "Poseidon 02" was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport from its ship.

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter A15-305 as "Stockman" departed to Townsville. 

RAAF Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW as CHOP21 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to the Gold Coast and Ballina. 

Finally, late on Saturday 19 July, United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 09-9206 flew into Rockhampton Airport from Darwin.

It later departed to Cairns.

Also noted at Rockhampton Airport was USAF C-17 09-9208 as 'LAVA93'.

USAF C-17 05-5150 as Lava 91 flew down from Darwin to Amberley.  It may have also possibly visited Rockhampton Airport after dark.

And USAF C17 05-5146 as 'LAVA97' flew East from Townsville and at low-level around the Whitsundays.

Photo taken by Darren Massie and Steve Vit  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - Flight of SIX Australian Army and RNZAF Helicopters as "Chainsaw Combined" Arrives at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 18 July, a massive flight of SIX military helicopters flying as "Chainsaw Combined" were photographed making a spectacular arrival into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

They were identified as Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopters NZ3306, NZ3303 & NZ3307.

Plus Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters A15-301, A15-306 & A15-310.

All six helicopters parked on the crossing Runway 04/22 at Rockhampton Airport.

While Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjet VH-LRH as "Blackjack 11" completed a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

A third Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A VH-LRX also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from HMAS Albatross at Nowra as 'AJAX19'.

Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets - A27-01 and A27-23 - completed only one afternoon sortie out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Puma".

The two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Lockheed CC-130J Super Hercules (C-130J-30) transport aircraft wearing serials 130617 and 130606 flew down from Townsville as 'CNUK61FLT' / "Canook 61 Flt" into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area before later returning North.

Finally, United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 05-5146 as 'SHAKA11' was noted on radar climbing out of the Middlemount area.  It is believed to be based at RAAF Base Amberley along with a few other USAF C-17s which are also based there and at other places like Cairns, Townsville and Darwin.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Scott Harris  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Airbus A400M Atlas Transport Aircraft 54+14 as 'GAF61' Back at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 17 July, Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Airbus A400M Atlas Transport Aircraft 54+14 as 'GAF61' flew up from RAAF Base Amberley low level with a loop at a beach near Bundaberg and one near Calliope before landing at Rockhampton Airport. It then departed to Townsville.

Like the previous day, two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets completed two sorties during the day out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Puma".

Similarly, two Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjets also completed two sorties during the day out of and back to Rockhampton Airport but as "Blackjack".  Looks like they went up as far as Mackay today.

And LifeFlight Australia (Eagle Copters Leasing) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-XGB as "Guardian 20" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - Many Photos from Rockhampton Airport incl BOTH RCAF CC-130J Hercs 130617 and 130606 - RAAF BAe Hawk 127 Jets Start Sorties - As do Air Affairs LearJets!

On Wednesday 16 July, not one, but BOTH Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Lockheed CC-130J Super Hercules (C-130J-30) transports that have deployed to Australia wearing serials 130617 and 130606 called into Rockhampton Airport as 'CNUK61FLT' / "Canook 61 Flt". 

They arrived from RAAF Base Richmond via a position near Charters Towers and a bit later departed to Townsville. 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-467 as "Kongo 03" visited Rockhampton Airport once again from Townsville.

Late on Tuesday 15 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 59" departed Rockhampton Airport for Melbourne (Avalon) and Canberra.  It had arrived late on Monday.  

Fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 36" departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin early on Wednesday.  As mentioned below, it had arrived on Monday 14 July.

While two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets - A27-23 and A27-08 - completed two sorties during the day out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Puma".

Similarly, the two Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjets VH-LRH and VH-SLE also completed two sorties during the day out of and back to Rockhampton Airport but as "Blackjack".

A pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinooks as "Stockman" went out from Rockhampton Airport to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and then back into the nearby DSU and out again. 

United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167854 / RB-11 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport once again as "Valkyrie 62".

And Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Rescue 901" was noted operating in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and had arrived there from Townsville yesterday. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 16 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 10" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and was spotted completing a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before it then returned South.

And RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 77" landed at Longreach Airport from Canberra via Alice Springs.  It then departed back to Canberra via a missed approach at Charleville Airport.

Photo taken by Scott Harris, Darren Massie and Jaymee C  ©