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'  ©

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 27 October, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to the Gold Coast and then Emerald Airport before flying up to Mackay Airport.  It later returned to Cessnock.

File photo

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Miles Airport and then Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then hopped down to Mackay Airport and then across to Adelaide (Parafield) before returning to Moorabbin.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Dalby and then Natal Downs before flying down to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Dalby and Archerfield.

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

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

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VEK visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.  This was possibly replacing their Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW.

And Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ as "Helitak 415" flew two flights up to the North West and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Monday 27 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then Rockhampton Airport before flying back down to Williamtown.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-VSK Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 9 June, Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-VSK was noted calling into Hamilton Island Airport.

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The sleek Global Express bizjet looked to fly up from and then depart back to Sydney.

While private American-Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (GLF6) bizjet N720LE was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney.  It had arrived late last week.

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Archerfield and the Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before departing to the Sunshine Coast.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Natal Downs before departing to Dalby. It later returned to Clermont Aerodrome.

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 113" visited Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 9 June, Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-YJY visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield via Emerald Airport.

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 down to Hervey Bay Airport.

NSW based Ted Smith Aerostar PA-60-601 (AEROSTAR 601) VH-MYA landed at Emerald Airport from Hamilton Island Airport before it then departed to Bankstown.

While Sharp Aviation Fairchild Metro III VH-SRU was back on the local freight run, flying up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport and then out to Mount Isa as SH130.  It later flew back to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane as SH129.

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

And Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Monday 9 June, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter A15-314 as "Easy 326" visited Mackay Airport from Townsville.  It also looked to complete airwork at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAX Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 May, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAX was noted passing through Longreach Airport. It arrived from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

P2-NAX at Longreach Airport in March on its way to Adelaide  (File photo)

It has been in Adelaide since the start of March where it appears to be going for planned maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea. It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance.

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAX wears the colours and titles.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 May, and probably in support of the Federal Election, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 Freighter VH-HPE as "Sharp 174", which had landed at Charleville Airport from Brisbane yesterday, departed there to Longreach Airport and then to St George and Toowoomba as "Sharp 174/3".

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 Turboprop VH-VET Spotted at My Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 4 April, it was a nice surprise to photograph Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET at my local Clermont Aerodrome.

It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 April,  Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL visited both Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports while flying up from and back to Armidale via Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421" visited Longreach Airport again from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 April, VH-PIY "Machflight 421" departed Longreach Airport for Brisbane.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF landed at Barcaldine Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then departed to Longreach Airport and then Jundah. 

Finally, also on Friday 4 April, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters A15-312 and A15-314 were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport while flying up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville on their return from the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport.

Stored Aircraft Depart Rockhampton Airport and Return to Brisbane Airport to Re-enter Service Following TC Alfred - Plus More!

On Sunday 9 March, and with the worst of Tropical Cyclone Alfred out of the way for South-East Queensland, some sense of normality is returning to the skies as several of the parked-up aircraft departed Rockhampton Airport to re-enter service largely from Brisbane.

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190s VH-XVQ as QFA6281, VH-XVS as QFA6285, VH-UZF as QFA6283, VH-XVO as QFA6287, VH-XVX as QFA6289, VH-UZH as QFA6291 and VH-UZI as QFA6295 all departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Brisbane. 

Plus Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70s VH-NKU as UTY9822 and VH-NUU as UTY9821 and Fokker F-100 VH-UQG as UTY9820 also all departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 9 March, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU as RON314 departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane. It had arrived the previous evening from Darwin on a diversion from Brisbane as RON312.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-HPE as SH101 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa after several days parked out there.  It then departed to Brisbane.

And the welcome sight back in CQ of Skytrans Airlines Airbus A319-112 VH-L7A as SKP801 which flew down from Cairns to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to Brisbane.

Of interest, Skytrans has been cleared to start A319 wet-leasing operations, with CASA signing off on updates to its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).  After being purchased last year by global aviation firm Avia Solutions Group, Skytrans received its first A319, VH-L7A (ex LY-FAB), in mid-December and just received its second into Brisbane to be registered VH-L7C (ex LY-FAC).  VH-L7C is pictured below arriving into Toowoomba-Wellcamp from Brisbane to also escape TC Alfred.

Finally, also on Sunday 9 March, Brisbane-based Cessna 310R VH-NBI departed Rockhampton Airport for Quilpie and Coober Pedi.  It had arrived last week from Archerfield to avoid the weather.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 flew into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Ayr.

And over the last week, the LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets have continued to complete medical evacuation flights with some of them in and out of the region.

VH-OFA as "Ambulance 614" has been noted visiting Longreach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

While VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was spotted (above) visiting Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 8 March and was noted also visiting Mackay, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast)  and Hervey Bay Airports.

Photos taken by Steve Vit, Tom Carmichael and Phil M  ©

McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST Helicopter N726HT Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 February, lovely big McDermott Aviation Group Bell 214ST Helicopter N726HT was  noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Noosa.  It then departed to Mackay Airport before later returning to Rockhampton Airport and then heading back to the Sunshine Coast area.

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" landed at Emerald Airport from Armidale and later departed to Bankstown.

Phenix Jet Cayman Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 7500 Bizjet VP-CAH at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 17 February, smart looking Phenix Jet Cayman Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 7500 bizjet VP-CAH as 'CPJ75' / "Phenix Jet 75" departed Hamiliton Island Airport for Cairns and then Nouméa. It looked to have had arrived into Hamo from the Gold Coast on Sunday 16 February and arrived there from Tokyo (Narita) two days prior.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 17 February, I was able to photograph Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY at Clermont Aerodrome which was visiting from Archerfield.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW also visited Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from Brisbane and the Oaky Creek Coal Mine site.  It then returned to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-VEW visited Emerald Airport on Thursday 20 February and visited Clermont Aerodrome again on Friday 21 February - both times arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.

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

Finally, also on Monday 17 February, Sharp Aviation Fairchild Metro III VH-SRU looked to visit Central Queensland possibly for the first time, flying up from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports and then out of Mount Isa as 'SH130'.  It later returned from Mount Isa to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane as 'SH129'.

https://www.instagram.com/mas_kentungs2/

UPDATE!  It looks like VH-SRU operated into CQ into both Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during the remainder of the week, departing Brisbane and flying down to Launceston on Sunday 23 February.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 8 November, recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Saturday 9 November, VH-DAA departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 8 November, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft B200 Super King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned North.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VEK was noted departing Gladstone Airport for Brisbane.  It looks to have arrived from Brisbane via the 'usual' stop at Biloela / Thangool Airport

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Emerald Airport and then Brisbane.  It seems to have flown up to Townsville from Brisbane the previous day. 

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H which flew west to Alice Springs via Moura Aerodrome on Monday, returned from the West to Moura Aerodrome and then back Archerfield. 

And new Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9, flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Ballarat.  It was registered in August and previously wore the American Aircraft Registration marking of N883PA.

UPDATE!  On Monday 11 November, VH-TB9 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Ballarat.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ Makes a Rare Visit to CQ at Rockhampton and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 5 November, Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ (ex Air North VH-ANA) made a rare visit into Central Queensland.  It arrived into Brisbane from Melbourne (Essendon) on Monday 4 November as SH105 before then heading up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports early on Tuesday as SH162.  It then flew back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport as SH161 before then flying down to Melbourne (Avalon) as SH106.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 5 November, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport then down to Brisbane and then back to Sydney.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Emerald Airport and then Caldervale Station.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" landed at Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge and then departed to Townsville.

And Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Unexpected Emergency Landing at Rockhampton Airport by Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY - Plus More!

On Monday 15 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY made an unexpected visit into Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

The sleek little Citation was enroute from Archerfield to Townsville when it was forced to make a rapid descent and land at Rockhampton Airport due to the smell of smoke and the loss of its ESB(?).  

It landed safely and parked on the Northern Apron.  VH-TEY was on the ground for only 40 minutes and then departed to Townsville before later returning to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Cairns.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba, near Nebo, to Archerfield and the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 January, VH-8HP flew back from the Gold Coast and Archerfield to Mackay Airport.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI visited Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield.  It later departed Archerfield for Bankstown.

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

Fellow Link Airways Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Of interest, Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VEK completed their Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight to Biloela / Thangool Airport.  Plus SAAB 340B VH-VEF completed their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed passenger charter flight from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and Theodore Aerodrome and back.  

There is a temporary hold on some Link Airways flights in and out of Bundaberg Airport at the moment.

Finally, also on Monday 15 January, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed an aerial survey flight out of Rockhampton Airport before departing to Caloundra.  It had arrived into Rocky on Saturday 13 January and completed some flights on Sunday 14 January.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 16 October, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 October, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC11' / "Machflight 11" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Cairns.

Mooney M20J VH-KDC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Normanton. 

And newly registered Helibras AS350B2 Esquilo VH-EQP looked to fly up from Caloundra to the Sunshine Coast, Orchid Beach, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Bundaberg Airports.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 October, VH-EQP continued to Gladstone Airport, Rockhampton Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Hamilton Island Airport.  After completing a couple of local flights, on Thursday 19 October and Friday 20 October, VH-EQP flew down to Toowoomba via Emerald and Dalby Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 16 October, Sharp Airlines Metro III VH-OZV flew as "Sharp 129" flying from Mackay to Brisbane diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  After two weeks, on Monday 30 October, VH-OZV finally departed Rockhampton Airport as "Sharp103F" for Brisbane.

Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN Calls into Some CQ Airports on Federal Referendum Duties - Plus More!

On Sunday 15 October, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN as "Sharp 173" departed Winton Airport for Longreach, Barcaldine, Charleville, Cunnamulla and Toowoomba Airports before flying onwards to Brisbane.  As mentioned below, it had originally landed at Winton Airport on Friday 13 October.

Of interest, on Saturday 14 October, VH-UZN as "Sharp 104" did a similar run out of Winton Airport, flying to Longreach, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Saint George and Toowoomba before then returning to Winton Airport.

It appears that these flights were in support of the Federal Referendum held over the weekend.

Perhaps a similar set of flights were completed by General Aviation Maintenace (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-KAK.  On Saturday 14 October, it flew up from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Mount Isa, before then, on Sunday 15 October, flying across Mount Isa to Cairns and then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 October, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew back from Alice Springs and Ambalindum to Longreach Airport before then continuing to Archerfield.  It looked to have flown out there a few days earlier.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MZI flew out of Blackall Airport to Archerfield after arriving there the previous day.

And also visiting Blackall Airport, also on Sunday 15 October, was American-registered (but seemingly Australian-based) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet N510MW which arrived from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  Monday 16 October, N510MW departed Blackall Airport and flew up to Lizard Island.  Over the next week, it flew to Cooktown and the Sunshine Coast before eventually returning to Essendon.

And Cessna 182 VH-RYZ was noted operating the parachuting flights out of Lakeside Airpark around the Laguna Quays Resort.

All photos taken by Garry Wilkinson  ©

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 October, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK called into Longreach Airport from Cairns and Mount Isa before it then departed to Brisbane. 

File photo

While late in the afternoon Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN as "Sharp 104" flew up to Winton Airport from Brisbane on what looks to be a flight supporting this weekend's Federal Referendum.

And General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Aero Commander 500-S VH-UJU completed aerial survey work over the greater Bundaberg region while on a flight out of and back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 13 October, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane.

As mentioned below, on Thursday 12 October, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and then flew up to Townville via Cairns. 

Photos taken by Steve Vit   ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW First Visit to CQ at Mackay and Rockhampton Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 May, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW made what we believe to be its first visit into Central Queensland - and it was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport on what appeared to be a different 'rotation'.

It flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport first as QFA7421 before then popping into Rockhampton Airport as QFA7425 and then departing back to Brisbane as QFA7426.

Of interest, the much-travelled freighter found a home in Australia in late 2016 with Pionair Australia and soon after, it began operating freight flights for Virgin Australia including up to Townsville and Cairns.  VH-SFW maintains the basic orange colour scheme of its former operators that flew on behalf of TNT Freight.

And also spotted at Rockhampton Airport, also on Tuesday 16 May, was Sharp Aviation (ex Toll) Metro III Freighter VH-UZP which arrived from Brisbane as SH162 before continuing to Mackay Airport as the same.  

After parking for the day, it is currently flying back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport but as SH161.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 May, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was in the region again, visiting Rockhampton Airport from its Brisbane base.

While the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before returning there but via Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 May, VH-PSY once again visited Rockhampton Airport but from Cairns direct.

And a couple of the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights were again noted operating with Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arriving into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Plus DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back, calling into Mackay Airport on the way up and then Rockhampton Airport on the return flight.  

It appears that VH-NPZ completed a couple of runs to Gladstone Airport and back to Bundaberg Airport over the last couple of days.

Finally, also on Tuesday 16 May, some small Cirrus aircraft were noted flying up and down through the region.

Victoria based Cirrus SR22s - Tomfoolery Holdings VH-8AT and Weztex P/L VH-CFD - landed at Gladstone Airport from Townsville.  They had flown from Sweers Island in Far North Queensland to Cairns a couple of weeks ago then to Townsville a week ago.  They then departed to Gold Coast.

NSW based Sercon Aviation SR22 VH-IRP flew up into the region from the Gold Coast, but its exact movements are not fully known.

And new SR22 VH-FBT flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Gold Coast.

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

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-MQX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 March, Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX as "Navair 131" was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Sunday 2 April, VH-MQX "Navair 131" departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to also land at Hamilton Island Airport.  It later departed to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 1 April, VH-JSZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 March, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp before departing to Thargomindah and then back to Welllcamp. 

Brisbane-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-OUD was noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

Daniel Livestock P/L (Dalby) Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-MRW flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and Normanton. 

RDO Equipment Co. Cessna 182 VH-JQC departed Emerald Airport for Saint George.  It then looked to return to Emerald Airport.  VH-JQC had flown up from Toowoomba the previous day.

Gympie-based Amateur-built Van's RV-7 VH-VNM visited Clermont Aerodrome.  While locally-based Cessna R182RG VH-BAE was also noted flying out of and back to Clermont Aerodrome this week.

And also locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Mackay Airport and then Winton.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 April, VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport after returning there from Winton on Saturday 1 April.

Finally, also on Friday 31 March, Sharp Airlines Metro 23 VH-UZN finally departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as 'Sharp 102F'.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport early on Thursday 30 March from Brisbane as 'Sharp 162' but then broke down.

And Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV, which had flown down from Horn Island to Cairns yesterday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports.

UPDATE!  Over subsequent days, VH-LSV flew down to Adelaide where it has taken up operations with local emergency services.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and John Lee  ©

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 24 February, the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ popped into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Cairns and Townsville.  It was later spotted departing to Brisbane.

While Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for Gladstone Airport again.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 February, VH-RTC flew out to 'Red Rock' Station near Comet and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU called into Biloela / Thangool Airport on the airlines scheduled service from Brisbane. It then hopped across to Gladstone Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FMZ Spotted at The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

UPDATED!

On Thursday 16 February, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after flying down from its Mareeba base.  On Friday 17 February, it was photographed still parked up.

While also in the Whitsundays, also on Thursday 16 February, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY had another busy day of flying, coming up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Melbourne (Essendon) and Adelaide (Parafield) also to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then returned directly to Moorabbin. 

And the visiting American-registered Diamond DA42 Twin Star N430PS, which seems to be on an 'around the world' trip, was photographed soon before it then departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived in the Whitsundays on Tuesday 14 February.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 20 February, N430PS departed the Gold Coast for New Zealand and the continuation of its around the world trip.

Finally, also on Thursday 16 February, recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew from Rockhampton Airport to Lotus Creek and back to Rocky.

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. 

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU called into Biloela / Thangool Airport on the airlines scheduled service from Brisbane.  It then hopped across to Gladstone Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

All photos taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Australian Border Force / Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP Helicopter VH-RHJ Calls into CQ Airports Heading South - Plus More!

On Monday 6 February, a nice, rare visitor to the region in the form of Australian Border Force / Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-RHJ was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports while it headed South presumably for planned maintenance.

File photo

VH-RHJ is usually based at Horn Island and operates around the Torres Strait Islands as "Borderforce 412".  It looked to fly South from there and passed through Mackay and Rockhampton Airports before continuing to the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 February, VH-RHJ continued from the Sunny Coast to Coffs Harbour.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 6 February, 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.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW (ex P2-ZMY) arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 February, VH-SUW departed Rockhampton Airport for Hamilton Island Airport and then Cairns.

Easternwell Beech B200C VH-HPP also arrived into Rockhampton Airport but from Toowoomba.  It too departed to Labona before returning to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780.  It didn't operate a flight to Labona. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 February, VH-QQB operated two flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport before positioning to Brisbane as SKP511.  Fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP510 and operated a flight to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It remains at Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday night.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW visited the Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella, flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then flew back down to Hervey Bay Airport. 

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Maryborough Airport from Brisbane.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprops VH-VEC and VH-VED both operated into Bundaberg Airport during the day, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.  This is a welcome expansion of services into the Rum City by Link Airways since they started scheduled services in November last year.

Link Airways Metro 23 turboprop VH-VET flew their Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela /Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

Link Airways SAAB 340B VH-VEM flew into Charleville Airport from Brisbane.  It is due to return to Brisbane on Tuesday 7 February.

And Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ arrived into the Oaky Creek Mine Site from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 February, VH-VEJ flew down from Oaky Creek to Emerald Airport before returning to Oaky Creek and then heading back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 6 February, sleek ElaineBrown LLC (of Anchorage, Alaska) Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP (G550) bizjet N126EB was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Darwin and Singapore (Seletar).  It had arrived on Friday 3 February.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Wagga Wagga, before continuing up to Miles and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports.  It then returned back down to Wagga Wagga and Essendon.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©