TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-LXZ Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 9 July, TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ popped into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It then flew to Maryborough Airport and then Brisbane.

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While American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG flew from Augathella to Degunnie but due to fog there, landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport before later departing to Archerfield.

And McGilvray Aviation Partenavia P.68C VH-IOZ flew down from its Mareeba base to Emerald Airport.

Photo taken by Garth Coad  ©

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  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 July, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK visited Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo then departed back to there. 

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While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Tocumwal.

UPDATE!  On Friday 12 July, N227SL departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

New Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR flew down from Townsville and Cairns to Mackay Airport.  It then departed to Brisbane

And Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived from there on Sunday 7 July.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 July, Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba and then departed to Winton and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

New Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba before later returning there via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX visited Clermont Aerodrome from Rockhampton Airport.  It has been completing aerial survey flights in the region over the last couple of days.

And Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Photo taken by Paul Tyler  ©

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQJ Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 25 February, recently registered (on Tuesday 13 February) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and later departed to Townsville.

It looked to have flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Oakey via Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Toowoomba-Wellcamp the previous day.

VH-YQJ is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and we believe is the fourth and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

VH-YQJ joins VH-YBG and VH-YQC at Townsville with these two still operating flights out and back with Australian Army flight numbers and callsigns.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 25 February, Elite Helicopters (Archerfield) Eurocopter  AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YQK departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. 

Western Australia based Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. It had come from Bendigo, Tyabb and Broken Hill yesterday.

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 February, VH-SRY departed Longreach Airport back to Bourke and Tyabb. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to return to Bundaberg Airport from North Keppel Island.  It flew into there from Archerfield and Bundy on Friday.

And the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed aerial survey work over Blackwater mine sites while on a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Sunday 25 February, a few bizjets noted around the region included AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ which flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Bankstown.

UPDATE!  In the wee small hours of Monday 26 February, VH-CCJ returned to Bundaberg Airport from Bankstown before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT called into Hamilton Island Airport from Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-VLT departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and then Melbourne (Essendon).

While S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from there on Friday 23 February.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted departing Archerfield for Charleville Airport.  It later returned to Archerfield.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Scott Harris  ©

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU at Roma Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 11 February, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted departing Roma Airport for Adelaide.

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It seems to have arrived into Roma Airport from the South Australian capital the previous day.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 11 February, the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe no doubt ready to complete more aerial survey work in the area.

And the visiting Southern Airlines (Moorabbin) Cessna 404 VH-TTZ departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport (on Saturday 10 February). It then flew from Mackay Airport to Quilpie and back to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Redcliffe.

Finally, in the wee small hours on Saturday 10 February, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" visited Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

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.

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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  ©

Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet VH-UYX Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 13 August, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Ayres Rock.

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It then departed to Adelaide and Sydney.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV has been operating out of both Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour over the past week on aerial survey flights and on Sunday, it departed to Cairns.

Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU arrived into Bundaberg Airport during the middle part of July and is still operating aerial survey flights from the Rum City.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC flew out from Hedlow Airfield to Rockhampton Airport and then up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Red Rock Property where it is based and then back to Hedlow.

Of interest, VH-RTC did almost the same flight on Friday 11 August except it flew out of and back to Hedlow.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 12 August, the new Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then back to Moorabbin.

And re-registered Interair (Essendon) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU flew up from Toowoomba to Emerald Airport and then Clermont Aerodrome where it then started aerial survey operations for the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Monday 14 August, VH-PJU completed operations and departed Clermont Aerodrome for Toowoomba.

And Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Toowoomba and Archerfield after operating in the Fraser Coast and Mackay regions for at least the pervious couple of months.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 July, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was noted departing its Mackay Airport Base for Brisbane.  During the late afternoon, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from the capital.

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And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 22 July, VH-JSZ departed Hamo for Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 21 July, Cirrus SR22s VH-INW from Caloundra, along with VH-LTH and VH-ZGA from the Sunshine Coast, looked to fly up together to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  They all departed Hamo on Monday 24 July.

Landsur P/L Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-OAV departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Rockhampton Airport.  It then continued to Brisbane before later returning to Rockhampton Airport from there.  VH-PSK then returned to Cairns. 

New Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP continues to log up the flying hours, this time departing Emerald Airport for Keeroongooloo before it then flew across to what appears to be its Mackay Airport base. 

Locally-based Cessna R182RG VH-BAE flew out of Clermont Aerodrome to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 23 July, VH-BAE returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Also, locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 23 July, VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

And Hinterland Aviation completed a swap of aircraft operating out of Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND3310 and then Townsville as HND2211.  While fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS flew down to Labona from Townsville as HND2210 and then across to Rockhampton Airport as HND3311.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

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  ©

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC (ex P2-HBX) Spotted at Rockhampton Airport Heading North - Plus More!

On Friday 14 July, recently registered Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC was spotted as it arrived into Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to have flown up from Redcliffe via the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg Airport.

The only recently re-registered Huey helicopter looked to be previously operated by Heli Niugini in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as P2-HBX.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 15 May, VH-WOC continued from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where it seems that it might be now based.

Another interesting helicopter that seemed to be flying 'with' Helicopter Resources (Tasmania) Aerospatiale AS.350B2 Squirrel VH-SRB which also landed at Rockhampton Airport after flying up Tassie via all stops including Roma Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 15 May, VH-SRB departed Rockhampton Airport but only flew to Mackay Airport.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA "Guardian 10" flew up from Archerfield to Townsville via Gladstone and Mackay Airports.  It was spotted departing Mackay Airport and is possibly being deployed to North Queensland for upcoming Military Exercises.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 July, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Landsur P/L Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-OAV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Emerald and Biloela / Thangool Airports. 

Finally, also on Friday 14 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" landed at Mackay Airport from Townsville and Mount Isa before it then departed to Brisbane.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby before it then departed to Natal Downs. This afternoon it reversed the flight.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and 'JM'  ©

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 1 July, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Archerfield to land at Hamilton Island Airport.  

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It later departed to the Gold Coast and Redcliffe.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM looked to fly across from Vanrook Station to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Armidale.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG departed the Gold Coast for Sydney before flying up to Roma Airport and then Cairns.  It then returned to the Goldie.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY popped into Gladstone Airport after flying up from Melbourne (Essendon) and Newcastle (Williamtown).  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast.

And Bayswater Road / Australian Aerial Mapping (AAM) survey aircraft - Reims Aviation F406 VH-LAA looked to complete aerial survey work also out of Gladstone Airport.

Finally, also on Saturday 1 July, re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM landed at Longreach Airport from Lethbridge Park before then flying up to Dinah Island.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX was spotted resting at Rockhampton Airport before then operating an aerial survey flight out and back.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 2 July, VH-EPX departed Rockhampton Airport for Walgett and Griffith.  It looks to have since taken up operations in South Australia.

And locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF flew from Clermont Aerodrome to Gladstone Airport.

Photos taken by Brodie Lawson and Trevor Hardsman  ©️

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 June, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was noted Rockhampton Airport.

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It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Gold Coast before then flying down to Adelaide.

While Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Archerfield. 

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ popped into Gladstone Airport from Bankstown before then departing to Cairns and Mareeba.

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast before then departing to Sydney.

And AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 923" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport before flying across to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 27 June, Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to complete aerial survey work North of Clermont.  It then landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome for fuel before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.

And Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD was again noted completing aerial survey work out of Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Tuesday 27 June, some of the 'usual' FIFO charter flights included Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visiting Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived from Latrobe Valley and Bourke and then departed back there and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ operated from Bundaberg Airport and looked to fly in and out of Nebo Aerodrome direct.

Of interest, it looks like VH-NPZ has completed flights to Archerfield and Toowoomba from and back to Bundy over the last few days.

And Skytans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL completed the FIFO charter flights from Rockhampton Airport to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.

Fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP511, while Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as SKP512.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 June, VH-QQI departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville as SKP787.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL Pops into Charleville Airport - Plus More!

A busy weekend, on Sunday 25 June, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was noted visiting Charleville Airport. 

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It arrived from Adelaide and Maitland before departing to Dinah Island, Normanton and the Gold Coast.

While Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ flew up from Archerfield and Warwick to Barcaldine Airport.   It then returned to Archerfield.

And Jetstream Electrical (Darwin) Piper PA-30-160 Twin Comanche VH-NEE "Sparky 436" was back in the region, arriving back in Queensland from its Darwin base at start of the week.  On Saturday, it looked to visit destinations around Blackall, Springsure, Goonoo Feedlot, Roma and Surat.  While on Sunday, it looked to call into Dalby and Longreach Airports before continuing to Ardmore.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 June, the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed a flight from Rockhampton Airport to Emerald Airport and back.  Then on Sunday, VH-VMV departed Rockhampton Airport for Caloundra.

(Former?) Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMZ was seen departing Longreach Airport for Archerfield.  It seems to have arrived the previous day from Winton.

New South Wales-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-RMX flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before continuing to Heck Field.  It looked to fly up to Cairns from its Hay base in New South Wales the previous day, flying via Charleville Airport.  VH-RMX returned to Hay on Sunday.

And New South Wales-based Piper PA-34-200T VH-KMN flew from Bundaberg Airport to Emerald Airport and then back to bundy but via Maryborough Airport.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-EWQ Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 10 June, Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-EWQ was noted visiting Mackay Airport.  It looked to arrive from Brisbane and then depart to the North-West with it eventually finishing the day at Darwin.

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While locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Caboolture.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 11 June, VH-NWF returned to the Clermont Aerodrome from Caboolture.

And The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV flew from my local Clermont Aerodrome to Rockhampton Airport.  It had arrived into Clermont Aerodrome from Cloncurry Airport on Friday 9 June.

Finally, late on Friday 9 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" popped into Gladstone Airport during a busy night of flying out of and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Re-Registered Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-MSU "Navair 162" Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 June, re-registered Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-MSU as "Navair 162" was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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After some time on the ground, it returned to Essendon but via Dubbo.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" was noted making an early arrival into Longreach Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and Gladstone Airport before returning to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 6 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN flew up from the Sunshine Coast to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then hopped across to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Moranbah Airport from Latrobe Valley and Bourke, before then departing back to Latrobe Valley and then eventually to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but via Mackay Airport before returning to Bundy direct.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Cravan VH-HLL flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then across to Labona and back to Mackay Airport and Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

Brescon Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Yellowbank and Rolleston Aerodromes before then flying across to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp. 

While Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA landed at Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then flying back up to Townsville and Cairns.

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC departed Brisbane and landed at Ingelara before then flying up to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 June, VH-AAC flew across from Emerald Airport to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

And The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV departed Longreach Airport for the North.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©️

American Registered Dassault Falcon 900EX Bizjet N311JA at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 2 June, American registered Private Dassault Falcon 900EX bizjet N311JA was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.  The hard-to-track Falcon looked to arrive into Hamo from Sydney earlier in the week on Tuesday 30 May.

N311JA at Adelaide Airport late last year  (File photo)

While spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport, also on Friday 2 June, was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and departed to Hamilton Island Airport.  It later returned to the Sunny Coast.

And Cirrus (Australia) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NFP as "Navair 187" visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 2 June, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE was spotted at Bundaberg Airport after flying down from Rockhampton Airport.  It later departed to Canberra.

Handel Aviation Cessna 402C VH-VID was also spotted at Bundaberg Airport as it prepared for another day of aerial survey flying.

Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI also appears to be still at Bundaberg Airport also operating aerial survey flights.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV is also still around but now operating aerial survey flights out of Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

And Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU continues to operate aerial survey flights out of Roma Airport.

While the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ popped into Rockhampton Airport after flying up from Brisbane.  It then continued to Townsville and Cairns having earlier flown down to the capital from those places.

Locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF flew from Clermont Aerodrome to Caboolture.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 June, VH-NWF returned to Clermont from Caboolture.

And New Zealand Registered Glasair Sportsman 2+2 ZK-SPO flew from Roma Airport to Longreach Airport.

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It looked to have arrived into Australia via the Gold Coast in the two days prior.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 June, ZK-SPO departed Longreach Airport for the North-West.

Finally, also on Friday 2 June, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Black Dagger 2023 looked to wrapped up in Townsville will all participating aircraft departing there for their respective home bases.  At Rockhampton Airport, the deployed RAAF Search and Rescue (SAR) / CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW "Choppa 22" departed to RAAF Base Amberley after being at Rocky for the week.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, 'AC', Paul Tyler and Simon Hills  ©

Multiple Aerial Survey Aircraft Noted and Seen on Radar Operating Around Central Queensland - Plus More!

Over the last few days (and weeks!) and also on Saturday 20 May, several aerial survey aircraft were again noted operating around various parts of Central Queensland.  Here is what we saw and heard!

Southern Airlines Cessna 402B VH-KCL has been operating out of Roma Airport since late April.

UPDATE!  In late June, VH-KCL departed Roma Airport for Narrandera and Melbourne (Moorabbin).

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV flew back into the region, arriving at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Warwick.

Townsville-based ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI has been operating out of Bundaberg Airport since last week.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL also has spent a lot of time in the region and now seems to be operating out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And operating out of Emerald Airport, no doubt completing aerial surveys of the local coal fields have been Aero Logistics / Bayswater Road Aerial Surveys Cessna 441 VH-LEM, Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE and Link Airways Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH "Survey 23".

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Meanwhile, also on Saturday 20 May, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it then flew down to Miles Airport and then to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Darwin before it then departed to Archerfield.  It had flown up to the Top End the previous day.

Finally, also on Saturday 20 May, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS, which had landed at Wellclose on Thursday 18 May, departed there to Brindley Park then Opal Creek and Archerfield.

After arriving the previous day, the pair of Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEX and VH-UEZ both operated out of and back to Bundaberg Airport through the day with ‘Astra’ callsigns.

A trio of Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft were noted in the Fraser Coast region with VH-YTB, VH-YNV and VH-YTU all flying up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then Bundaberg Airport. They later flew down to Kingaroy and then back to Wellcamp.

And Brisbane based Cessna A185F VH-WLW visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by John Tomlinson  ©

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS Bizjet VH-XCU Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again - Plus More!

On Monday 10 April, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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On this occasion, it flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) direct before later returning back to Moorabbin but flying via Melbourne (Essendon).

And on Sunday 9 April, Sunshine Air Services (of Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VLZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 10 April, re-registered Geeair (Lara, Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM flew up Lethbridge and Mildura in Victoria to Barcaldine Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, VH-UJM continued from Barcaldine Airport up to Cloncurry Airport and then Dinah Island and then to Cairns.

Flight Testing Services Australia (Brisbane) PA-31/A1 Navajo VH-WHE was noted departing Redcliffe for Mackay Airport.  It immediately took up aerial survey operations.

And of interest, The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV also remains in the region, visiting Emerald and Rockhampton Airports over the last few days, and arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville on Sunday 9 April.

Finally, several Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) movements, also on Monday 10 April, included Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ which visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  It then flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and later departed there to Labona.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, VH-FAQ also operated one more flight to Labona from and back to Rockhampton Airport before then departing back to Archerfield.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport directly from Cairns as SKP799.  It should also operate flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 11 April before departing on Wednesday 12 April.

Of interest, fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQF completed the Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back to Cairns service as SKP85/86.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) to Rockhampton Airport.  Fellow Seair Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH also flew into Rockhampton Airport but from Lady Elliot Island.  Both VH-TQW and VH-TLH then flew to Labona and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 11 April, both VH-TQW and VH-TLH operated more flights to Labona before they both departed Rockhampton Airport with VH-TQW heading back to Hervey Bay Airport and VH-TLH to the Gold Coast.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-CVN look to still be based at Rockhampton Airport and continue to operate their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to and back from Labona.  It appears that VH-MRZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport last Friday 7 April after completing a swap with VH-MRZ at Labona.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

D & C Aviation (USA) Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) Bizjet N986SP Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 March, D & C Aviation (USA) Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) bizjet N986SP was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

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N986SP appears to have arrived into Brisbane from overseas on Sunday 26 March.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 29 March, N986SP departed Mackay Airport and flew down to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 March, Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.  It also appears to have visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport almost each day since last Friday 24 March.

Gotts Aviation (Northern Territory) Cessna 402B VH-BIZ flew up from the Gold Coast to Longreach Airport.  It looks to be due to head to Mount Isa and Emkaytee Aerodrome near Darwin on Wednesday 29 March.  VH-BIZ looks to have been all the way down to Bankstown in New South Wales after leave Emkaytee last Tuesday 21 March.

Australia Skydive Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZQ looks to have taken up operations out of the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after arriving from Tully on Sunday 26 March.  While Skydive Airlie Beach but Wollongong-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DNK departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Mareeba on Sunday 26 March.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 March, VH-DNK returned to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Cairns and Tully, while VH-DZQ returned North to Cairns and then Tully.

Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW visited Mackay Airport from its Ingham base.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV looked to complete an aerial survey flight out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It looked to fly down to Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport the previous day after flying up there from Redcliffe late last week.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Toowoomba to Maryborough Airport and then Emerald Airport.  It then continued out to Julia Creek and Cloncurry Airports before then returning back down to Toowoomba. 

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW arrived into Bundaberg Airport from its Toowoomba base via Archerfield.  It is due to return to Archerfield and Toowoomba on Wednesday 29 March.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG flew up from Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Gladstone Airport.  It then returned to Archerfield before flying across to Toowoomba.

And Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up from Mudgee to Alpha Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, VH-PGA flew across to Emerald Airport and Moura Aerodrome.  On Thursday 30 March, VH-PGA departed Moura Aerodrome for Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 28 March, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-HLJ as HND100/1 and VH-HJS as HND120/1 both flew down from Cairns to Labona and back to Cairns.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome but this time via Rockhampton Airport.  It later returned directly back to Bundy.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 March, VH-NPZ flew from Bundaberg Airport to Archerfield and back.

And Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to Charleville Airport and Latrobe Valley and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Photo taken by Marlin Le  ©

Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet Bizjet N958AG Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 March, Gold Coast-based but American Registered Cirrus SF50 VisionJet bizjet N958AG was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a busy day of flying.

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It started the day at Cairns (after arriving there from the Gold Coast the previous day) and headed to Bamaga and then Mackay Airport before continuing South to Gladstone Airport and then Archerfield and back to the Gold Coast.

And AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then returning to the Sunshine Coast where it completed more.

It also appears that VH-CCJ completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport on Wednesday 22 March.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 March, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF popped into Emerald Airport while flying North to Townsville from Archerfield.  It looks to have taken up operations there as "Rescue 521".

It comes a day after fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried South from Townsville to Archerfield, also via Emerald Airport - see Blog post below.

NSW based Mooney M20R VH-MZZ landed at Emerald Airport after flying up from Bankstown (yesterday), Cessnock and Walgett.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 March, VH-MZZ departed Emerald Airport and returned to Walgett and then Bankstown.

The Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV looked to fly into Mackay Airport from Redcliffe.

And several King Air turboprops were noted visiting several CQ Airports including the Thursday 'rush' down in the Gas Fields.

Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY was noted visiting Longreach Airport, departing to Rockhampton Airport and then to the North.

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.

Pesca Aviation (Brisbane) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew up from Toowoomba to Longreach Airport and then further to Julia Creek. It then flew down to Maryborough Airport before then returning to Toowoomba. 

And also noted operating out of Toowoomba (City) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airports on flight to Roma and Injune Airports were King Airs VH-WXB, VH-WXN, VH-DYN and VH-XDW of Brescon P/L, as well as King Airs VH-ZGD and VH-ZMW of Austrek Air Charter. 

This mass flight of King Airs seems to be a regular Thursday occurrence!

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©