Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 August, Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Mackay Airport and late this afternoon departed there to Alice Springs. It was also noted visiting Mackay Airport last week too.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport to Augathella and Dalby.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-002 now as "Mitchel 07" completed another flight up from Williamtown to complete more airwork at Hervey Bay Airport and then back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, on Monday 17 August, Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT visited Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Sunday 16 August, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU, which had landed at Barcaldine Airport from Quilpie on Saturday, departed Barcaldine Airport for Cairns.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 August, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns before later flying down to Sydney.

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And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421/06" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 August. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 11" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 37" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to into The Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then down to RAAF Base Amberley.

And the two RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft deployed to Townsville, continue to fly down and complete missions and airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and also West of Townsville as "Reaper" and "Rake".

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Roulettes Aerobatic Display Team Call into Rockhampton Airport and Put on a Spectacular Display - Nice!

On Thursday 13 August, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) elite formation aerobatic display team - the Roulettes - made a welcome visit to Rockhampton Airport, where they were spotted arriving before later taking to the skies to perform an impressive aerobatic display.

The Roulettes arrived into Rockhampton Airport flying their distinctive red and white Pilatus PC-21 turboprop training aircraft, which are operated by the RAAF's Central Flying School based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.  The seven aircraft that have flown North for their performances have been identified as A54-020, A54-021, A54-023, A54-024, A54-034, A54-035 and A54-044.

The team was visiting Rockhampton as part of a busy week of flying displays across Queensland, having performed at the Brisbane Ekka the previous day and ahead of their scheduled appearance at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast over this coming weekend.

After arriving and parking at Rockhampton Airport, members of the team took the opportunity to meet with local aviation enthusiasts and members of the public at the plane spotters viewing area on Apron Drive.

Then, during the afternoon, six of the Roulettes' PC-21 aircraft took to the skies over Rockhampton Airport for an impressive formation aerobatic display.

The display featured the team's trademark close formation flying, precision manoeuvres and spectacular aerobatics as the aircraft twisted, turned and swept across the Rockhampton skies.

What an awesome sight - and sound!

Following the completion of their display, the Roulettes returned to Rockhampton Airport.  Their visit to Central Queensland was only a brief one, however, with the Roulettes later departing Rockhampton Airport and heading South to the Gold Coast, where they were scheduled to perform at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.

Of interest, the Roulettes' pilots are highly experienced RAAF flying instructors who perform their aerobatic display duties in addition to their normal instructional roles.

It was certainly a fantastic opportunity for local plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts to see these impressive aircraft up close, as well as witness the outstanding flying skills of some of the RAAF's finest pilots.

A great visit to Rocky by the Roulettes - and hopefully we will see them back in Central Queensland again soon!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these fantastic photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee and Ash Burggraaff  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft Continue to Complete Airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) - Plus More!

On Tuesday 11 August, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft deployed to Townsville, continue to fly down and complete missions and airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

PC-21 A54-046 as "Mayhem 18" flew down from Townsville to operate in the Bay and then returned North.

But the other deployed PC-21, A54-047 actually flew down to RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base East Sale from Townsville as "Raven 31".

It appeared to be then be replaced by another PC-21 A54-048 which flew North to Townsville from East Sale and Williamtown as "Raven 30"

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 August, fellow Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-450 as "Trojan 70" flew down from Townsville to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then land at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 12 August, the C-130J A97-450 as "Trojan 70" departed Rockhampton Airport to Williamson Airfield then to Bening Field and Townsville.

Finally, on a quiet Monday 10 August, Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCN as "Careflight 27" which flew down to Toowoomba last week, flew up from there to Longreach, Mount Isa and Darwin Airports.

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

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-002 "Wedgetail 10" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 6 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 10" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete airwork at Rockhampton Airport.

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The Wedgetail then flew back down to complete more airwork at Coffs Harbour before later departing back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 6 August, Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD flew up from Gold Coast to Hamilton Island then down to Sunshine Coast.

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS was noted departing Mackay Airport for Cessnock. It appears we missed its arrival into Mackay Airport from Cessnock on Monday 3 August.

And on Wednesday 5 August, Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield and then departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 & A54-046 Complete Airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) - Plus More!

On Tuesday 4 August, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft were noted completing airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  They were noted to be A54-046 and A54-047 and were heard to be flying as "Reaper".

Both PC-21s are presently deployed to Townsville (pictured) where they arrived a few days ago from RAAF Base Williamtown.

UPDATE!  Later in the week, PC-21s A54-047 as "Rake 11" and A54-046 as "Rake 12" again flew down from Townsville and operated in the Shoalwater Bay area before returning north.  They also returned as "Reaper" once again.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 4 August, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 34" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then at Emerald and Roma Airports before then returning back to Amberley.

Finally, on a quiet Monday 3 August, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Emerald Airport from Bankstown.  It then hopped down to Rolleston Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

'New' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-YUL First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 July, I find it hard to believe that 'new' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-YUL made its first visit to the region, visiting Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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Of interest the Citation Sovereign (cn 680-0290) was registered in February 2025 and replaced their Cessna 560 Citation Encore (cn 560-0553) which also wore the registration marking of VH-YUL and then VH-YUI from December 2024 before then being re-registered again in October 2025 as VH-AJ5 also to Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres.

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While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU visited Hamilton Island Airport from Essendon.

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

And Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Airbus AS350B3e Squirrel helicopter VH-AH5 operated out of Rockhampton Airport as "Firebird 499" with a Bag. 

And Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk N61AA was noted passing through Birdsville Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 July, Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" departed Blackall Airport to a property just northwest of Meandarra and later departed there to Tamworth.

Of interest, on Thursday 30 July, VH-A8K, also as "Wagga Air 669" flew into Blackall Airport from 'Gregory Downs'.

And Crockett Aviation Group / Navair Flight Operations 'new' Beech B200 King Air VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" arrived into Winton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 3 August, VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" hopped from Winton Airport to Longreach Airport before later departing to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 31 July, a pair of Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200s completed a North to South and vice versa swap via Rockhampton Airport. VH-TQX as SKP541 arrived from Sydney and departed to Cairns but as SKP544, while VH-TQG as SKP543 arrived from Cairns and departed to Sydney but as SKP542.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Lloyd Fox  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJV First Visit to CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 27 July, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJV was noted to have entered service and flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. It then departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.  This is it's first visit into Central Queensland.

Ian Gains / https://www.airhistory.net/

After spending the day parked, VH-YJV then flew back down to Mackay Airport and then back down to Brisbane.

Of interest, fellow Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD did the Brisbane to Biloela/ Thangool and Emerald Airport run. It then returned to Brisbane via Rockhampton Airport.

Of further interest, it appears that VH-YJV flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Brisbane via all stops over most of last week.  VH-YJD (UE-210) was previously N210GL of Alpine Air Express in the USA and was flown over to Melbourne (Essendon) where it was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register late last month and into this month.  This is the second 'new' but second-hand Beech 1900D Freight aircraft that GAM are going to take delivery primarily for Queensland operations for Team Global Express.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 July, Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up to Mackay from Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-DMS departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 131" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Elphinstone Group (Tasmania) / Revesco Aviation (WA) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Rockhampton Airport. As mentioned below, VH-UYX had arrived into Hamo during last week.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-UYX departed Rockhampton Airport for Burnie in Tasmania.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242" landed at Dysart Aerodrome from Cairns before later heading across to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then returned to Cairns.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also touched down at Clermont Aerodrome but from Moranbah Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-SGQ departed Clermont Aerodrome for Brisbane.

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport After Re-paint - Plus More!

On Friday 17 July, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland since it was disappointingly re-painted in the basic 'silver roo' Qantas livery. It looked to complete the QFA578/9 service to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sydney.

VH-XZJ was originally delivered to Qantas in late 2013 wearing a special Aboriginal art colour scheme called 'Mendoowoorrji'.

The aircraft recently underwent planned maintenance and was re-painted in Townsville after it ferried up from Brisbane on Saturday 20 June with it returning to Brisbane in its new livery as shown above on Sunday 5 July.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 July, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and later flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG was noted operating the SKP85/6 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Cairns. A rare visit!

Finally, on Thursday 16 July, Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and later departed to the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Frank Curtis  ©

A Pair of Australian Army CH-47F Chinook Helicopters A15-307 "Salty 47" & A15-306 "Easy 328" Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 7 July, a pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters were spotted at Mackay Airport.  They appear to have flown down from Townsville via completing air work individually in the Whitsundays – at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Hamilton Island Airport – before continuing down to Mackay Airport.

The two Chinooks from the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville, where identified as A15-307 which flew as "Salty 47" and A15-306 as "Easy 328".

After some time on the ground, both Chinooks departed for Townsville with A15-307 "Salty 47" again completing air work at Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 25" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley and parked on taxiway Juliet. A bit later it departed to the North and completed a missed approach at Townsville before then returning to Amberley.

Finally, on the civilian side of movements, also on Tuesday 7 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying across to Ayers Rock. It later returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Adelaide.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast. It had arrived on Saturday 4 July from Port Macquarie and Rockhampton Airport.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" appeared to fly South from a property near Dysart.  It had earlier flown up from Archerfield and also from Wagga Wagga the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 July VH-A8K 'WA669' was again noted flying in the region ultimately arriving into Longreach Airport.  Then on Thursday 9 July, it departed Longreach Airport for Isisford, Wrotham Park and then Cairns.

Photos taken by Graham Kevin Jackson  ©

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 30 June, Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

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While a trio of bizjets visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" and McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" both arrived from and departed back to Brisbane while Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Bankstown before then flying down to Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 July, VH-87X visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

And Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up to Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 July, VH-CMK returned South from Mackay Airport back to the Sunny Coast and Orange.

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 June, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast as JTE440/1.

And Nexus Airlines (Aviair) Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC completed a flight to Roma Airport from and back to Brisbane as CT811/2.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 04" Does Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Williamtown.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-670 as "Aussie 617" landed at Emerald Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Canberra before it then departed to Townsville and then since started heading towards Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

And Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8DF (I'd love to say my personal ride!) visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8s at a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 June, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8Q200 VH-TQX as SKP551 landed at Longreach Airport from Ballera.  It had flown to there from Moomba as SKP136.

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VH-TQX later departed Longreach Airport for Cairns.

Also Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP532 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and a bit later fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns as SKP531. 

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and Orange. It appeared to arrive from these places on Monday 8 June.

Southern Air Services Piper PA-46-701TP Malibu VH-8CX landed at Longreach Airport from Dalby.

And new Pilatus PC-12/47G PRO N81DW visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on a quiet Tuesday 9 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 8 June, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

It then departed to Brisbane.

And Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 May, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD was spotted completing testing at Emerald Airport.

It had earlier flown in from Brisbane via Biloela / Thangool Airport and then later departed back to Brisbane.

It also seems that VH-YJD completed a test flight to Maryborough Airport from and back to Brisbane on Wednesday 27 May.

This is the first time we have seen the 'new' but second-hand Beech 1900D Freight aircraft that GAM are going to take delivery primarily for Queensland operations for Team Global Express.  VH-YJD (UE-254) was previously N254GL of Alpine Air Express in the USA and was flown over to Melbourne (Essendon) where it was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register late last month.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-FMP as "Flydoc 802" visited Rockhampton Airport from Alice Springs.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork to the North-East of Gladstone before then heading South to the Sunshine Coast.  It was also noted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport the previous day.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It then returned directly to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 as "Stallion 64" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then Mackay Airport before it then flew back to Amberley. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Navair Flight Operations P/L New Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 19 May, Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Mackay Airport before then heading across to Alice Springs and Perth. 

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald Airport from Bundaberg Airport.  It had earlier flown up once again from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 21 May, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  

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

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville then departed to Biloela / Thangool Airport and Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 20 May,  fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-ESH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

Finally, also on Tuesday 19 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-001 as "Mitchell 13" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before returning to Williamtown.

At the same time, fellow E-7A A30-004 as "Wedgetail 10" flew up to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

Then later, E-7A A30-006 as "Wedgetail 14" also flew up to complete a missed approach at both the Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton Airport before also returning to Williamtown. 

And late this afternoon, Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209 as "Stallion 54" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then continuing to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OTK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 May, XPJet / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OTK was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 May, VH-OTK departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS also flew up to Hamilton Island Airport but from Cessnock.  It then returned to Cessnock.  Of interest, this is the first time we've seen the most recent version of the PC-24 VH-DMS with this airframe (cn 614) only registered and delivered at the start of this month.

And Indara Holdings / Corporate and Luxury Air Charter Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 May, Cirrus SR22 N312GM arrived visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ landed at Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport and then continued to Nebo Aerodrome on its usual Tuesday Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run up there and back.

Finally, over the weekend, on Sunday 10 May, Microflite (Moorabbin) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MI was noted flying up from Charleville Airport to Cairns.

And on Saturday 9 May, Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME as "Careflight 2" departed Longreach Airport for the North.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Re-registered Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K (ex N81DW) at Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 7 May, re-registered Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" flew up from Charleville Airport to Davenport Downs and late this afternoon is flying to Mount Isa.

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Of interest, VH-A8K (cn 2090) was formally registered N81DW and was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register in early September 2025.  It is pictured above in October 2025 at Wagga.

There's a 'new' Pilatus PC-12/47G PRO N81DW (cn 3008) in Australia.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Clermont Aerodrome and Natal Downs.

UPDATE!  On Friday 8 May, VH-JSZ flew down from Natal Downs to Clermont Aerodrome and back to Dalby and Archerfield.  

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Ballina.  It later departed to the Gold Coast.

And Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-VEY visited Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Finally, late on Thursday 7 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 30" and A30-005 as "Wedgetail 32" were both noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport

Photo taken by Robert Myers  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB Pops into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 27 April, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB was spotted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Photo contributed...

It seemed to be a closed charter flight with it arriving from and then departing back to Brisbane as WO454/3.

Also at Hervey Bay Airport, American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW was noted visiting.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and departed to Roma Airport.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Mackay Airport before departing to Ararat and Melbourne (Essendon).

VH-WMY had arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour last Thursday 23 April after flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Ararat, Tamworth and the Gold Coast before it then hopped down to Mackay Airport for parking.

VH-WMY also appeared to visit Roma and Chinchilla Airports early last week as well.

Finally, late on Monday 27 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 as "Dragon 60" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from RAAF Base Amberley and then flew to Brisbane Airport.

And a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 as "Kaos 04" and A34-001 as "Wallaby 06" were both noted completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport while on flights out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 April, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS flew up to Mackay Airport from Cessnock and in the afternoon it flew across to Mount Isa and Karratha.

File photo

UPDATE!  This turned out to be the last time this airframe carrying the registration marking VH-DMS (cn 527) paid CQ a visit with it subsequently returning to Switzerland and a 'new' VH-DMS being placed on the register and being delivered at the start of May.

NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK was noted flying out of Hamilton Island Airport. It seems to have completed a couple of flights between Townsville and Hamo over the last couple of days.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.  It then continued to Natal Downs.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 April, flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and the Clermont Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Sydney and then back to Clermont and Emerald Airports before returning again to Archerfield.  A big day!

While Little Wings Beech 58 Baron VH-LW4 visited Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 14 April, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-209 as "Stallion 27" flew down from Townsville to complete a missed approach at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then to land at Rockhampton Airport.  It later departed to complete another missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then several circuits at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©