QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A (Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa) First Visit to Mackay Airport on a Diversion - Plus More!

On Friday 26 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A was flying from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport as QLK1592 but was unable to land there and diverted to Mackay Airport - the first ever visit by an Airbus A220 into Mackay Airport.

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It later continued from Mackay Airport to Hamo as QLK1592 and then returned to Brisbane as per normal, albeit a little late!

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

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT flew across from Alpha Aerodrome to Emerald Airport. It looked to earlier fly up from Warwick.

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172 VH-MAO and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-MFI departed Longreach Airport for Richmond and Mareeba.  It looks like they had arrived into Longreach Airport on Wednesday 24 June from Barkley Downs and Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 25 June, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was heading up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport but half way it turned back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 June, VH-EGF landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Cairns. 

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

Finally, also on Thursday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 61" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport before returning down to Amberley for more.

Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopter N52-103 as "Warhorse 33" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Oakey and this afternoon departed back to there but as "Warhorse 34".

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB Diverts into Rockhampton Airport with Hydraulic Problem - Plus More!

On Monday 22 June, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB as JTE342 flying up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport but after holding due to low cloud there, then diverted to Rockhampton Airport with a reported hydraulic problem on the left side. It landed safely with the local fire trucks on standby and they followed it from touchdown to the Bay. Later the aircraft was towed to the Alliance Airlines Hanger.

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During the afternoon National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA as JTE504 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Moranbah Airport as JTE342 before returning to Brisbane as JTE505.  Fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 VH-IYK also completed a run to Moranbah Airport from and back to Brisbane as JTE352/3.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-8QB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as JTE505.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 June, re-registered SHM Aviation P/L / LifeFlight Commercial Ltd Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3+ VH-SHM visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

Of interest VH-SHM was previously registered as VH-TCS and was re-registered across March and April this year.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-SHM visited Mackay Airport also from Archerfield.

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC had a busy day, flying up to Blackall Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports before then returning to Archerfield.  It then departed to Dubbo before returning to Blackall Airport and then flying back to Archerfield. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-JSZ departed Clermont Aerodrome to Natal Downs and then down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport before later reversing the flight.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Plus LifeFlight Agusta A109SP helicopter VH-XNR was noted flying out of Maryborough Airport.

Finally, over the weekend on Saturday 20 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It also visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast on Friday 19 June. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Roma Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

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  ©

LifeFlight and QGAir Rescue Helicopters Pass Through CQ Airports Heading to All Corners of the State - Plus a Few Bizjets Around too!!

On Wednesday 1 April, LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters AW139 helicopter VH-LF4 landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports and then departed to Mount Isa.  It will operated there as "Rescue 400".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow LifeFlight AW139 helicopter VH-LF3 also passed through Longreach Airport arriving from Mount Isa and departing for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast.

While also on Wednesday 1 April, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.  It will operate there as "Rescue 521".

Then on Thursday 2 April, fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ also passed through Rockhampton Airport arriving from Archerfield and departing to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 2 April, there were several corporate bizjets noted around various Central Queensland Airports.

 Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ departed Longreach Airport for Cairns and Mareeba.  It appears to have arrived from those places on Tuesday 31 March and was photographed below on Wednesday 1 April.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X A56-001 "Envoy 18" popped into Charleville Airport arriving from Canberra and departing to Moree and then back to Canberra.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport - BUT it diverted into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then departing there and heading back to Archerfield. 

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon). 

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

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

Finally, on a relatively quiet Wednesday 1 April, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ, which landed at Natal Downs on Monday, hopped to Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport before later returning to Clermont Aerodrome and then departing there to Archerfield.

All photos taken by Liam Sellick  ©

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" Completes Medical Evacuation from 'Carnival Adventure' off Bundaberg - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and then down to the Sunshine Coast before later returning to Bundaberg Airport and then completing two Search and Rescue (SAR) flights to the North-East of Bundy. 

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Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to oversee the SAR operations by VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" for a few hours then returned to Cairns.  It is believed this may have also included a passenger extraction from the cruise ship 'Carnival Adventure'.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were noted at Rockhampton Airport. VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then departed onwards to Archerfield as "Rescue 500", while VH-EGK arrived from Archerfield as "Rescue 500" and then departed to Townsville.

And Far North Queensland based Diamond DA 50 C VH-88R visited Mackay Airport from Mareeba.

Finally, over the weekend on both Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK continued to operate flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport - including three return flights on Sunday.  VH-8GK operated one more flight (which seems to be the last one for now) on Monday 2 March.

And also on Saturday 28 February,  the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ  flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane after flying down to there at the start of last week.

Plus Cirrus SR22 N312GM looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopters VH-ESH & VH-EGK Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 January, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport. VH-EGK flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-ESH arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

A bit unusual to see both stopped at Emerald Airport at the same time.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTD was also spotted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as PE743/4.  It also visited late on Wednesday 7 January on the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter run over the same route but as PE745/6.

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Richmond and then Mount Isa. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Plus Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 121" landed at Boulia from Cairns. 

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Re-registered South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF Arrives into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 November, recently re-registered Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF flew up to Mackay Airport from Adelaide.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 20 November, VH-UXF departed Mackay Airport for Toowoomba, Horsham and Adelaide.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew down from Townsville to Emerald Airport and then Archerfield.  At the same time, fellow AW139 helicopter VH-ESH flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then Townsville.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-8BE flew up from Wagga Wagga to Mackay Airport and then down to Bankstown.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.  This seems to be a new weekly flight.  We probably won't report on its movements anymore.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Real Time Aviation (Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Spotted at my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 3 October, I was able to photograph Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ parked at Clermont Aerodrome after it had arrived the previous evening from Archerfield and Dalby.  On Friday, it returned to Dalby and then Archerfield.

While Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew from Longreach Airport to the Sunshine Coast and back before later flying back to the Sunshine Coast.  As posted below, it had arrived into the Central West last weekend.

And Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine) yet again.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 3 October, Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY landed at Blackall Airport from Armidale then departed up to Richmond and then down to Kingaroy and back to Armidale.

While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ ferried down from Townsville to Archerfield flying via Emerald Airport.

And the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Agusta S.P.A. AW139 Helicopter VH-YXR arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe after flying down there for planned maintenance back in late March.

ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 September, ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK was noted visiting Mackay Airport.

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It arrived from and then later departed back to Cairns as "PARTEC9801/2".

Of interest, ASL Airlines Australia recently took delivery of their second Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-RAN which was delivered via Brisbane as 2-BTPO.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 September, Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC flew down from Mareeba to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew up to Innisfail but then looked to return to Prosie and then later fly back to Mareeba.  VH-PAC arrived into Far North Queensland over the weekend just gone.

Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ landed at Blackall Airport from Dalby.

Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW flew up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to the Sunshine Coast and then Hamilton Island Airport before then returning South.

Machjet (Machjet International) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet N605JL visited Moranbah Airport from the Sunshine Coast via Brisbane.

Indara Holdings / Corporate and Luxury Air Charter Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT flew up from Deniliquin, Swan Hill and Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then heading back to Archerfield

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-NTL completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also planned to complete a similar flight Thursday 18 September.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mackay and Townsville Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 September, VH-ZMW returned South via Mackay and Rockhampton Airports to Brisbane.

And school holiday charter flights have starting ferrying students home to locations in Far North Queensland including National Jet Express (NJE) Dash-8-Q400 VH-8QA which arrived into Rockhampton Airport.  While out at Charters Towers Aerodrome, Cessna 208 Caravans VH-NXU and VH-OUS have flown from Cairns and out to Palm Island, Mareeba and Cooktown, plus Machjet's King Air VH-??? as "Machflight 313" also arrived from Cairns but departed to Doomadgee.

Finally, late on Tuesday 16 September, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ as "Rescue 500" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and dropped off a passenger, refuelled and then returned to Archerfield. 

Then on Wednesday 17 September, LifeFlight Leonardo SPA Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIR arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport.  It parked up at the Alliance Airlines Hangar and will be there for a while. 

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Tony Haynes  ©

LifeFlight Leonardo / Agusta Helicopters VH-XIU "Guardian 20" & VH-XIA "Guardian 10" Pop into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 5 September, a pair of LifeFlight helicopters called into Rockhampton Airport.

Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU as "Guardian 20" (pictured) and Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 10" came in together from Williamson Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with VH-XIU landing at Rockhampton Airport and VH-XIA flying a circuit of the Rockhampton Base Hospital Heli-Pad.

Both then returned to Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 5 September, newly registered Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters EC135P3H H135 helicopter VH-XV7 landed at Gladstone Airport from Redcliffe.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.

Of interest, fellow Heli-Aust Whitsundays Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter VH-XUV has recently returned to the region, flying into Gladstone Airport mid-way through August and taking up operations there.  It had previously been operating around the Newcastle area in New South Wales.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried South from Townsville to Archerfield via Emerald Airport.

Finally, also on Friday 5 September, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport before then flying down to Brisbane.

Of interest, over the last couple of weeks, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has made mutiple visits to Rocky and Mackay Airports - as well as making visits to Bundaberg, Longreach and Moranbah Airports.

Sistership VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" has also been busy, also making multiple visits to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports as well as also visiting Longreach, Blackall, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

And VH-URR "Ambulance 604" visited Mackay Airport on multiple occasions, as well as visiting Hervey Bay, Rockhampton and Emerald Airports.

While VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" continues to operate out of Singapore (Seletar).

Photo taken by Darren Massie  ©

Hersing Corporation (Singapore) American Registered Bombardier Global 5000 Bizjet N18HA at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 29 July, Hersing Corporation (Singapore) American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N18HA arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.  **Photo update - it was still parked up on Thursday 31 July.

UPDATE!  On Friday 1 August, N18HA departed Hamo and looked to head North to Cairns where it was spotted below touching down on Runway 15.

And  Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 29 July,  American-registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 N35GA flew down from Cairns to complete survey work around the Mackay area before later returning to Cairns.

And a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport. VH-EZJ flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-ESH arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.

Photos taken by James Kirk and Jonathan Williams  ©

De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 Bizjet VH-8DE Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 15 July, De Group Air / Business Aviation Solutions Embraer EMB-545 Praetor 500 bizjet VH-8DE was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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UPDATE!  After a week-long stay, on Monday 21 July, VH-8DE departed Hamo and returned to Essendon.

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and this afternoon departed to Dalby and back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 15 July, American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG visited a location near Thangool from Archerfield.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH, which had landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba and Roma Airports yesterday, departed there to Biloela / Thangool Airport.

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 Helicopters VH-ESH & VH-EZJ Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 June, a pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were spotted at Emerald Airport.  VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then onwards to Archerfield, while VH-EZJ arrived from Archerfield and departed to Townsville.  

A bit unusual to see both stopped at Emerald Airport at the same time. 

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from the Gold Coast to Mackay Airport and then down to Archerfield and late this afternoon is heading back to Mackay Airport. 

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Hedlow Airfield for Blackall Airport and then Birdsville. 

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO flew down from Mackay Airport to Brisbane.

And AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Alice Springs. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 13 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" landed at Jundah from Brisbane and then departed to Thargomindah and back to Brisbane. 

Private American-Registered Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (GLF6) bizjet N720LE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport again from Sydney.

UPDATE!  Monday 16 June, N720LE departed Hamo and returned to Sydney.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Longreach Airport and back to Townsville.

Of interest, since the start of the month, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has also visited Gladstone, Barcaldine and Mackay Airports with a couple of repeated visits.

While sistership VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.  And VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" remained in the hangar at Brisbane.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Thursday 8 May, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.  It later flew back to Mackay Airport.

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While Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGK ferried North from Archerfield to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Thursday 8 May, what appeared to be a Heli-Biz helicopter safari departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Charters Towers Aerodrome and points further to the North West.

Helicopters participating looked to include:

- Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-NIK and VH-XUN and Robinson R66s VH-LHG, VH-IGP and VH-AD6.

- New South Wales-based Robinson R44s VH-KNK and VH-JGO and Robinson R66s VH-VVY and VH-E9S.

- Queensland-based Robinson R44 VH-8BT and Robinson R66 VH-CSG.

- Eurocopter EC120 VH-KHR was also part of the group.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

QGAir Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-EGF Ferries North via Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 30 April, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was noted passing through Emerald Airport heading North from Archerfield to Cairns.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 May, fellow QGAir AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ passed through Rockhampton Airport ferrying South from Townsville to Archerfield. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 30 April,  McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421" visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS departed Mackay Airport.  It had arrived the previous day.

Gulf Aircraft Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-PYO flew up from Brisbane to one of the Duke Islands North of Stanage Bay and then returned to Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 3 May, VH-PYO completed a similar flight!

NSW based Cessna 310J VH-DKY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour and this afternoon departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 May, VH-DKY departed Bundy to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before returning to Coffs Harbour.

And Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-VSZ at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 15 April, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Sydney.  It looked to have arrived into Hamo the previous day from the New South Wales capital.

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While Victoria based Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 VH-VPM flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Essendon. 

UPDATE!  After almost a week parked up, on Monday 21 April, VH-VPM finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ  arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield. 

Meanwhile, on Monday 14 April, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville. 

And American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 April, the PC-12 N175NG did the same flight.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

National Jet Express (NJE) Dash-8-Q400s VH-IYV and VH-8QB Touch Down at Gladstone Airport to Escape TC Alfred - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 March, two-thirds of the Brisbane-based fleet of National Jet Express (NJE) Dash-8-Q400 turboprops touched down at Gladstone Airport for parking to escape the impending rain and wind associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

VH-IYV arrived first from Brisbane as JTE507 before VH-8QB arrived later in the day, also from Brisbane but as JTE506.  They are looking to be remaining parked on the taxiway at Gladstone Airport for the time being.

Of interest, it is reported that the third National Jet Dash-8-Q400 VH-8QA will be parked at Cairns during the Cyclone.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 9 March, VH-IYV departed Gladstone Airport for Brisbane as JTE506 and VH-8QB departed Gladstone Airport for Brisbane as JTE508.

While up at Rockhampton Airport, three McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna Citation bizjets touched down also to escape the impeding cyclonic conditions in the South-East corner of the State.  VH-PIY as "Machflight 41", VH-ZIY as "Machflight 421" and VH-SUY as "Machflight 74" were all photographed arriving into Rocky from the Sunshine Coast.

And there were several diversions around the region, with aircraft reportedly taking on additional fuel before proceeding to Brisbane where several aircraft are being delayed before landing.  

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOR as QLK851D arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport before later departing to Brisbane.

Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2U as UTY713 also arrived into Rockhampton Airport but from Cloncurry Airport and then departed to Brisbane.

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-NUU as UTY4359 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Moranbah Airport and then departed to Brisbane. 

And Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQC as UTY8861 landed at Emerald Airport from Trepell and then departed to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 5 March, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW visited Emerald Airport from Brisbane on a couple of occasions before finishing the day at Goulburn.  Of interest, over the last couple of days, VH-VEW had also visited Clermont Aerodrome, Collinsville Aerodrome and Mackay Airport, plus Oaky Creek Mine site.

Brisbane-based  Cessna 310R VH-NBI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield to avoid the weather. 

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Goondiwindi and then departed back to Toowoomba. 

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESH landed at Emerald Airport from Townsville then departed to Toowoomba and Archerfield. 

NQ Heli-Worx Eurocopter EC135 T1 helicopter VH-MXW was also noted at Emerald Airport and departed heading West.

Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC as "Helitak 420" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and Mackay Airport before it then departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Rotorco Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-LDH flew up from Redcliffe to Gayndah Aerodrome and then further north. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 March, VH-LDH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from North of Townsville. 

M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH flew across from Devoncourt to Kierawonga, North-West of Rockhampton.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

UPDATE! On Thursday 6 March, VH-FKB departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to Toowoomba.

Fly Australia Charter Cessna 207 VH-UBT arrived into Mackay Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before later departing to Townsville.

Finally, late on Tuesday 4 March, Nauru Airlines 'classic' Boeing B737-319 VH-XNU visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane as RON 930/1.  This is reportedly a closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight and more are planned!

Photos taken by Jamie C and Steve Vit  ©

Red Diamond Aviation (Sydney) American Registered Cirrus G2+ Vision Jet N806PM Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - UPDATED!! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 February, a nice visitor to the region with fairly recently registered (November 2024) Cirrus G2+ Vision Jet N806PM arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from what seems to be its Bankstown base.

The smart little Cirrus corporate jet was placed in the American Aircraft Register in November 2024 with the registration holder being Red Daimond Aviation in Sydney.  It looked to be delivered to Bankstown Aerodrome in late January.

Of interest, N806PM looked to make its first visit to CQ on Sunday 26 January when it visited Charleville Airport, arriving from the Sunshine Coast and departing to Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Friday 28 February, N806PM departed Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.

UPDATE!  Photo added of N806PM still parked at Cairns in early March!!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 February, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport yet again from Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departing to Townsville.  It flew back to Brisbane later in the day.  VH-SGQ flew South from Townsville to Brisbane via Rocky the previous day.

And Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra to Bundaberg Airport and then Emerald Airport before returning to Bundy later in the day.

Finally, on Monday 24 February, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew out from Archerfield to Dalby then up to Clermont Aerodrome and Natal Downs.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from its Toowoomba base.

Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ landed at Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield then departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Tuesday 11 February, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor later looked to return back to Dubbo.

File photo

While Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.  It then flew up to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, VH-SHI "Navair 173" departed Rockhampton Airport for Toowoomba and Archerfield.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ made a late visit into Moranbah Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 11 February, Meandarra Aerial Spraying Ayres S2R-G10 Turbo Thrush VH-NFN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South.  It sounded like the locally-based R-Mach Aviation may have hired it for a while. 

Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport, Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield. 

And Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO flew up from Devonport to Archerfield then up to Townsville before then completing three return flights from there to Charters Towers Aerodrome.  It then returned to Archerfield late in the afternoon.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ Bizjet VH-X8X "Navair 143" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 7 February, Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 143" flew up from Bankstown to Hamilton Island Airport.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast and back to Bankstown. 

File photo

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

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew out to Longreach Airport from Brisbane before then landing at Emerald Airport and heading back to Brisbane.

Of interest, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" has had a busy couple of days late this week, visiting Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport twice.

Fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" seems to be presently based at Townsville and called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Mackay Airport earlier in the week.  As did LifeFlight Challenger 604 "Ambulance 614" which also visited Prosie and Mackay Airports but from Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" has returned from a stint in Singapore and visited Barcaldine Airport on Tuesday 4 February from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 8 February, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" again visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while on a flight out of and back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 7 February, there was a swap of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters with VH-EZJ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departing to Mackay Airport and Townsville.  While Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter AW139 helicopter VH-EGK flew into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Townsville based Cleveland Bay Aviation seemed to take delivery of Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain VH-XMC after it flew up from Mackay Airport.  The former Victoria based aircraft looked to arrive into Mackay Airport from Adelaide via Traralgon in September last year having looking like it was grounded in Adelaide since early 2023.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

And several visitors to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site included a single Skytrans Dash-8 flight from each of Townsville and Rockhampton Airports - plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then to Cairns - and a pair of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air turboprops VH-ZPY as "Machflight 11" and VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" both from and back to Cairns.

It seems that there were no flights in and out of Labona on Thursday 6 February most likely due to inclement weather.

Finally, also on Friday 7 February, Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane.  On Thursday 6 February, and after diverting into Emerald Airport the previous day from Mackay Airport, VH-VEW did the same, flying from Emerald Airport to Clermont Aerodrome and then to Brisbane before it then flew back to Emerald Airport.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH as "Survey 23" completing some aerial survey work in the area, flying out of and back to Emerald Airport.  It had arrived into Emerald Airport from Goulburn via Biloela / Thangool Airport on Thursday.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 13 February, job done, VH-VEH "Survey 23" departed Emerald Airport and returned to Goulburn.