Private USA Registered Diamond DA62 N118CY at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 16 March, USA registered but possibly Malaysian based Diamond DA62 N118CY was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport.  It's exact movements are not fully known although it looked to arrive into Australia via Darwin and Mount Isa on Friday 14 March.

https://www.planespotters.net/

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 16 March, AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane as UTY3390/1.

Finally, on Saturday 15 March, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 VH-UYR as arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Cairns on presumably a sports charter as QFA6281/2690. 

And a couple of Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340 turboprop aircraft were noted visiting Winton Airport.  VH-ZLG as REX9981 departed Winton Airport for Longreach Airport and Brisbane and VH-ZPN as REX9983 departed Winton Airport to Brisbane.

Virgin Australia (ex REX Airlines) Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-REX (ex VH-VUU) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 18 January, there was an interesting 'first visit' into Central Queensland with Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-REX calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Brisbane as VOZ1117/8.

But technically, it isn't the first visit by this particular airframe - MSN 36609 / LN 3232.

The 14.8-year-old airframe was originally flown by Virgin Blue / Virgin Australia from 2010 to 2020 with the registration marking of VH-VUU.

In 2020, it was initially stored at Melbourne (Tullamarine) before being stored at Jakarta in Indonesia.  The aircraft was then re-registered as VH-REX and re-painted into full Regional Express (REX) Airlines livery with it being delivered and entering service in February 2021.

When REX's jet operations collapsed in 2024, VH-REX was withdrawn from service and again stored at Tullamarine before being again moved to Jakarta.  In November 2024, VH-REX returned to Tullamarine before then being re-painted back into full Virgin Australia Airlines livery at Wagga Wagga.

VH-REX entered service with Virgin Australia on Tuesday 24 December.

Of interest, VH-REX is the first of two former Virgin Australia and REX Airlines aircraft to re-enter service with Virgin with Boeing B737-800 VH-RQP also starting flying with Virgin on earlier this month after also arriving back from Jakarta in December and then also being re-painted at Wagga Wagga.

Photos taken by Ryan Hothersall, Bernie Proctor and Robert Myers  ©

Virgin Australia (ex REX Airlines) Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-RQP (ex VH-BZG) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 10 January, there was an interesting 'first visit' into Central Queensland with Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing B737-8FE(WL) VH-RQP calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Brisbane as VOZ1117/8.

But technically, it isn't the first visit by this particular airframe - MSN 37822 / LN 3355.

The 14.5-year-old airframe was originally flown by Virgin Blue / Virgin Australia from 2010 to 2020 with the registration marking of VH-BZG.

In 2020, it was initially stored at Melbourne (Tullamarine) before being stored at Jakarta in Indonesia.  The aircraft was then re-registered as VH-RQP and re-painted into full Regional Express (REX) Airlines livery with it being delivered and entering service in March 2021.

When REX's jet operations collapsed in 2024, VH-RQP was withdrawn from service and again stored at Tullamarine before being again moved to Jakarta.  In December 2024, VH-RQP returned to Tullamarine before then being re-painted back into full Virgin Australia Airlines livery at Wagga Wagga.

VH-RQP entered service with Virgin Australia on Saturday 4 January.

Of interest, VH-RQP is the second of two former Virgin Australia and REX Airlines aircraft to re-enter service with Virgin with Boeing B737-800 VH-REX starting flying with Virgin on Christmas Eve after also arriving back from Jakarta in late November and then also being re-painted at Wagga Wagga.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 10 January, Kirkhope Aviation (of Melbourne) Beech B200 King Air VH-ZOK landed at Mackay Airport after flying up from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

UPDATE!  On Saturday 11 January, VH-ZOK departed Mackay Airport for Hamilton Island Airport before then returning to Moorabbin but via Bourke.  

After operating the Whitsundays on tourist flights since arriving in November 2024, Commando Skydivers (Victoria) GippsAero GA8-TC320 Airvan VH-SXK flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Morwell (Latrobe Valley) via Goondiwindi and Temora.  It since looks like it has taken up parachuting operations back at Latrobe Valley.

And Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP has had another busy week flying around the region departing Tierawoomba at the start of the week and landing back there today after visiting such places as Mackay Airport, Tumbar Station, Lake Nash and Mount Isa.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams, Bernie Proctor and Robert Myers  ©

Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY & Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 9 August, Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed back to there. This afternoon it repeated the flight.  Of interest, VH-ZSY has recently been re-painted into an all-white livery - no more 'bumble bee'!

While After arriving the previous day, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Cairns.  It later flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 643" flew from Bundaberg Airport to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 9 August, Regional Express Airlines (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLF flew up from Sydney and Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as PFY9362.  It then flew down to Brisbane as PFY9863.

Townsville based (West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville) Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP visited Mackay Airport from Townsville.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH landed at Longreach Airport from Winton. 

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

Fellow Queensland Government B300 Super King Air VH-8PD also arrived into Rockhampton Airport but from Brisbane before it then departed to Cairns.  Both new aircraft were on the deck at Rocky at the same time. 

Finally, also on Friday 9 August, several small light aircraft were noted flying around the region - some to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and many more to and passing through Longreach Airport - all from various locations.  

NSW based PA-28-161 Warrior II VH-CGO landed at Emerald Airport from Roma Airport then departed to Shute Harbour. 

Victoria based PA-28R-201 Arrow III VH-NEB and Tasmania based PA-28R-200 Arrow II VH-IGL which had landed at Longreach Airport on Wednesday, departed there to Shute Harbour. 

Tasmania based SOCATA TB-10 Tobago VH-XYD flew up to Shute Harbour from Bundaberg Airport. 

Tasmania based Jabiru J430s VH-LWM and VH-TJX landed at Longreach Airport from Winton. 

And a flight of eight New South Wales based light aircraft landed at Longreach Airport from Mitchel.  Later, they departed to Cloncurry.  These were: Mooney M20s VH-MKP and VH-MZG, Glasair Super 11FT VH-MHM, Amateur-built Sportsman 2+2 VH-XPF, Van's RV10 VH-KLN, Cessna 177 VH-CRD, Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow IV VH-PAR and Robinson R66 helicopter VH-8C4. 

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©️

Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB Passes Through CQ Airports on way to PNG - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 August, Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while reportedly heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

It arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Southport and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before finishing the day at Townsville.

VH-VCB is due to depart further to Carins and Far North Queensland before heading up to PNG on Sunday 4 August.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 3 August, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Roma Airport and RAAF Base Amberley.

And six Victoria based and two Queensland based helicopters landed at Agnes Water, flying up via Orchid Beach.  Locally-based AS350 Squirrel VH-WMW and Eurocopter EC130 VH-EHY were joined by Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-LLZ and VH-CMS, Robinson R66 VH-VVU, AMT OH-58A Kiowa VH-DJW, Bell 505 VH-ZVJ and Bell 206B VH-NXZ.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing for Cairns.

While Regional Express (REX) Airlines SAAB 340+ VH-ZLA visited Moranbah Airport from Cairns as RXA9472/3.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork East of there. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

And Piper PA-34-200 Seneca VH-IAJ arrived into Springsure Aerodrome from Tamworth. 

Photo taken by Arthur Scharf  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 October, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Orange.  It had arrived from those places over the previous couple of days. 

File photo

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane.  It then departed to Cairns and then Townsville.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 October, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane before it later departed to Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 October, there was another charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRJ.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield but returned via the Sunshine Coast.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona from Archerfield flying up there via the Sunshine Coast and directly back.

While Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370" landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba then departed back to there via a fire check North of Emerald. 

And recently re-registered (to Emerald Coaches, in Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM departed Mackay Airport for Emerald Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC'   ©

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 5 October, the visiting Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD departed Mackay Airport and returned to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.   It then returned to Newcastle and Bankstown.

It had arrived from these places at the start of the week.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 5 October, Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS and re-registered AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield. 

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.  It later returned there via the Sunshine Coast.

While Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.  It returned to Archerfield direct.

Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 242", which had landed at Labona from Cairns on Monday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Labona and then departed back to there.

Victoria based Amateur Built Van's RV12 VH-TAO departed Longreach Airport to Charleville Airport and Walgett. 

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLW operated another charter flight into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane as RXA9392/3. 

Re-registered Snowhawk Aviation (ACT) Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-SUM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Longreach Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 October, VH-SUM departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

And after arriving into Rockhampton Airport earlier in the week, McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia helicopters Bell 214B-1 Biglifter helicopter VH-SUH "Helitack 417" went out and back to the North before later departing to the Sunshine Coast. 

Finally, also on Thursday 5 October, Australian Army Aviation operated (Tillair Services / Omni Aviation Services) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV as "Waler 22" landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mount Isa. 

And a privately registered Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-YKG was heard to fly as "Firetail 16" and land at Boulia from Alice Springs and Birdsville.  It then departed to Mount Isa. 

This aircraft was recently up at Darwin.  

As mentioned previously, the "Firetail" callsign is of the Australian Army Aviation Corps. 

Photo taken by Jake Weir  ©

Chinchilla-based WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 September, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Charters Towers and Kidston Aerodromes.  It then departed to Chinchilla and Toowoomba Airports before then returning then back to Chinchilla Aerodrome.  It had flown up from Chinchilla Aerodrome the previous day. 

File photo

Gold Coast-based Beech 35-C33 Debonair VH-DHB looked to complete an Angel Flight from Charleville Airport to Brisbane. 

Re-registered AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" landed at Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane and then later departed to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane and Archerfield. 

Gold Coast-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-OXF also visited Gladstone Airport, arriving from and then returning to the South-West. 

While Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

And Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 28 September, there was another charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLW.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH flew down from Horn Island to Longreach Airport and then Goulburn.  It has been operating as "Survey 23" out of Horn Island for the last couple of weeks.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 October, VH-VEH returned to Horn Island from Goulburn via Longreach Airport and has since resumed operations as "Survey 23".

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Collinsville Aerodrome.  It is due to return to Brisbane on Friday 29 September. 

Finally, during the early evening, also on Thursday 28 September, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY looked to call into Barcaldine Airport as MC41 from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It later returned directly to the capital.

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV flew out of Archerfield to Longreach Airport.  It later flew down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp before returning to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Tim Burnett  ©

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

On Thursday 21 September, recently delivered Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

https://www.facebook.com/navairjets

At the time of writing, it appears to be staying for at least the night.

This is the first time we have noted VH-X8X in Central Queensland since it was registered in May this year.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 September, VH-X8X departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 21 September, there was another charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast. 

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB had a busy day, flying up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Toowoomba, Archerfield and Roma Airport before then flying back down to Toowoomba.  It later flew to Roma Airport and then back to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Tamworth.

Trans Wonderland Holdings P/L Cessna 208 Caravan I Blackhawk VH-FLL departed Bundaberg Airport for the North.  It appears to have arrived just over a week ago.

Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried up to the Lakeside Airpark for parachuting operations at Laguna Quays.  It flew up from Bankstown via Caloundra.  VH-FYC had previously been operating in Victoria and New South Wales.

VH-FYC looks to have replaced fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-XFB which departed the Whitsundays area on Tuesday 19 September and flew down to Bankstown via Caloundra.

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 206 VH-KQM landed at Emerald Airport from Cairns, Vanrook Station and Ingham.  It then did a short hop to the South-East before later returning to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 September, VH-KQM departed Emerald Airport and flew up to Ingham and Vanrook Station before then continuing to Mareeba.

Finally, also on Thursday 21 September, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV flew up from Brisbane and had two attempts to land at Rockhampton Airport but was unable to due to fog.  It continued up to Mackay Airport, but then later returned to Rockhampton Airport as QFA7425. 

It then departed to Brisbane as QFA7424.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet N616TS Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 14 September, Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet wearing the American registration marking of N616TS was spotted visiting Gladstone Airport.

It arrived from Coffs Harbour and then later departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 September, N616TS returned to Gladstone Airport from Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back to Coffs Harbour.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Dalby. 

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ landed at Mackay Airport from Brisbane. It departed to Carins before then flying back to Brisbane.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Bundaberg Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport before returning to the Sunshine Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 14 September, there was charter flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport which was operated by Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK.  It arrived from Brisbane as RXA9392 and later departed back there as RXA9393.

This is reportedly going to become a weekly flight.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield but returned via the Sunshine Coast.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona from Archerfield flying up there via the Sunshine Coast and directly back.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane before flying back North to Cairns via Townsville.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rockhampton Airport before then returning there but via Thargomindah.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB had a busy day, flying up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Toowoomba before then heading up to Kidston.  It then flew down to Chinchilla Aerodrome and back to Toowoomba.

Kalgoorlie (WA) based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8ML flew up from Archerfield to Middlemount Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport before then heading to Ceduna (SA) and home to Kalgoorlie. 

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted departing Surat Aerodrome for Brisbane.

And M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It had flown down from its Devoncourt Station base the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 September, VH-MDH flew to Dajarra from Rockhampton Airport before then flying to Devoncourt Station.

Finally, also on Thursday 14 September, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-QQR as UTY550 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Cairns and Horn Island on what seems to be a school kids charter fight. 

Kirkhope Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-PRK and Piper PA-31 Navajos VH-ZUM and VH-HXN All Arrive into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Thursday 7 September, a trio of Kirkhope Aviation (Victoria) aircraft in the form of Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-PRK and Piper PA-31 Navajos VH-ZUM and VH-HXN, all flew down to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Cooktown.  They had flown up the inland to Horn Island last week.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 8 September, all three aircraft departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Bundaberg Airport with VH-ZUM popping into Rockhampton Airport while on the way.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 10 September, all three aircraft departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 7 September, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 170" visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON also visited Labona but from the Sunshine Coast.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport to the South-West.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast before later returning back to there.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before it then departed to Dalby and back to Archerfield.  

Finally, also on Thursday 7 September, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLC 'RXA9392' arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed back to there as 'RXA9393'.  This seems to be a now weekly flight.

Photo taken by John Maloney  ©

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

On Monday 26 September, a nice new corporate bizjet made its first visit to Central Queensland in the form of new MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL.

File photo

It looked to arrive from and then later return to the Gold Coast - where it is recently pictured above.

Of interest, VH-PIL was registered in August and delivered to Adelaide at the start of the month and seems to be the ninth aircraft to wear that registration marking!

The 'old' VH-PIL was a Pilatus PC-12/47E and was re-registered as VH-STE in late May 2018.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 November, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ flew up from Sydney to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then down to Bankstown.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY looked to depart Longreach Airport for Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived from those places the previous day.

And in the wee small hours on Sunday 25 September, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 26 September, Kirkhope Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-PRK departed Longreach Airport for Injune Aerodrome.

The Recreational Flying Company Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-UTC landed at Longreach Airport from Newcastle Waters before it then departed to Isisford, Mount Isa and back to Newcastle Waters.

And Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRI as called into Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane as PFY9384.  It later returned to Brisbane but as PFY9985.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FGZ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 September, Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FGZ looked to fly up from Adelaide to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Dubbo and Melbourne (Moorabbin). 

File photo

Flight One (Services) Beech B200 King Air VH-FON visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast. 

While BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV called into my local Clermont Aerodrome in the wee small hours of the morning, arriving from Scone and Melbourne (Essendon).  Around lunch time it then departed back to Scone.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQF as SKP956 and VH-QQI as SKP56 both flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then returning as SKP957 and SKP86 respectively. 

And Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRB flew down from Cairns and Townsville to land at Rockhampton Airport as PFY9811/9412.  It later returned to Townsville and Cairns but as PFY9413/9814.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 8 September, a few bizjet were noted visiting several Central Queensland Airports.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY looked to visit Rockhampton and Roma Airports while on a flight from the Sunshine Coast and back to Archerfield.

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before flying down to Brisbane and back to Archerfield. 

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ also visited Hamilton Island Airport but flying from and back to Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Winton.  It later departed back to Townsville.

NOTE!  From this month onwards, we will now report on LifeFlight bizjet medical evacuation flights in our daily digest posts.

Finally, also on Thursday 8 September, a few helicopters were noted heading up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where there is a fly-in being held this weekend.

Robinson R44s VH-VVY, VH-YZD and VH-MWU all flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then onwards to Shute.  

Robinson R44 VH-KNK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra before departing to Shute.

Robinson R66 VH-ESJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before departing to Shute.

And Cirrus SR22s VH-CWG, VH-FJD, VH-HGK and VH-CPK, which arrived into Longreach Airport a couple of days prior, all departed there together also for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Looks like it will be a nice weekend up there in the Whitsundays!

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©️

Raytheon Hawker 850XP Bizjet N850XR (ex Qld Gvt VH-SGY) Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 19 August, American-registered but seemingly Melbourne-based Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet N850XR was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to touch down from Sydney.

N850XR at Adelaide Airport recently

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 August, N850XR finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

N850XR is making its first visit into the region under this registration marking, but information suggests that the aircraft is no stranger to Central Queensland having being registered VH-SGY to the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) since 2006.

VH-SGY was struck off the Australian Aircraft Register at the end of March 2022.  Of interest, the final flight that VH-SGY took was in late February this year, while its final visit to Central Queensland was in May 2021 at Rockhampton Airport. 

VH-SGY at Moranbah Airport in 2020  (File photo)

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 August, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Brisbane base.

Arcturus Group P/L / Flight Options (Australia) Dassault Falcon 2000EX bizjet VH-EWB flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it appears to be staying.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 August, VH-EWB departed Proserpine Airport for Sydney. 

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.  After spending some time on the ground, N142GZ departed Brisbane in the early afternoon and returned to Mackay Airport.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY returned to Rockhampton Airport, yet again, visiting from Archerfield.  As posted below, VH-ZIY made several visits to Rockhampton Airport yesterday.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 August, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane.  VH-JYA then flew up to Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Cairns. 

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then completed a couple of local aerial survey flights.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend, VH-EPX flew between Rockhampton, Mackay and Emerald Airports before then calling into Gladstone Airport and then back to Archerfield on Monday 22 August.

Wagga Air Centre (Mabena) SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Wagga Wagga. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 August, VH-PVM operated a local flight out of and back to Prosie.  Then on Sunday 28 August, VH-PVM departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Hamilton Island Airport and then Horn Island.

M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH looked to fly up from Archerfield to (possibly) Kierawonga.  It had flown down to Archerfield from its Devencourt Station base the previous day.

Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ was noted visiting the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from its Gold Coast base.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 21 August, VH-VLQ again visited Shute Harbour from the Gold Coast.

Skydive Airlie Beach but Wollongong-registered Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DNK arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on and looked to take up operations on Friday 19 August.

Australia Skydive Cessna 208 Caravan VH-YMV departed Shute Harbour on Friday for Tully and has then later continued to Cairns.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton Airport where it now appears to have commenced operating local aerial survey flights.

And Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Stars VH-UEL "Astra 201" and VH-UEX "Astra 207" both arrived at Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley for a weekend of flying with the local Air Force Cadets out of the Rockhampton Aero Club facilities.

Finally, also on Friday 19 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRE was noted visiting Biloela / Thangool Airport from Brisbane as RXA9274/9975.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 20 August, VH-ZRE made another visit to Biloela / Thangool Airport, again arriving from and departing to Brisbane but as RXA9974/9275.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC’  ©

Australian-based American-registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet N915JG Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 14 August, seemingly Australian-based but American-registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet N915JG was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It flew down to Sydney.

N915JG had arrived into Hamilton Island Airport on Thursday 11 August from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM departed Rockhampton Airport for Hughenden and Tamworth.  It had arrived from Cairns and Vanrook Station on Friday 12 August.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 14 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-KDQ flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney as RXA9950.

UPDATE!  On Monday 15 August, VH-KDQ departed Proserpine Airport for Hamilton Island Airport(?) and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport and then back to Sydney as RXA9451

And Bunderra Cattle Co (Rockhampton) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV flew from Rockhampton Airport to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Finally, also on Sunday 14 August, a couple of helicopters noted around the region included Southern Cross Executive Helicopters (NSW) Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-LEE which looked to arrive into Rockampton Airport from the South.

While A.C.T. registered Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV VH-HEH continued its journey North from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay, Townsville and Babinda Airports.  It had flown up from Canberra, Bankstown, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Archerfield and Bundaberg Airport over the previous couple of days.

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-KDV Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 12 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-KDV flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney and Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway as RXA9450.

 

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY flew up from Warwick to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Re-registered Airlift New Zealand / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

And Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM flew into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Vanrook Station.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 August, Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-DNG flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.  It is due to return there via Armidale early on Saturday 13 August.

Sydney-based Hawker Beechcraft G36 Bonanza VH-JKL arrived into Hamilton Island Airport also from Archerfield.  It had flown up from Bankstown the previous day.

Finally, also on Friday 12 August, Eastern Air Services (Port Macquarie) Piper PA-31-350 VH-WGF flew down from Winton to Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 13 August, VH-WGF departed Longreach Airport for Emerald Airport and then Archerfield.

Kirkhope Aviation (Victoria) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-PRK landed at Longreach Airport from Laura.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.

Platinum Aircraft Charter (South Australia) Beech B200C King Air VH-CBZ flew up from the Carnarvon Ranges to Cairns.  It had arrived there two days prior and seems to be a on a closed tourist charter flight.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD flew up from Toowoomba and Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport before returning back down there.

And Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA  arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It later returned to Townsville and Cairns.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLC Spotted Operating into Bundaberg Airport

On Wednesday 10 August, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLC was spotted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane as RXA9484.

It seemed to be operating a closed charter flight but spent a very short time on the ground.

It then departed almost immediately back to Brisbane but as RXA9985.

Photo taken by Dan B  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLR Spotted at Bundaberg Airport on Charter

On Tuesday 7 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B was spotted on the ground at Bundaberg Airport. It looked to fly in all the way from Sydney on a closed charter flight, using a Pel-Air flight number and callsign as 'PFY9286'.

After spending the day parked, VH-ZLR returned to Sydney in the late afternoon but as 'PFY9287'.

Photo contributed...

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-REX Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 28 January, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH was spotted at Emerald Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane as RXA9564 on what seemed to be a closed charter flight.  

After some time on the ground, it then departed Emerald Airport and returned to Brisbane but as RXA9565.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 28 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEO visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  While fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEB flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU operated the airline's Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) service into Biloela / Thangool Airport from and back to Brisbane.

Finally, a couple of other movements into the region, also on Friday 28 January, included the often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK which departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.

Kibble (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID departed Rockhampton Airport for Toowoomba.  It had arrived from its Toowoomba base into Rocky the previous day.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLS Calls into Rockhampton Airport on Closed Charter Flight

On Saturday 27 March, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLS was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport while operating a closed charter flight into the beef capital.

File photo

VH-ZLS touched down directly from Cairns as PFY9271 and looked to carry the players and officials of the Northern Pride Rugby League team to Rockhampton to take on the local CQ Capras Rugby League Team in the latest round of the Queensland Rugby League's Intrust Super Cup Competition.

After the match, which saw the Northern Pride snatch a hard-fought draw with the locals, VH-ZLS returned to Cairns after dark as PFY9272.

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©