Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 "Envoy 79"Calls into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 6 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 as "Envoy 79" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

Defence image.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 January, C-27J A34-002 "Envoy 79" departed Longreach Airport for Cloncurry Airport and then later departed to Richmond and later departed to Brisbane. 

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 76" flew up from Canberra to Mount Isa and this afternoon departed there to Sydney.

Finally, also on Tuesday 6 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew down from Mackay Airport to the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Friday 9 January, N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from the Goldie.

Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL arrived into Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then later departed to Cairns and Townsville before returning to the capital.

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Cairns.

Re-registered Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG (ex N175NG) flew up from Archerfield to Julia Creek before later flying down to Longreach Airport and then back to Archerfield.

While DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ is still completing weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to Nebo Aerodrome from and back to Bundaberg Airport.  It also appears that VH-NPZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Bundy on Monday 5 January.

And also Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop aircraft looked to continue FIFO charter flights into Theodore Aerodrome from and back to Brisbane via the Sunshine Coast.  On Tuesday VH-VEB operated the flight.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 7 January, VH-VEF operated the flight.  And on Thursday 8 January, VH-VEC operated the flight.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ VH-VEZ (ex N450XJ, N350AG) First Visit to CQ at Theodore Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Thursday 4 September, a surprise arrival into the region, and making what we believe is its first ever visit, was Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEZ, which flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to land at Theodore Aerodrome on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight.

File photo

It later returned to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Since the SAAB was delivered to Link Airways, it has primarily been operating on regional Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) routes in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.  The airline also operates some flights on behalf of Virgin Australia Airlines.

Of interest, VH-VEZ previously operated in the USA with Mesaba Airlines for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines as N450XJ, but most recently, it flew with Florida-based Silver Airways as N350AG.

It was flown into Australia with that American registration marking in November 2022 and was re-registered and delivered to Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) as VH-VEZ. It entered service on Monday 20 February 2023 on behalf of Virgin Australia on the link between Canberra and Sydney - which it has operated quite a bit over the years!

VH-VEZ was one of three four most recently acquired SAAB 340s, and as far as we are aware,  two of the other four which were acquired about this time - VH-VEA and VH-VEQ - are still yet to make an appearance in Central Queensland.  VH-VER has been into CQ about two years ago.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 4 September, Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane.  It later returned to Cairns. 

And Torres Strait Air (Collville Aviation Services) Britten Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-27 Islander VH-89M landed at Emerald Airport from the South and then departed to Cairns. 

Finally, also on Thursday 4 September, SG Aviation Australia / Business Aviation Solutions Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) bizjet VH-SGA looked to visit Hamilton Island Airport once again from Melbourne (Essendon).

Plus on Wednesday 3 September, re-registered Equipment Holding (WA) / Aeronautics and Technology Holdings P/L (NSW) Cessna 501 Citation I/SP VH-XJI made its first visit into the region visiting Emerald Airport from Cessnock.  Research reveals that this Citation was previously registered N501AF and was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register last year.

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

Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 9 September, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, Brian Kenney, Chris Hall and Brian Gibbens  ©

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

On Friday 1 August, ASL Airlines Australia Boeing B737-800(BCF) VH-CYK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

It appeared to visit from Brisbane as "PARTEC9804/3".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 1 August, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEB, which landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane last night, departed Longreach Airport to Birdsville, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga and then back to Brisbane. 

Finally, also on Friday 1 August, American-registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N18HA departed Hamilton Island Airport for Cairns.  As mentioned below, it had arrived a couple of days prior.

And over the last couple of weeks, we continued to see multiple visits by two out of the four LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets.

VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Biloela / Thangool, Hervey Bay, Blackall and Gladstone Airports - with multiple visits to Mackay and Rockhampton Airports.

VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" visited Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Emerald, Longreach, Bundaberg, Charleville, Barcaldine and Proserpine Airports.

While VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" seemed to spend time in the hangar and VH-URR "Ambulance 604" continued to operate overseas.

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

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

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.

National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYV First Visit to CQ at Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 January, National Jet Express (ex Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYV made its first visit to Central Queensland, calling into Moranbah Airport on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from and back to Brisbane as JTE356/7. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 January, VH-IYV completed the JTE392/3 FIFO charter flight into Rockhampton Airport also from and back to Brisbane.

VH-IYV had flown across to Brisbane from Adelaide over the weekend (pictured above) and completed a charter flight to Far North Queensland at the start of the week. 

Both 'usual' NJE Dash-8-Q400s VH-8QA and VH-8QB continue to operate their FIFO charter flights into Moranbah Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 January, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEB was also noted visiting Moranbah Airport from Brisbane.

Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO completed a visit to Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp. It also looks to be making a visit on Thursday 30 January.

Airlie Beach-registered Piper PA-46-600TP VH-T43 departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Griffith.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up to Middlemount Aerodrome from Lady Eliott Island. It then flew down to Maryborough Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Private American Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV-X Gulfstream G450 Bizjet N236LP Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 December, private American Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV-X Gulfstream G450 bizjet N236LP was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Townsville. It had earlier arrived there from overseas.

File photo

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ also popped into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to visit from Mareeba via Cairns.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.  It is due to return to Bankstown on Friday 20 December.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB as "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 19 December, M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Devoncourt Station.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEC was also spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport but from Brisbane.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD was also spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport but from the Sunshine Coast.

And National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB was also spotted as it completed what seems to be its re-started weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane as JTE392/3.

Finally, also on Thursday 19 December, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ landed at Emerald Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY flew up from Brisbane to Oaky Creek Mine site but was unable to land there and returned to Brisbane. After turning back they decided to just go to Emerald Airport and turned to there and heading there they changed their mind again and flew back to Brisbane. 

In place of VH-VEY, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba and then departed to Brisbane and then back to Toowoomba. 

Photos taken by Robert Lachowitz and Steve Vit  ©

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

On Tuesday 26 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor looked to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew into Clermont Aerodrome from Natal Downs.  It then continued down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-8HP flew South-West from Mackay Airport to Tumbar Station and then East back to Archerfield. 

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted departing their private airstrip North of Emerald township for Redcliffe.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-FYN flew back to its private airstrip near Emerald from Redcliffe.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield returning via Emerald Airport.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE landed at Emerald Airport from Canberra and Dubbo. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-STE departed Emerald Airport to near Consuelo then to a place near Rockhampton.  Late in the afternoon it hopped to Rockhampton Airport.  It is planned to return to Dubbo and Canberra on Thursday 28 November.

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

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-VEC was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and then Horn Island.  It then flew back to Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI was photographed as it operated their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

We can only assume one of the bigger Dash-8-300s is in for maintenance.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 November, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its fifth deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

File photo

It looked to fly down as "Fireguard 541" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.  It will take up a new radio callsign of "Bomber 390".

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport at the start of September from Avalon after being stored there since February. 

UPDATE!  It's worth noting that on Wednesday 27 November, fellow Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQF as "Fireguard 391" arrived into Brisbane and then Avalon after ferrying all the way over from Abbotsford in Canada.   It looks to be joining C-FFQE at Avalon for the Victorian bushfire season as "Bomber 391".

Also of interest, on Monday 25 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" departed Bundaberg Airport also for Avalon. 

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Busy!

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

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  ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

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. 

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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  ©

'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC pops into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield - Plus More!

On Sunday 17 September, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived from Hedlow Airfield then departed to Croydon Station and Red Rock Station (where it is registered to) and then further West. 

File photo

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT was in and out of Bundaberg Airport.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Townsville base.

And Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK was noted visiting Moranbah Airport from Brisbane using the Pel-Air flight numbers and callsigns of PFY9342/3.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 17 September, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Mackay Airport from and back to Archerfield.

Finally, on Saturday 16 September, Basair (Vectra Holdings) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees VH-VDN landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa before then flying across to Mackay Airport.  It had come from Alice Springs and Tenant Creek yesterday. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from then Gold Coast to Bundaberg Airport and Keeroongooloo and then to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Armidale. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 18 September, VH-8HP looked to depart Armidale for Keeroongooloo and then to Emerald Airport.

And Hughenden based Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 Longranger VH-ZRG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South-West.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

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. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ VH-VER (ex N331AG) First Visit to CQ at Theodore Aerodrome

On Wednesday 13 September, a surprise arrival into the region, and making its first ever visit, was Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VER, which flew up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to land at Theodore Aerodrome on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight.

VH-VER at Sydney just last weekend

It later returned to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and resumed normal operations for the airline by flying from Brisbane down to Tamworth.

Since the SAAB was delivered to Link Airways, it has primarily been operating on regional Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) routes in New South Wales and Victoria.  The airline also operates some flights on behalf of Virgin Australia Airlines.

Of interest, VH-VER previously operated in the USA with Mesaba Airlines for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines as N430XJ, but most recently, it flew with Florida-based Silver Airways as N331AG.  It was flown into Australia with that American registration marking in February 2022 and was 'stored' at Goulburn until May 2022 when it was then delivered to Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) as VH-VER. 

N430XJ in 2017  (File photo)

N331AG in 2020  (File photo)

VH-VER was one of three most recently acquired SAAB 340s, and as far as we are aware, the other two which were acquired about this time - VH-VEA and VH-VEQ - are still yet to make an appearance in Central Queensland.

Of interest, also on Wednesday 13 September, fellow Link Airways SAAB 340B VH-VEC flew into Mackay Airport from Townsville and Horn Island before then flying down to Brisbane.  VH-VEC had flown up to Townsville from Brisbane the previous day.

 

Photos taken by Tom Murray-Smith, Tom Turner and Travis Piatek  ©

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  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 15 August, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport and then Gladstone Airport where it was spotted below. 

VH-CRW then departed back to Brisbane.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 131" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 15 August, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG completed a couple of runs from Rockhampton Airport to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It had arrived into Rocky the previous day.

Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQL had flown the Townsville to Labona flights and late on Monday, it flew from Townsville to Labona as SKP763 then to Rockhampton Airport and back to Townsville as SKP1764.

Plus fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB completed a closed charter flight from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Osborne Mine before returning back to Brisbane as SKP955/6.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN flew up from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport and then to Labona and back to Mackay and Rocky as HND3290/1/2/3.  

Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then flew to Labona and back to Rocky.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 16 August, VH-TLH departed Rockhampton Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before it then flew down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.  

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B VH-VEF landed at Longreach Airport from Sydney then departed to Katherine / RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

And Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID of Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It later returned down to these places.

All photos taken by Emily C  ©