Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) (Emerald) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN Out and About to Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 February, Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted flying from their landing site near Emerald to Rockhampton Airport and then back.

And Koolardie Aviation (ZephAir Australia) Raytheon 58 Baron VH-NSM as 'ZD550 visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 26 February, M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH flew up from Archerfield to Kierawonga this morning, then flew from there to Rockhampton Airport and back.

UPDATE!  On Friday 27 February, PC-12 VH-MDH departed Kierawonga to Devoncourt Station.

And also on Thursday 26 February, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew out from Bundaberg Airport to Biloela Sports Field, beside the Hospital, and a bit later departed to Rockhampton Base Hospital and then a bit later departed there back to Bundaberg Airport.

Of interest, VH-XIJ becomes the 23rd different helicopter to land on the Rockhampton Base Hospital.

Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PHQ Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 February, Pacific Helicopters (Papua New Guinea) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopter P2-PHQ was noted passing trough a couple of Central Queensland Airports while looking to ferry down to the Sunshine Coast.

https://www.facebook.com/pacifichelicopterspng

After spending the last two days flying down from Port Moresby to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, on Wednesday P2-PHQ flew down from there to Rockhampton Airport and then to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 February,  McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Goldie Motorsport SOCATA TBM-850 VH-TBM arrived into Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast before then departing to Alice Springs and Jandakot.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Finally, a couple more visitors to my local Clermont Aerodrome but on Tuesday 17 February, included Atherton Creek Air Charters (Mareeba) Piper PA-24-260 Commanche VH-SMJ which visited from Mareeba. 

And the regular visitor in the form of Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited once again from Archerfield.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Of interest, on Wednesday 18 February, VH-AVL again flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew up to Cairns before returning to Brisbane.

Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB Surprise Diversion into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 23 November, a nice surprise visitor touched down at Rockhampton Airport on a diversion from Brisbane which was experiencing rain storms with Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N (A320neo) ZK-NHB touching down as ANZ271 from Wellington in New Zealand.

After taking on fuel, ZK-NHB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane again as ANZ271.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 23 November, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X  visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO flew down from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome and then to Archerfield.

Emerald-based Cessna 177B VH-UGS was noted flying West of Mackay.

Re-registered Aero Facilities (SA) / Alamah (NSW) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-PGA as "Birddog 376" departed Bundaberg Airport for the Gold Coast.

NSW based Amateur Built Lancair IV-P VH-XL7 flew up to Hamilton Island from Port Lincoln.

UPDATE!  On Monday 24 November, VH-XL7 departed Hamo for Murwillumbah.

R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT and Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME both returned to Rockhampton Airport from The Old Station.  They flew down there the other day.

Brisbane based Cessna A185F Skywagon VH-OZA was also noted at The Old Station.

And sadly, also at The Old Station Farm, Private Van's RV-8 VH-YGY experienced an engine failure shortly after take-off and made an emergency landing in a field and hit a fallen tree and caught fire.

The pilot suffered life-threatening burning injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by the post impact fire.

Finally, on Saturday 22 November, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport before later returning to Moorabbin.

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Michael Mallick  ©

Brescon Beech B300 Super King Air VH-WXS & NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL Call into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 30 October, a couple of King Air turboprops were noted calling into a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

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Brescon Beech B300 Super King Air VH-WXS and NSW-based CJ Aerospace Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EEL both landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba before they later departed to Rockhampton Airport.  A bit later, VH-WXS departed Rocky to Toowoomba-Wellcamp. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 2 November, Super King Air VH-WXS arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Wellcamp and then departed to Longreach Airport, while King Air VH-EEL departed Rockhampton Airport to Mount Isa.

American-registered but seemingly Australian-based Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG) N175NG departed Emerald Airport for Archerfield.  It looked to arrive over a week prior.

Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9 arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Ballarat.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 November, VH-TB9 departed Proserpine Airport to Bourke.

And Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock. 

Capstone Aviation Services (Ballarat) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-KWH Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 15 September, sleek looking Capstone Aviation Services of Ballarat (Victoria) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-KWH was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

It appears to have arrived over the weekend from Ballarat and then departed back there via Bourke during Monday afternoon.

Also spotted was New South Wales-based Sling 4 TSi High Wing VH-8HW.  Its movements are not fully known.

While down at Bundaberg Airport, most of the fleet of fire fighting aircraft were spotted parked awaiting their next tasks.  

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141".

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters VH-UHG "Helitak 515" and (UH-60L) VH-8UL "Helitak 517".

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF "Firescan 399".

And Perri Air / South Burnett Air Services Quest Kodiak 100 VH-8FV "Firescan 415".

Meanwhile, also on Monday 15 September, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 September, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

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 and this afternoon reversed the flight. 

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to Oaky Creek Mine Site and then Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane.  It still visits the region several times each week.

And Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Lady Elliott Island.

Finally, also on Monday 15 September, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a couple of approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying South to complete more airwork at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown. 

All photos taken by Swavek Topolski  ©

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 17 July, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Chinchilla and Roma Airport and then down to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to Moorabbin. 

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Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns. 

Brisbane-based SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad VH-IPF flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Moree and Bankstown. 

And after being photographed recently operating for the locally-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS), the Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAU departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and Coffs Harbour. 

Finally, on Wednesday 16 July, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  A month later in August, VH-RUE flew from Cairns to Brisbane and then across to Perth and eventually Jandakot (in September) where the aircraft was re-registered as VH-8PJ in mid-October to local operator Penjet.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X Bizjet VH-CRW Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

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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 completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 11 June.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX visited Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 June, it was noted that the Qantas/QantasLink Embraer E-190 flights have started using the callsign "Qlink" and the Aerlink ATR-72s have started using the "Aerolink" callsign plus flight numbers with the code 'AL'. 

Finally, Skytrans Airlines recently commenced operations out of Sydney to Lord Howe Island operating Dash-8-Q200 aircraft acquired from Qantas/QantasLink.  The first flight operated with a Skytrans flight number and callsign was on Saturday 10 May.

The acquired aircraft include VH-TQG which looked to position to Sydney from Cairns via Roma Airport on Wednesday 11 June.

The other aircraft acquired by Skytrans are VH-TQS and VH-TQX and we reckon could definitely make an appearance on the airline's flights from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - as well as Moranbah Airport with scheduled services from Cairns recently announced to start in July.

The Moranbah Airport flights will be operated by Dash-8-100/200 aircraft with the proposed schedule showing 3 weekly flights starting from Monday 30 June.

Photo taken by Emily C  ©

AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 962" Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 7 May, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-NEQ as "AirMed 962" flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Walgett. 

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While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 May, VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" departed Longreach Airport for Windorah and the Sunshine Coast. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed Denison Downs to Toowoomba and back. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 May, VH-VSV did the same flight again!

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport to Maryborough Airport and then Bathurst and Canberra.  It had flown up flown up from those places at the start of the week.

Dalydine P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-FMM landed at Longreach Airport from Newcastle and then departed to Dinah Island and this afternoon flew down to Mount Isa. 

At the same time Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up to Dinah Island direct from Archerfield and this arvo returned to Archerfield via a stop at Normanton. 

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Guardian 10" landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports and then departed to Mount Isa.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS Calls into Cloncurry Airport - Plus More!

Late on Sunday 20 April, Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted arriving into Cloncurry Airport from Archerfield.

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On Monday 21 April, VH-YWS was due to fly to Darwin and back but possibly didn't.  It looked to rather fly back to Archerfield from Cloncurry Airport during the middle part of the morning.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and back to the Goldie.

While fellow Air Gold Coast Beech 76 Duchess VH-EWL visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Gold Coast. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 21 April, Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9 arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Ballarat.  It was spotted parked up on General Aviation (GA) Apron.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 27 April, VH-TB9 departed Proserpine Airport to Ballarat.

And Southern Air Beech 1900C-1 VH-VSO landed at Longreach Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 22 April, VH-VSO departed Longreach Airport for Horn Island. It then flew down to Cairns and Rockhampton Airport before flying down to Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Monday 21 April, Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Bell 412 helicopter VH-ESD, which flew down from Horn Island to Coen and Cairns yesterday, arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It had previously operated out of Horn Island with Babcock's other Bell 412EP VH-PXY.

UPDATE!  After being 'stored' for just over a month, on Monday 26 May, VH-ESD flew from Rockhampton Airport to Roma Airport.

Photos taken by David Geck and James Kirk  ©

New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" at Charleville Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 9 April, New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" was noted visiting Charleville Airport. It looked to arrive from RAAF Base Richmond via Moree and then depart to Bankstown (on a diversion from Richmond).

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Research suggests that VH-VJO "Firescan 201" has made three visits to Charleville Airport over the last week.

Also visiting Charleville Airport, also on Wednesday 9 April, was re-registered TJ's Aero Service (SA) / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast via Roma Airport and then later returned to the Sunny Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 10 April, VH-LXZ visited Maryborough Airport, arriving from the Sunshine Coast and then departing to Moree and Adelaide.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 8 April, Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed Denison Downs to Archerfield.

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville then departed to Brisbane.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PH landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Miles Airport and back to Brisbane.

Essendon Aviation Services (Victoria) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VTQ landed at Longreach Airport from Cooktown then departed to Melbourne (Essendon).

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft B200 Super King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 55" landed at Longreach Airport from the Sunshine Coast and is due to depart to Cairns.

Photo taken by Richard Ennis  ©

American Registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet N30NB Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 6 April, American registered but seemingly Australian based Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet N30NB arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from what appears to be its Warrnambool base via Bendigo.

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UPDATE!  On Monday 7 April, N30NB departed Hamo for Mackay Airport before then returning to Bendigo and Warrnambool.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 6 April, Isle of Man registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet M-CVGL arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX landed at Longreach Airport from Bankstown then departed to Darwin.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 3 April,  Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY popped into Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from and departed back to Brisbane as HT869/870.

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Meanwhile, also on Thursday 3 April, Metro Holdings / Air Link Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW landed at Mackay Airport from Cairns and then departed to Archerfield. 

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed back to Brisbane via a missed approach at Miles Airport. 

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

Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Toowoomba. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV landed at Denison Downs from Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Adome P/L (Air Link, Dubbo) Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS flew into Longreach Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Friday 4 April, VH-YWS flew down to Blackall Airport from Longreach Airport before then returning to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

New Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Airbus Helicopters H125 Helicopter P2-PHU Pops into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Wednesday 8 January, Pacific Helicopters (PNG) new Airbus Helicopters H125 helicopter P2-PHU was noted flying North via a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on delivery to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

https://www.instagram.com/pacificcrownheli/

It departed from the Sunshine Coast and then called into Rockhampton Airport before then finishing the day at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 January, P2-PHU departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and continued it delivery flight North, finishing the day near the tip of Cape York.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 8 January, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM looked to fly up from Tamworth to Longreach Airport before then continuing up to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 9 January, VH-KXM looked to fly down from Vanrook Station to Emerald Airport and then flying to the Gold Coast and back to Tamworth.

And NSW based EADS SOCATA TBM 700 VH-8NX landed at Longreach Airport from Bankstown and a bit later departed to Roma Airport and then back to Bankstown.

Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9 Calls into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Friday 27 December, new Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9 flew up from Ballarat to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

UPDATE!  With New Year's done, on Thursday 2 January, VH-TB9 departed Shute and returned to Ballarat.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 December, Gold Coast based Amateur built Rutan Puffer Cozy VH-OBV flew up from the Gold Coast and Dalby to Gladstone Airport before later returning to the Goldie.

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.

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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  ©

Recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 8 November, recently re-registered (operator) Vanguard Aviation (Machjet International) Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Chinchilla Aerodrome.

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UPDATE!  On Saturday 9 November, VH-DAA departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 8 November, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft B200 Super King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned North.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 turboprop VH-VEK was noted departing Gladstone Airport for Brisbane.  It looks to have arrived from Brisbane via the 'usual' stop at Biloela / Thangool Airport

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Emerald Airport and then Brisbane.  It seems to have flown up to Townsville from Brisbane the previous day. 

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H which flew west to Alice Springs via Moura Aerodrome on Monday, returned from the West to Moura Aerodrome and then back Archerfield. 

And new Victoria based C Alizzi P/L DAHER SOCATA TBM700N 900 VH-TB9, flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Ballarat.  It was registered in August and previously wore the American Aircraft Registration marking of N883PA.

UPDATE!  On Monday 11 November, VH-TB9 departed Hamilton Island Airport for Ballarat.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) Bizjet N797CP Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

During the late afternoon on Thursday 7 November, a nice corporate bizjet in the form of Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) bizjet N797CP arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It had arrived from overseas earlier in the week.

UPDATE!  During the late afternoon on Saturday 9 November, N797CP departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Brisbane and then back overseas.

While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then later down to Archerfield. 

And GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown across from Christchurch in New Zealand.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 November, ZK-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast and back to Christchurch and Taupo in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 7 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Keeroongooloo and this afternoon flew East to Bundaberg Airport and then back up to Tierawoomba. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV flew down from its Denison Downs (Emerald) base to Dalby. 

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up from Gold Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it later flew down to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.  Of interest, on Wednesday 6 November, VH-VEJ was noted departing Oaky Creek (after arriving at the start of the week) and flying to Emerald Airport and then Rolleston Aerodrome before flying down to Brisbane.

And 1959-built Cessna 180B Skywagon VH-AUE was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Kilcoy.

Photos taken by James Hackett  ©

Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ Makes a Rare Visit to CQ at Rockhampton and Mackay Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 5 November, Sharp Airlines Swearingen SA227-DC Metro 23 VH-SRQ (ex Air North VH-ANA) made a rare visit into Central Queensland.  It arrived into Brisbane from Melbourne (Essendon) on Monday 4 November as SH105 before then heading up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports early on Tuesday as SH162.  It then flew back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport as SH161 before then flying down to Melbourne (Avalon) as SH106.

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Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 5 November, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport then down to Brisbane and then back to Sydney.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

While Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP flew down from Tierawoomba to Emerald Airport and then Caldervale Station.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Adelaide and then departed to Cairns.

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAT as "Bomber 288" landed at Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge and then departed to Townsville.

And Mackay-based Horizon Airways Flight Training Cessna 172RG VH-LDK visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 28 October, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It later departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Archerfield.

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While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Natal Downs before then flying down to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Archerfield.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

And the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew up from Brisbane back to Mackay Airport.  It looks to have flown down last Thursday 24 October.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 October, Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ landed at Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to the Gold Coast. 

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

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV visited Bundaberg Airport from its Denison Downs (Emerald) base.

UPDATE!  VH-VSV completed two similar flights from Denison Downs to Bundy and back on both Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine Site and then my local Clermont Aerodrome before then heading back to Brisbane. 

And Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO looked to complete the weekly visit to Moranbah Airport, arriving from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departing back to Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Bundaberg-based Wide Bay Warbirds Yakovlev Yak-52 VH-UHO at CQ Airports Heading to Donnington Airpark - Plus More!

On Thursday 25 July, Bundaberg-based Wide Bay Warbirds Yakovlev Yak-52 VH-UHO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Bundaberg Airport before it then flew a couple of local flights. 

https://widebaywarbirds.com.au/

The Yak is due to continue up to Donnington Airpark via Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Friday 26 July where it will spend the weekend operating joyflights.

VH-UHO was built in 1984 in Romania and was first registered in Australia in 2006.  The aircraft is powered by a Vedeneyev M14P nine cylinder 435 HP radial engine and has a two bladed Whirlwind propeller.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 July, VH-UHO returned South to Bundaberg Airport from Donnington Airpark via stops again at Prosie and Rocky.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 July, Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Mackay Airport before returning to Cairns.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD landed at Longreach Airport from Toowoomba before it then departed to Winton Airport.  This afternoon, it then flew across to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Toowoomba. 

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG was noted landing at the Goonoo Feedlot from Mount Isa.

And Gold Coast-based EADS SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad TC VH-MTD flew up to my local Clermont Aerodrome from its Southport base.  It is due to return to Southport on Friday 26 July.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" landed at Gladstone Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.