Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (52-1C) "Cotam 1161" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 19 July, making its very first appearance into Central Queensland (or at least on this Blog) was Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '065' (Code 52-1C) which arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville as "Cotam 1161".

It had earlier flown up to Townsville from RAAF Base Amberley.

After some time on the ground, the CASA departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Amberley, flying at low-level (around 500ft) all the way down the coast.

Of interest, the French Air Force currently operates 19 CN-235 medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft which are able to carry five tons of cargo or forty passengers.  It appears that '065' is flown by the Squadron ET00.052 La Tontouta at BA186 Noumea/La Tontouta in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 19 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Valour 02" was noted visiting the Samuel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Amberley.

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

Photos taken by John Lee and Scott Harris  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 "Ausy 337" Completes Missed Approach at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 27 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-001 was heard completing a missed approach at Longreach Airport as "Ausy 337".

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It flew up from Canberra and after completing airwork at Longreach, continued to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 May, A36-001 "Ausy 337" flew out from Cairns for Seoul, South Korea.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 27 May, there was one more visit by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 61" which was again noted flying into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then flew back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Calen Harvey  ©

RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 61" & A34-007 "Wallaby 74" Both Call into Shoalwater Bay (and Rockhampton Airport!)

On Friday 26 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 61" was noted flying yet again into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to the Bay and then back to Amberley.

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Fellow RAAF C-27J Spartan A34-007 as "Wallaby 74" was also noted flying into Samuel Hill Airfield from and then back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Jason Miller  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-004 "Wallaby 61" Flys into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area - Plus More

On Thursday 25 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 was noted flying up from RAAF Base Amberley and into the Samuel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

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A34-004 was flying as "Wallaby 61" and is yet another arrival into the training area ahead of upcoming military exercises.  It arrived from and departed back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 25 May, the action of the RAAF's Exercise Black Dagger came down from Townsville to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) with RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 as "Mayhem 17" and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets as "Viking flt" flying down from and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 27" Missed Approach at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was spotted back in the region again but this time completing airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

A30-005 was this time flying as "Wedgetail 27" and looked to fly up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Bundaberg Airport before then flying back down to Williamtown via more airwork at Coffs Harbour.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) yet again.

It again flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Samuel Hill Airfield before again popping down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Samuel Hill Airfield before then flying back down to Amberley.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-010 "Wallaby 61" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

During the late afternoon on Tuesday 23 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as "Wallaby 61" and flew down from the Smauel Hill Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) having earlier flown up from RAAF Base Amberley.

The Spartan then departed back to Samuel Hill Airfield before returning to Amberly.

As posted below, A34-010 "Wallaby 61" has visited the Shoalwater Bay Training Area each day since Sunday from and back to Amberley, presumably ferrying personnel and equipment into the Training Area ahead from upcoming military exercises.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 23 May, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 25" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before then heading back South.

Photo taken by Jason Miller  ©

Re-painted Australian Army Marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF "Warhorse 207" Returns to Townsville via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 22 May, a surprise visitor made a return to Central Queensland in the form of Australian Army marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF.

The chopper called into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and then departed to Townsville and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Warhorse 207".

VH-YBF flew up from Bankstown to the Gold Coast the previous day and was photographed below resting at the Goldie.

VH-YBF had flown South to Bankstown in early April for what we thought was and end-of-lease maintenance lay-up - clearly not though - and the chopper looks great in a revised livery.

As previously mentioned, VH-YBF and fellow AW139 VH-YBG are registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and are two of three(?) AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 May, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise Black Dagger 23-1 which is currently underway out of Townsville, saw the RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-048 as "Raven 16" fly down to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area to complete a sortie from and back to Townsville Airport.

Finally, also on Monday 22 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within Shoalwater Bay three separate times on flights from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  For each flight, it was heard to use the radio callsign of "Wallaby 61".

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-RQW "Choppa 22" Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 21 May, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQW was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while heading to Townsville to participate in an Exercise.

VH-RQW was flying as "Choppa 22" and originally departed RAAF Base Amberley for Gladstone Airport before it then flew into Mackay Airport and then into Townsville - pictured above.

The Agusta operates for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role by CHC Helicopters / Lloyd Helicopters.

It is assumed that it has flown into Townsville to support the RAAF's Exercise Black Dagger.

Exercise Black Dagger 23-1 is the closing activity for No. 71 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course. The exercise requires students to coordinate the live and simulated employment of aircraft and ordnance in a range of air and ground scenarios.  The Air Force has deployed personnel and aircraft to RAAF Base Townsville to conduct Exercise Black Dagger from Monday 22 May to Friday 2 June 2023.

No. 4 Squadron will deploy Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and be supported by F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 77 Squadron.  Aircraft will also operate into the Townsville Field and Shoalwater Bay Training Areas.

And speaking of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, also on Sunday 21 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 looked to visit the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within Shoalwater Bay on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  It was heard to use the radio callsign of "Wallaby 61".

Photo taken by 'BW'  ©

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

On Tuesday 31 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Orange in New South Wales via the Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  VH-CMK was photographed above early on Wednesday 1 February.  It later departed Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast and is due to continue to Bankstown early on Thursday 2 February.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted making what seems to be its weekly visit to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 January, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB looked to fly up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It later returned to Archerfield and Toowoomba.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned to Townsville and Cairns

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA completed two visits to Moura Aerodrome both times from Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then to Agnes Water Airstrip.

UPDATE!  Late on Wednesday 1 February, VH-MPT departed Agnes Water Airstrip for Biloela / Thangool Airport and then onwards back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Tuesday 31 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK was yet again noted completing a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Mackay Airport from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back.  It flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then out to LAbona and back to Mackay Airport and then Townsville as HND290/1/2/3.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 February, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ was noted completing the Labona Station Airstrip run to and from Mackay Airport.  It flew down to Labona from Townsville before flying across to Mackay Airport and back to Labona and then back to Townsville as HND280/1/2/3.

And Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-JES and VH-HLL are currently based at Rockhampton Airport and are operating the 3-4 week-daily flights from there to Labona and back.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 4 February, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

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It looked to fly up from Bankstown and touch down at Gladstone Airport. After spending much of the day parked, VH-IEQ then made the short hop up to Rockhampton Airport before the heading back to Bankstown.

While Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ was back in the region for the second day in-a-row. This time it departed Brisbane and called into Emerald and Townsville Airports before then flying down to Mackay Airport. VH-ILJ then returned to Brisbane.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY looked to fly down from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast before then flying up to Bundaberg Airport and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 February, locally-owned Aero Optics (General Aviation Maintenance operated) Aero Commander 500-S VH-JAJ looked to fly up once again from its Bundaberg Airport base to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATES!  On Saturday 5 February and Sunday 6 February, VH-JAJ completed local aerial survey flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB looked to fly up from Toowoomba and popped into the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before then continuing to Townsville. VH-FKB the returned to Toowoomba.

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

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B turboprop VH-VEB visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  While fellow SAAB 340B VH-VEM flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Emerald Airport then back to Brisbane.

 

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

Finally, also on Friday 4 February, some helicopter action around Gladstone Airport included recently locally re-registered Pacific Fisheries Aviation Services P/L Aerospatiale AS350 SD Squirrel VH-HSR which looked to complete multiple flights out of and back to Gladstone Airport.

Also completing multiple flights out of and back to Gladstone Airport was Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Gladstone Helicopters) Airbus Helicopters EC135 P3 (CPDS) VH-ZGH.

Sister-ship and fellow Heli-Aust Whitsundays Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter VH-XUV also looked to arrive into Gladstone Airport from Mackay and Rockhampton Airports on Thursday 3 February.

It appears fellow Heli-Aust Whitsundays (Mackay) Eurocopter EC135 P2 helicopter VH-ZGZ ferried North from Gladstone Airport to Mackay Airport via Rockhampton Airport on Monday 31 January after spending the last month or so operating in the Port City.

Of interest, fellow Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus Helicopters EC135 P3 (CPDS) VH-ZGP seems to be operating out of the Hay Point Coal Terminal South of Mackay.  

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 December, Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ looked to fly up from Brisbane to land at the Oaky Creek Coal Mine Site. 

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VH-VEJ then looked to fly across to Emerald Airport where it appears to be staying for at the least the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 December, VH-VEJ looked to depart Emerald Airport and return to Oaky Creek before it then was noted arriving into Rolleston Aerodrome.
 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 December, Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba via Caboolture before then flying down to Emerald Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

Sunshine Coast-based Cessna 210 VH-ORR looked to fly across from Barcaldine Airport to Clermont Aerodrome.  It appears to have flown up from Caloundra and Archerfield to Blackall Airport the previous day.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted departing the Samuel Hill Aerodrome for Toowoomba after it appeared to have flown in there early on Tuesday 14 December.

And McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia Aerospatiale 365N2 Dauphin 2 helicopter N366SR flew up from Sunshine Coast to Hedlow Airfield. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 December, N366SR looked to fly back to the Sunshine Coast from Hedlow Airfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 15 December, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as SKP785 before then flying to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport as SKP790.  VH-QQC then departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane as SKP786.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 7 October, Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC was noted visiting Emerald Airport.

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VH-AAC looked to fly up from Dalby to Emerald Airport before then returning there and continuing to Toowoomba.

Another familiar Pilatus  PC-12/47 VH-WPH of Vanderfield flew up from Toowoomba to Dalgonally before it then also popped into Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 8 October, VH-WPH departed Emerald Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 7 October, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted flying into the Samuel Hill Airstrip again direct from Toowoomba.  It then flew down to Archerfield before returning to Toowoomba,

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport completing its weekly visit.

Finally, also on Thursday 7 October, East Coast Traffic Controllers' Cirrus SR22 VH-YJX flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before flying out to my local Clermont Aerodrome where it stayed for a short while.  VH-YJX then departed to the Sunshine Coast where it appears to be based.

VH-YJX looks to have flown North via Rockhampton and Mackay Airports on Tuesday 5 October and Wednesday 6 October.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Sleek Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ Completes Yet More Flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona - Plus More!

On Monday 4 October, and as it has done the previous couple of weeks, Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

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VH-FAQ then later returned to Rockhampton Airport where it appears to be staying for at least the night.  It is expected to operate more flights to Labona over the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 4 October, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted visiting the Samuel Hill Airstrip within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It later returned to these places. 

While Brisbane-based Henty Aviation Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM was back in the region again, landing at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield.  It later departed back there.

And Brisbane-registered Partenavia P.68B VH-PNU departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived from there last Thursday 30 September.

Finally, also on Monday 4 October, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast via a visit to Gladstone Airport as well.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Steve Vit  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Spotted at Emerald Airport Again - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 September, I was at the right place at the right time to capture an iPhone photo of MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC which was parked at Emerald Airport after earlier arriving from the Sunshine Coast.

It is interesting to note that VH-MMC was recently re-painted at the General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) hangar at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport.  Looks nice!

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 September, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Also visiting Emerald Airport, also on Tuesday 14 September, was Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ which arrived from Keytah and then then departed to Pinnarendi and Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 September, VH-MPQ popped back into Emerald Airport, arriving from Cairns, Pinnarendi and Townsville.  It then returned to Keytah.

And re-registered (operator) Gulf Aircraft (SGPG Air) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-PYN departed Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane.  It had arrived two days prior.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 14 September, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to the Samuel Hill Airstrip within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area before flying back down to Rockhampton Airport for a refuel.

VH-FKB then departed to Archerfield and Toowoomba. It then flew back up from Toowoomba to Gladstone Airport and back to Toowoomba again. 

UPDATE!  VH-FKB was back in CQ on Wednesday 15 September, calling into Rockhampton Airport  It arrived from Toowoomba and Archerfield and departed back to its Toowoomba base.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Chinchilla, Yellow Bank and Rolleston Aerodromes before then returning to Chinchilla and Wellcamp.

UPDATE!  VH-WXB was also back in the region, also on Wednesday 15 September, flying up from Wellcamp and Archerfield to Labona before returning to both Archerfield and Wellcamp again. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 14 September,  Link Airways (Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEU completed the Fly-in Fly--out (FIFO) charter flight into Rockhampton Airport, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.  There should be another Link Airways aircraft to visit Rocky on Wednesday 15 September.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEK at Rockhampton Airport Yet Again - Plus More!

On Tuesday 31 August, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEK was again noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  As it - and other Link Airways' Metros and SAAB 340 aircraft have done recently - it flew up from and then returned to Brisbane.

At the time of writing, it is believed that fellow Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VET will complete a similar flight in and out of Rockhampton Airport on Wednesday 1 September.

It appears that Link Airways has picked up a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter contract into Rockhampton and it is great to see them here!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 31 August, several other light General Aviation (GA) visitors to the region included FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB which popped into Samuel Hill Airstrip from Toowoomba and Archerfield before it then called into Rockhampton Airport for fuel. VH-FKB then departed direct to Toowoomba. 

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV flew up from Tamworth to Mackay Airport then down to Archerfield.  It then returned to Tamworth.

Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12 VH-NWI flew up to the Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Essendon).

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 September, PC12 NWI flew down from Shute Harbour to Hobart before returning to Essendon.

Cessna 208 Caravan, VH-DZZ, of the Skydive the Beach Group, flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong. 

Of interest, another Cessna 208 Caravan, VH-DZQ, of Australia Skydive, flew down from Cairns via Tully to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, on Saturday 28 August.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Chinchilla, Yellow Bank and Rolleston Aerodromes before then returning to Chinchilla and Wellcamp. 

Avcair (Easternwell Group) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EWG flew up from Toowoomba to Springsure Aerodrome and back twice during the day. 

West Coast Seaplanes (Broome, Western Australia) Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ, which currently appears to be based at Bundaberg Airport, flew up from there to Rockhampton Airport and then Nebo Aerodrome and back to Bundy.

While Machjet (Corporate Aircraft Charter) Cessna S550 Citation S/2 bizjet VH-SQM was noted completing airwork and then landing briefly at Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to fly up from and then return to the Sunshine Coast.

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 September, N142GZ returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Finally, late on Monday 30 August, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL as "Hinterland 790" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  Then on Tuesday 31 August, VH-HLL started flying the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) runs from Rocky to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

Also on Tuesday 31 August, fellow Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns but as "Hinterland 420".

It seems fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS was out of action at Rockhampton Airport.  Around lunchtime, it completed a couple of test circuits before then departing Rocky for Cairns as "Hinterland 790".

VH-HLJ also returned to Cairns, again as "Hinterland 420".

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Robindale Group (Bathurst) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-CMK Departs Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 26 August, the recently re-registered Robindale Group (Bathurst) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK was noted departing Emerald Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived from Orange in New South Wales via the Sunny Coast on Tuesday 24 August.

Allbut Andrew / https://flightaware.com/

As mentioned below, Citation Mustang VH-CMK was re-registered from N251MC in early July and also paid a visit to Emerald Airport wearing this registration marking in mid-June this year. 

Another nice corporate bizjet to return to the region, also on Thursday 26 August, was Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH.  It called into Hamilton Island Airport twice during a busy of flying out of and back to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 26 August, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later flying back there via Maryborough Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB popped into Samuel Hill Airstrip from Toowoomba before returning there via Archerfield.

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.  It was later noted returning to Wellcamp rather than spending the night again this week.

Finally, also on Thursday 26 August, CQ Warbird Adventure Flights Yakovlev Yak-52 warbird VH-YAF was noted returning North, flying into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while flying back home to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Watts Bridge.  

It had flown down over the weekend.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 17 August, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport. It flew up from Archerfield and the Gold Coast before then departing to Adelaide.

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Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 17 August, West Coast Seaplanes (Broome, Western Australia) Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ, which currently appears to be based at Bundaberg Airport, flew up from there to Nebo Aerodrome and back.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VEK was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from and later depart back to Brisbane.

Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM departed Rockhampton Airport for Saint George. It has been at Rocky since the start of July.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 August, VH-YGM returned to Rockhampton Airport from Saint George but via Dalby - perhaps it is now based at Rocky?

And FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew from Toowoomba to Archerfield and then up to the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then on to Mackay Airport before flying directly back to Toowoomba. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 17 August, Hinterland Aviation completed an aircraft swap at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFS arrived into Labona from Cairns as HND790 before it then departed on one of the regular Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to Rockhampton Airport as HND351.

Earlier, fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ departed Rockhampton Airport to Labona as HND350 before it then flew up to Cairns also as HND790.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 404 Titan VH-TFO Calls into Rockhampton Airport And Then Returns! - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 August, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 404 Titan VH-TFO was spotted on the ground after arriving from Cairns as HND430.

It is believed it flew down with engineers to repair fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-MRZ which has suffered instrument problems in recent days.  Indeed after repairs were carried out, VH-MRZ completed a local flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.  

VH-MRZ then departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site

During the afternoon, VH-TFO departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Cairns again as HND430, however, it seems that VH-MRZ(?) continued to have maintenance issues and VH-TFO ended up returning to Rockhampton Airport and appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Friday 13 August, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 404 Titan VH-TFO departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns once again as HND430.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 August, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-KNQ flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport before returning to Hervey Bay Airport.

Locally-based Keppel High Wing Cessna 182T VH-LJE departed its Rockhampton Airport base for Blackall Airport before then returning using an "Angelflight" callsign - something not heard for some time.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 August, VH-LJE returned to Blackall Airport from Rocky before then flying back to Rockhampton Airport, again using an "Angelflight" callsign.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB flew up from its Toowoomba base to Mackay Airport before flying South to the Samuel Hill Airstrip within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area before then returning to Toowoomba but via Archerfield.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXB flew up directly to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport.  

VH-WXB is due to return to Wellcamp early on Friday 13 August.

And NQ Heliworx Eurocopter AS.350 Squirrel helicopters have been noted heading South from Townsville to Archerfield via Mackay and Gladstone Airports.  VH-JKX flew down on Thursday 12 August, while VH-YHQ flew South on Wednesday 11 August.

Finally, a couple of bizjets noted in the region, also on Thursday 12 August, included Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ which flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then onward to Natal Downs.  In the late afternoon and into the evening, VH-JSZ returned to Archerfield, again via Clermont and Dalby.

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 15 August, VH-CDG departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to the Gold Coast.

While Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI looked to fly down from Mareba to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before heading back North.

And the often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK departed to Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.  It had originally arrived into the Whitsundays at the start of last week and has also completed a day-trip flight to Longreach Airport and back - see Blog posts below!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

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

On Monday 9 August, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

File photo

After about an hour on the ground, N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 9 August, ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT departed Mackay Airport for Hamilton Island Airport and then Townsville.  VH-AYT had arrived into Mackay Airport direct from its Townsville base last Thursday 5 August.

While ZephAir Australia Piper PA-34-220T Seneca VH-YSI was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from Townsville on Sunday 8 August.  It had also visited Charters Towers and Hamilton Island Airports over the previous couple of days.

Finally, also on Monday 9 August, Sundown Pastoral Company (of Bonogin in the Gold Coast Hinterland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-NSI was noted back at Emerald Airport.  It arrived from the Gold Coast and then departed to Pinaarendi.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 10 August, VH-NSI returned to Emerald Airport from Pinnarendi and then departed to Moree and then the Gold Coast.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB had another busy day of flying, departing Toowoomba for Bundaberg, Townsville and Rockhampton Airports before flying back to Toowoomba.  It then flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and is due to go on to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 10 August, VH-FKB departed Townsville and called into the Samuel Hill Aerodrome within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before returning to Toowoomba,

And Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 August, FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted flying up from Toowoomba and Archerfield to call into the Samuel Hill Airstrip within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

File photo

It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport before returning direct to Toowoomba.

Also calling into Rockhampton Airport, also on Wednesday 4 August, was  the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK.  It arrived from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  It later returned North direct to Townsville and Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 August, Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH flew up from its Toowoomba base to Emerald Airport and then up to near Clermont before returning to Emerald Airport and Toowoomba.

While Victoria-based Cessna 182 VH-CCS called into my local Clermont Aerodrome from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before continuing to Charleville Airport.

It appears that VH-CCS flew North to the Whitsundays in mid-July, calling into Charleville, Blackall and Charters Towers Airports.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 August, VH-CCS looks to have returned to its Bendigo base in Victoria.

Finally, also on Wednesday 4 August, Daniadel Aviation Robinson R44 helicopter VH-KAA landed at Mackay Airport from Archerfield via Biloela / Thangool Airport.

UPDATE!  VH-KAA returned to Archerfield via Bilo on Sunday 8 August.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©