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| File photo |
Eventually, A36-002 departed Gladstone Airport and headed towards Bundaberg before it was later noted landing at the Gold Coast. It then departed and headed further South.
Photo taken by 'IAD' ©
Thursday, June 15, 2017
RAAF Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 Continues Training Flight Passing Through Mackay and Gladstone Airports
As expected, on Thursday 15 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 continued what looked to be a training flight, this time heading South from Townsville Airport towards Canberra flying again as "Envoy 50". It was noted completing airwork around Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before eventually landing at Mackay Airport for a short time. From Mackay Airport, A36-002 continued further South to Gladstone Airport where it also landed for a short time.
Eventually, A36-002 departed Gladstone Airport and headed towards Bundaberg before it was later noted landing at the Gold Coast. It then departed and headed further South.
Photo taken by 'IAD' ©
Eventually, A36-002 departed Gladstone Airport and headed towards Bundaberg before it was later noted landing at the Gold Coast. It then departed and headed further South.
Photo taken by 'IAD' ©
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
RAAF Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 Pops into Bundaberg and Hamilton Island Airports
On Wednesday 14 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DF(BBJ) A36-002 was noted touching down at Bundaberg Airport from Coffs Harbour as "Envoy 50". It appears that the BBJ was operating one of its many training flights up and down the East coast of Australia.
After a short time on the ground at Bundy, the BBJ departed North and was noted landing at Hamilton Island Airport. After a short time on the ground at Hamo, A36-002 continued further North to Cairns before finally landing at Townsville.
Given recent history, I assume that A36-002 will head South from Townsville on Thursday 15 June perhaps via Proserpine or Mackay or Rockhampton Airports.
Meanwhile, on the lighter side of the RAAF aircraft fleet, also on Wednesday 14 June, Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 "Dingo 13" was noted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Townsville. It was also noted completing airwork around Emerald Airport on Tuesday 13 June,
And finally, also on Wednesday 14 June, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from the North as "Brahman 302".
Photo taken by Micah S ©
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| A36-002 on a previous visit to Bundaberg Airport (File photo) |
After a short time on the ground at Bundy, the BBJ departed North and was noted landing at Hamilton Island Airport. After a short time on the ground at Hamo, A36-002 continued further North to Cairns before finally landing at Townsville.
Given recent history, I assume that A36-002 will head South from Townsville on Thursday 15 June perhaps via Proserpine or Mackay or Rockhampton Airports.
Meanwhile, on the lighter side of the RAAF aircraft fleet, also on Wednesday 14 June, Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 "Dingo 13" was noted arriving into Gladstone Airport from Townsville. It was also noted completing airwork around Emerald Airport on Tuesday 13 June,
And finally, also on Wednesday 14 June, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from the North as "Brahman 302".
Photo taken by Micah S ©
Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM Brings Queensland Maroons Rugby League Team to Mackay Airport
A fantastic day at Mackay on Wednesday 14 June with the mighty Queensland Maroons Rugby League football team calling in for a very popular fan day in the sugar city. The Maroons flew into Mackay Airport on board Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM which touched down from Brisbane early on Tuesday as UTY3382. It appears to have had special stickers for the fan day applied on the forward part of the port-side fuselage.
During the visit to Mackay, the mighty Maroons took part in a street parade followed by a luncheon at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. The fan day concluded with a junior coaching clinic and autograph signing sessions at the local football stadium.
During the afternoon, VH-XWM returned to Brisbane as UTY3383 and I assume the special stickers will soon be removed!
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| https://www.facebook.com/MackayAirport/ |
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| https://www.facebook.com/MackayAirport/ |
During the afternoon, VH-XWM returned to Brisbane as UTY3383 and I assume the special stickers will soon be removed!
Remembering the Crash of a USAF B-17C Flying Fortress at Bakers Creek near Mackay on 14 June 1943
During the Second World War, the United States Army Air Corps established rest and recreation facilities in Mackay. From the end of January 1943 until early 1944, thousands of United States servicemen were ferried almost daily from New Guinea to Mackay by air transport to spend around 10 days R&R. They were usually carried by two B-17 Flying Fortresses converted for transport duties and an LB-30 (civil transport version of the B-24 Liberator bomber), stationed in Mackay with the 46th Troop Carrier Squadron, whose parent Unit was stationed in Townsville, Queensland.
On Monday 14 June 1943, just before dawn, at about 6 a.m., Boeing B-17C, Serial/Tail Number 40-2072, known as "Miss Every Morning Fixin", took off from Mackay headed for Port Moresby. There were six crew and 35 passengers aboard. A few minutes after take-off, it crashed, at Bakers Creek, 8km South of Mackay, killing all but one of those on board.
The cause of the crash remains a mystery. The aircraft took off into fog and, soon after, made a turn at low altitude. The crash remains Australia's worst air disaster.
The sole survivor was Foye Kenneth Roberts who died at Wichita Falls, Texas on 4 February 2004.
Local residents gathered at the Bakers Creek Memorial site to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the crash in 2013, and to mark the occasion, a booklet titled Biosketches of the Fallen, has been published.
The memorial was constructed in Bakers Creek in 1981 consisting of two brick columns aligned northwards on which are mounted flag poles and two brass plaques facing eastwards. Between the columns is a large aircraft propeller of a type fitted to Douglas C-47/DC-3/Dakota airplanes that was supplied by the Royal Australian Air Force. The plaques describe the crash and list the men known to have perished as well as the sole survivor. Fixed above the propeller is a bronze model of a Flying Fortress aircraft that was added on 13 June 2003.
Another memorial located behind the Australian embassy in Washington D.C. commemorates the accident. Because embassies are considered foreign soil, the Bakers Creek Memorial Association petitioned American lawmakers to relocate the memorial. After several years of negotiation, a dedication ceremony took place 11 June 2009 at the memorial's new home just north-west of the Selfridge Gate in Fort Myer, Virginia.
More information can be found at Peter Dunn's Australia At War website (www.ozatwar.com).
On Monday 14 June 1943, just before dawn, at about 6 a.m., Boeing B-17C, Serial/Tail Number 40-2072, known as "Miss Every Morning Fixin", took off from Mackay headed for Port Moresby. There were six crew and 35 passengers aboard. A few minutes after take-off, it crashed, at Bakers Creek, 8km South of Mackay, killing all but one of those on board.
The cause of the crash remains a mystery. The aircraft took off into fog and, soon after, made a turn at low altitude. The crash remains Australia's worst air disaster.
The sole survivor was Foye Kenneth Roberts who died at Wichita Falls, Texas on 4 February 2004.
Local residents gathered at the Bakers Creek Memorial site to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the crash in 2013, and to mark the occasion, a booklet titled Biosketches of the Fallen, has been published.
The memorial was constructed in Bakers Creek in 1981 consisting of two brick columns aligned northwards on which are mounted flag poles and two brass plaques facing eastwards. Between the columns is a large aircraft propeller of a type fitted to Douglas C-47/DC-3/Dakota airplanes that was supplied by the Royal Australian Air Force. The plaques describe the crash and list the men known to have perished as well as the sole survivor. Fixed above the propeller is a bronze model of a Flying Fortress aircraft that was added on 13 June 2003.
Another memorial located behind the Australian embassy in Washington D.C. commemorates the accident. Because embassies are considered foreign soil, the Bakers Creek Memorial Association petitioned American lawmakers to relocate the memorial. After several years of negotiation, a dedication ceremony took place 11 June 2009 at the memorial's new home just north-west of the Selfridge Gate in Fort Myer, Virginia.
More information can be found at Peter Dunn's Australia At War website (www.ozatwar.com).
Monday, June 12, 2017
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 "Dragon 21" Calls into Rockhampton Airport
On Monday 12 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 called into Rockhampton Airport on what is becoming a frequent land, park, and go type training flight.
A39-003 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 21" and looked to fly up from then return to RAAF Base Amberley.
Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!
All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman ©
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-ESH Flys North via Gladstone and Mackay Airports
On Sunday 11 June, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESH was noted ferrying North from Archerfield via Gladstone and Mackay Airports to Townsville. It was heard using the radio callsign of "Rescue 500".
Of interest, soon after its arrival into Townsville, VH-ESH then looked to operate a med-evac flight to Mackay Base Hospital and then back to Townsville but as "Rescue 521".
It seems that the two locally-based QGAir Rescue Bell 412 helicopters at Townsville may not be operational at the present time.
UPDATE! On Thursday 15 June, VH-ESH returned to Archerfield from Townsville via Mackay and Gladstone Airport again flying as "Rescue 500". It appears that Bell 412 VH-ESB has returned to service out of Townsville.
Photo taken by 'AC' ©
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| VH-ESH at Mackay Airport in 2016 (File photo) |
Of interest, soon after its arrival into Townsville, VH-ESH then looked to operate a med-evac flight to Mackay Base Hospital and then back to Townsville but as "Rescue 521".
It seems that the two locally-based QGAir Rescue Bell 412 helicopters at Townsville may not be operational at the present time.
UPDATE! On Thursday 15 June, VH-ESH returned to Archerfield from Townsville via Mackay and Gladstone Airport again flying as "Rescue 500". It appears that Bell 412 VH-ESB has returned to service out of Townsville.
Photo taken by 'AC' ©
Saturday, June 10, 2017
LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI Pops into Bundaberg Airport - And Gladstone Airport!
On Saturday 10 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.
It appears that the LearJet was returning to its Townsville base after around a week on the ground at Sydney, possibly undergoing planned maintenance. VH-VVI was noted using its registration as its radio callsign rather than its 'usual' med-evac radio callsign of "Ambulance 451".
UPDATE! Late on Sunday 12 June, VH-VVI completed what looked to be a med-evac flight into Gladstone Airport. It arrived from and later departed back to Townsville. VH-VVI was heard to be using its 'usual' radio callsign of "Ambulance 451".
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| File photo |
It appears that the LearJet was returning to its Townsville base after around a week on the ground at Sydney, possibly undergoing planned maintenance. VH-VVI was noted using its registration as its radio callsign rather than its 'usual' med-evac radio callsign of "Ambulance 451".
UPDATE! Late on Sunday 12 June, VH-VVI completed what looked to be a med-evac flight into Gladstone Airport. It arrived from and later departed back to Townsville. VH-VVI was heard to be using its 'usual' radio callsign of "Ambulance 451".
Anniversary of TAA Fokker F27 Friendship VH-TFB Crash at Mackay to be Remembered Today
Today is the 57th anniversary since the TAA Fokker F27 Friendship VH-TFB "Abel Tasman" crashed into the sea on Friday June 10 1960, while on approach to Mackay Airport.
It still stands as Australia’s worst commercial air disaster.
The aircraft was on an evening flight from Brisbane to Mackay when it crashed. 29 people – including a number of local schoolboys returning home for the Queens Birthday long weekend – were on board.
There was heavy fog and the plane's first attempt at landing had to be aborted. Friends and families had been watching the plane circle when, at 10.05pm, the Fokker disappeared into the sea just off Far Beach.
This was the first crash of a TAA aircraft involving paying passengers.
VH-TFB was the flagship of their Fokker F27 Friendship fleet. This aircraft was delivered to TAA about ten weeks before VH-TFA.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Qld Government and Qld Police Turboprops and Bizjets Also at CQ Airports
Various Queensland Government Ministers and local representatives were in various parts of Central Queensland on Friday 9 June and this seemed to bring most of the State of Queensland operated Queensland Government (Airwing) and Queensland Police Service (Airwing) aircraft to local Airports.
The Qld Gvt Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ brought the Queensland Treasurer to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Thursday 8 June from Brisbane. After staying for the night, VH-SGQ ventured to Mackay Airport on Friday before later visiting Gladstone Airport. VH-SGQ then returned to Brisbane.
UPDATE! On Sunday 11 June, VH-SGQ was noted visiting Mackay Airport once again, this time it arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cooktown.
The Qld Gvt Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY visited Townsville Airport arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.
The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU had an early start on Friday touching down at Rockhampton Airport before dawn from Brisbane. It departed back to the capital around lunchtime.
UPDATE! On Saturday 10 June, VH-PSU called into Rockhampton Airport again, this time it arrived from Townsville and departed to Brisbane.
While fellow Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSV. was noted completing a flight from Cairns to Townsville and Mackay Airport and back.
Finally, the Queensland Police Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK looked to complete prisoner transfer flights up and down the Queensland Coast earlier this week on Monday 5 June and Wednesday 7 June. In CQ it visited Maryborough, Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.
Photo taken by 'AC' ©
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| File photo |
The Qld Gvt Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ brought the Queensland Treasurer to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on Thursday 8 June from Brisbane. After staying for the night, VH-SGQ ventured to Mackay Airport on Friday before later visiting Gladstone Airport. VH-SGQ then returned to Brisbane.
UPDATE! On Sunday 11 June, VH-SGQ was noted visiting Mackay Airport once again, this time it arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cooktown.
The Qld Gvt Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-SGY visited Townsville Airport arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.
The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU had an early start on Friday touching down at Rockhampton Airport before dawn from Brisbane. It departed back to the capital around lunchtime.
UPDATE! On Saturday 10 June, VH-PSU called into Rockhampton Airport again, this time it arrived from Townsville and departed to Brisbane.
While fellow Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSV. was noted completing a flight from Cairns to Townsville and Mackay Airport and back.
Finally, the Queensland Police Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK looked to complete prisoner transfer flights up and down the Queensland Coast earlier this week on Monday 5 June and Wednesday 7 June. In CQ it visited Maryborough, Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.
Photo taken by 'AC' ©
RAAF Super King Air Turboprops and Challenger 604 Bizjet Pop into Longreach and Winton Airports
On Friday 9 June, the Central West played host to a trio of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft which looked to be completing VIP Ministerial transport duties.
RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-339 (pictured above) was noted landing at Longreach Airport from Saint George as "Consort 11". It later departed directly to RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.
Meanwhile, an unidentified RAAF Super King Air was believed to have landed at Winton from Tamworth but as "Regent 13".
Finally, Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet A37-002 looked to touch down at Longreach Airport also from Tamworth as "Wisdom 18". It looked to depart to Winton as well and then later, Townsville.
UPDATE! On Saturday 10 June, RAAF Challenger 604 A37-002 - flying as "Wisdom 88" - was noted departed Barcaldine Airport for the South.
Photo taken by Tony Haynes ©
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| File photo |
RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-339 (pictured above) was noted landing at Longreach Airport from Saint George as "Consort 11". It later departed directly to RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.
Meanwhile, an unidentified RAAF Super King Air was believed to have landed at Winton from Tamworth but as "Regent 13".
Finally, Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet A37-002 looked to touch down at Longreach Airport also from Tamworth as "Wisdom 18". It looked to depart to Winton as well and then later, Townsville.
UPDATE! On Saturday 10 June, RAAF Challenger 604 A37-002 - flying as "Wisdom 88" - was noted departed Barcaldine Airport for the South.
Photo taken by Tony Haynes ©
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