Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL at CQ Airports on Rugby League Charter - Plus More!

On Saturday 29 June, Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-300 VH-QQL as SKP963 departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and then Cairns.  It looked to carry the local Mackay Cutters Rugby League team up to Cairns to play the local Northern Pride in the Queensland Rugby League Competition.

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After the game, VH-QQL then departed Cairns and returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Rockhampton Airport but as SKP964.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 29 June, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" landed at Longreach Airport from Sunshine Coast and then departed to Mount Isa. 

Kirkhope Aviation newish Textron (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TKA flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Bourke to Charleville Airport and then onwards to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, and then over the next couple of days, VH-TKA returned to Longreach Airport on what looked to be a closed tourist charter.  On Tuesday 2 June, VH-TKA departed Longreach Airport for Birdsville and Alice Springs.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV flew from Longreach Airport to Archerfield.  It looked to also have completed a closed tourist flight but out of Archerfield Airport at the start of the week to Birdsville and other parts around the region including Longreach Airport over the last couple of days.

Cairns-based Air Tours Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  VH-LOA did another flight from Cairns to Hamo and back on Monday 1 June.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Bundaberg Airports.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.  VH-JIW has been operating around the state (including sometimes within CQ) operating what is believed to be aerial survey flights. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, VH-JIW departed Mackay Airport for Townsville and Cairns. 

Finally, also on Saturday 29 June, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Dalby.  It then hopped across to Alpha Aerodrome for the local races.  It then departed back to Dalby and Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then hopped to Rockhampton Airport and then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere Bizjet VH-CAD Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 November, the now becoming a familiar sight of Falconair (NSW) Dassault 900 Falcon Mystere bizjet VH-CAD called into Hamilton Island Airport again, this time from Bankstown via the Shellharbour Airport at Woolongong and Adelaide.

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VH-CAD also visited Hamo last weekend!

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-CAD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane, Sydney and Bankstown.

And the very familiar sight (almost daily visits) of LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in CQ once again, this time calling to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It then flew up to Townsville and Cairns before calling into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then back to Brisbane,

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 November, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Alpha Aerodrome from Archerfield. It was also there from Ambilindum and Longreach Airport on Tuesday 21 November. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-PGA departed Alpha Aerodrome and returned to Archerfield.

Telford Aviation Beech A36 Bonanza VH-MPT, which had landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield yesterday, departed there for Moura Aerodrome and then to Springsure Aerodrome.  It then looked to continue to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 November, VH-MPT departed Emerald Airport for Roma Airport and the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Thargomindah and back to Wellcamp. 

Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ departed its Toowoomba base for Rockhampton Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 November, VH-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 November, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane after arriving into Rocky early on Tuesday morning and presumably encountering a technical problem.

Photo taken by Jake Weir  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into my Local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 23 June, I spotted Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ at my local Clermont Aerodrome.

It arrived from Natal Downs and later departed to Archerfield.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before continuing to Townsville.  It then returned back to the capital.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It had arrived the previous day.

And Microflite (Moorabbin) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF flew up from its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base to Tooradin and then also into Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 June, VH-8MF departed Hamilton Island Airport for Darwin.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 June, locally-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF flew from Clermont Aerodrome to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 June, VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Mackay Airport.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Emerald Airport before continuing to Cooktown.

Fellow Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Wellcamp before then departing to Thargomindah then back to and Wellcamp.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned to Townsville and Cairns.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ looked to fly down from Cairns to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND420 before it then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and back as HND1121/421.  VH-HLJ later returned to Cairns from Labona again as HND1123.

Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM hopped from Gayndah Aerodrome to Moura Aerodrome and then departed to Alpha Aerodrome.  Later, it flew back across to Emerald Airport and back to Gayndah Aerodrome.

New South Wales-based Schofields Flying Club's Piper PA-28 Cherokees VH-ZFN and VH-SFR, along with New South Wales-based Campbell Aviation's Cherokees VH-XCW and VH-XHE flew into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  They all then departed to Mackay Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

While seemingly on a demonstration tour, Tecnam P2012 Traveller VH-VNV flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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And Mackay-based Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-XBO was noted departing Moranbah Airport and heading North.  It seems to have spent recent days operating out of Dalby.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY "Machflight 41" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It later returned there again as "Machflight 41" - a recent change where Machjet are now using Flight number Callsigns.

As shown, the Citation parked beside Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UKH which arrived into Rockhampton Airport late on Tuesday 20 June as BNZ1055 from Melbourne (Tullamarine) but didn't depart.  It seems the Citation brought engineering staff and possibly crew to the B737 as it eventually departed as BNZ8303 to Melbourne shortly before the Citation returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 June, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ looked to fly down from Cairns to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND420 before it then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and back as HND1121/2.  VH-HLJ later returned to Cairns from Labona again as HND420.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE visited Gladstone Airport from Townsville.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH called into Bundaberg Airport and then Biloela / Thangool Airport during a flight out of and back to its Toowoomba base.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 June, VH-WPH looked to call into Bundaberg Airport again before then heading out to Emerald Airport.

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM looked to fly up from Archerfield to Collinsville and Mackay Airports.

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 June, VH-PDE departed Mackay Airport for Brunette Downs.

Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD departed Alpha Aerodrome for Archerfield and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It looks to have operated from Emerald, Longreach and Alpha Airports over the last week on aerial survey flights.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 June, VH-UVH finally returned to Archerfield from Emerald Airport.

Finally, in the wee small hours of Wednesday 21 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane. Then later in the day, it visited Roma Airport, also from Brisbane.  Plus also in the wee small hours, fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Townsville and departing to Brisbane.

Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Arrives into Alpha Aerodrome! - Plus More!

On Friday 6 January, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted arriving into Alpha Aerodrome from Archerfield and Toowoomba.

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It is due to return to those places on Saturday 7 January.

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Sunshine Coast then down to Archerfield.  It is due to head 'home' to Bankstown on Saturday 7 January.

Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to the Sunshine Coast.  It flew up from there last Friday 30 December.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew out of Natal Downs to Dalby and Chinchilla Aerodromes before heading to the Gold Coast and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 8 January, VH-JSZ flew back up to Chinchilla Aerodrome from Archerfield via the Gold Coast before later returning direct to Archerfield.

And late on Thursday 5 January, and into the wee small hours of Friday 6 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Longreach airport again from Brisbane. It also visited two days prior.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 6 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane before later returning to Townsville and Cairns.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ as "Hinterland 470" departed Rockhampton Airport for North Curtis Island and back.  As mentioned below, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF flew this run on Tuesday 3 January.

And recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Red Rock Station.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©️

Visiting American Registered (Australian based) Gulfstream Bizjets N920BM & N686GD Both Depart Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 23 November, the visiting pair of American-registered but (seemingly) Australian-based Gulfstream bizjets were both noted departing Hamilton Island Airport both for the same destination!

Private Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N920BM and private Gulfstream Aerospace G650 (G-VI) bizjet N686GD both departed Hamilton Island Airport for Perth in Western Australia.

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N920BM had arrived the previous day from Brisbane after arriving from overseas, while N686GD arrived also from Brisbane but on Sunday 20 November.

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Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 23 November, three local Australian registered corporate bizjets were also noted visiting some Central Queensland Airport.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM departed Longreach Airport for Vanrook Station and Cairns.  It had arrived the previous day from Bankstown.

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

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 131" made a late visit to Biloela / Thangool Airport from Bankstown.

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQV departed Rockhampton Airport for Bankstown.  It had arrived from there the previous day.

Finally, also on Wednesday 23 November, a few lighties around the region included Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ was noted once again visiting Bundaberg Airport from its Gold Coast base.

Horizon Airways Piper PA-31-325 Navajo Chieftain VH-LWW flew down from Cairns to Mackay Airport and then on to the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 26 November, VH-LWW returned to Mackay Airport and then Cairns.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rockhampton Airport before then departing to Thargomindah.  It then returned to Wellcamp.

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310R VH-DZU visited Rockhampton Airport from its Toowoomba base.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

Victoria-based Tasfast Air Freight / Southern Airlines Aero Commander 690-A VH-CLT flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Wangaratta to Emerald Airport.  It then departed to Dubbo and back to Moorabbin.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew up from Moura Aerodrome to Emerald Airport.  It then flew to Alpha Aerodrome and then back to the South East where it possibly eventually landed at Rolleston Aerodrome.

While Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW completed of aerial survey flights out of and back to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It had arrived there over the weekend.

And Link Airways SAAB 340B VH-VEC visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.  While Link Airways Metro 23 VH-VET flew out of Longreach and Boulia Airports from Brisbane before then returning to the capital over the same route.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 October, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew up from Archerfield to land at Moura Aerodrome.  It then flew out to Alpha Aerodrome before returning to Archerfield.

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While Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY flew up from its Sunshine Coast base to complete airwork at Biloela / Thangool Airport before then flying down to Archerfield.  Machjet / McDermott Aviation have now opened an operational base at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane.

And overnight on Wednesday 12 October, Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ visited Longreach Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  Overnight on Thursday 13 October, VH-ILJ visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 October, West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP visited Rockhampton Airport from its Townsville base.

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

South Coast Aerial Services P/L (Victoria) Piper PA-31-325 VH-BRZ departed Longreach Airport for Injune Aerodrome as its closed tourist charter flight continued.  VH-BRZ had arrived into Longreach Airport a couple of days prior.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 15 October, VH-BRZ departed Injune Aerodrome for Roma, Moree and Bankstown before returning to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW departed Toowoomba for Sydney and then flew up to Bundaberg Airport.  It then returned to Toowoomba.

Brisbane-based Bishopp Aviation SOCATA TBM-700 VH-VSV flew from Archerfield to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV flew across from Rolleston Aerodrome to Rockhampton Airport.

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC visited Bundaberg Airport from its Tamworth base.

And Australian Wings Academy Diamond DA40-D VH-YHL visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from its Gold Coast base.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 11 May, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY was noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a busy day of flying.

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VH-PUY firstly, departed its Sunshine Coast base for the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport before returning to the Sunshine Coast.

VH-PUY then departed up to Charters Towers Aerodrome where it appears to be staying for the night.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 May, Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM flew from Gayndah Aerodrome to Alpha and then Emerald Airports before then returning to Gayndah Aerodrome.

Finally, also on Wednesday 11 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for the Labona Station Airstrip and back as SKP793/4.  It then departed to Mackay Airport as SKP795.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

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

On Wednesday 17 November, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport during a busy day of flying.  It initially departed Adelaide for Lockhart River before then calling into Rockhampton Airport.  VH-VTF then departed to the Sunshine Coast before returning back to Adelaide.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 November,  Machjet (Corporate Aircraft Charter) Cessna S550 Citation S/2 bizjet VH-SQM was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Australian Country Choice Properties Pty Ltd Cessna 560 Citation V Encore bizjet VH-XLS looked to arrive into Roma Airport from Archerfield.  It seems this aircraft was previously VH-ACC and was re-registered in September this year.

UPDATE!  At the end of November, VH-XLS was removed from the Australian Aircraft Register and placed on the American Aircraft Register as N24DP.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA landed at Longreach Airport from Ambilindum before it then departed to Alpha Aerodrome.  VH-PGA had flown North on Monday 15 November.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 November, VH-PGA departed Alpha Aerodrome for Roma Airport.

While also noted visiting Longreach Airport was SFC Farming Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT.  It arrived from and later departed to Goondiwindi.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU flew up from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton and then Mackay Airports.  It had arrived at Gladstone Airport from Scone and Tamworth late on Tuesday 16 November.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 November, VH-EQU departed Mackay Airport for Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 17 November, Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEZ departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley as "Astra 203".

It had arrived the previous day from Amberley via Redcliffe.

Of interest, fellow Air Force Cadets Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEL as "Astra 201" departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Caloundra and Redcliffe.  It too had arrived the previous day.

Basair Aviation Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees VH-BIE and VH-VOU popped into Emerald Airport from Mackay Airport.  VH-BIE then departed to Longreach Airport, while VH-VOU went to Bundaberg Airport.

Both aircraft appears to have been flying around the Northern Territory and Western and Northern Queensland over much of this month.

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW was noted flying up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before flying back down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

And Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey VH-UHH "Helitak 468" looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the South.

Photos taken by Simon Coates and Paul Tyler  ©

Luft Aviation Charter (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet N360LA Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 July, Luft Aviation Charter (Melbourne) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet N360LA was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to touch down from the Sunshine Coast.

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At the time of writing, it appears that the American registered but Australian based Global 6000 bizjet is staying for at least the night on Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 July, N360LA departed back to the Sunshine Coast.

Also on Friday 23 July, Darwin-based Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900 bizjet VH-PPD was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from there two days earlier.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 July, Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft 400A bizjet VH-EIH as "Careflight 44" called into Longreach Airport, arriving from Darwin and later departing to Sydney. 

It later returned to Darwin but flying via Mount Isa.

Also on Friday 23 July, I was able to grab a quick snap of Aerometrex (South Australia) Cessna 421B Golden Eagle VH-ECF at my local Clermont Aerodrome after it completed another aerial survey flight in the area - believed to be North of Alpha.

And Vanderfield Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH departed Bundaberg Airport for Saint George, Moree and Toowoomba.  It had arrived from Toowoomba the previous day.

Finally, also on Friday 23 July, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona as HND220.  It had arrived into Rocky the previous day - see Blog post below.

It was followed by fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravans VH-TFQ and VH-TFS as HND320 and HND340 respectively.

VH-NDC then departed Labona for Townsville as HND221.  Both VH-TFQ and VH-TFS returned to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©️

A Couple of Other Corporate Bizjets Also Around CQ Airports on Saturday - Plus More!

There were a few other corporate bizjets and other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft and helicopters noted visiting some Central Queensland Airport also on Saturday 5 September.

Brisbane-based Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to its Archerfield base.

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Re-registered BHMM Aviation Cessna 650 Citation VII bizjet VH-SSZ was noted flying into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  VH-SSZ remained parked on Hamo until Sunday 13 September when it was noted departing and returning to the Gold Coast.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM popped into Emerald Airport from Cairns and Stirling Station (northeast of Normanton) before it then later departed to the Sunshine Coast.

And late in the afternoon, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY looked to fly down from Cairns via airwork and missed approaches at Townsville and Gladstone Airports before it then flew into the Sunshine Coast.

A nice slightly smaller corporate turboprop to pop into CQ Airports also on Saturday 5 September was Fly Weel Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-KWZ which departed Bowen Airport for Rockhampton Airport before it then later returned to Bowen.  It had flown into there from its Gold Coast base on Friday 4 September.

At the time of writing, VH-KWZ is due to fly from Bowen Airport to Bundaberg Airport on Sunday 6 September.

Finally, Heli Qld Airbus helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-WJY popped into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Monto Airports.  It then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

It appears that VH-WJY was also in the region, calling into Roma and Alpha Airports during the previous week.

Photos taken by Ryan Hothersall and James Kirk  ©

Brisbane-based SOCATA TBM 700 N700BK Back at CQ Airports

A nice corporate turboprop in the form of Brisbane-based SOCATA TBM 700 N700BK has returned to Central Queensland in 2019.

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It's movements may not be filly known but it was noted arriving into Moura Airport from Archerfield on Wednesday 2 January before it continued to Stonehenge and Emerald Airport.

On Thursday 3 January, N700BK departed Emerald Airport and returned to Moura Airport.  It then visited Pony Hills and Alpha Station before returning to Moura Airport.

UPDATE!  N700BK was noted returning to Archerfield from Moura Airport on Saturday 5 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Brand New Sunshine Coast-based Cirrus SR22 VH-XRR Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

Local plane spotters Kayanne H and Trevor H popped out to Rockhampton Airport briefly on Thursday 19 January and spotted a nice little arrival in the form of Cirrus SR22 VH-XRR.  It flew in from Townsville and departed to the Sunshine Coast.

It has been reported that the smart little Cirrus is brand new and only delivered to its new owner on the Sunshine Coast in the last week or so.  It looked to have flown from there directly to Townsville on Wednesday 18 January.

Also spotted sitting quietly at Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 19 January was Alpha-based Cessna 182 VH-PDH.

It had earlier flown into Rocky from the West.

Thanks guys!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and Trevor Hardsman  ©

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-KXM Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus a Few More Bizjets Around CQ!

Early on Wednesday 23 November, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang VH-KXM was spotted on the ground at Emerald Airport.

The familiar visitor to Central Queensland - in particular Longreach Airport (see Blog Post below) - had arrived the previous evening from Biloela / Thangool Airport.  In fact, it was sleek little Citation's second visit to Emerald Airport on Tuesday 22 November after it had earlier arrived from Vanrook Station near Normanton.

Later on Wednesday 23 November, VH-KXM departed Emerald Airport for Alpha Aerodrome before it later departed to Townsville.

Meanwhile over the course of this week, there has yet again been a nice mix of local corporate bizjet and a couple of turboprop aircraft that have called into various CQ Airports.

At Hamilton Island Airport, on Wednesday 23 November, Shortstop Jet Charter British Aerospace BAe-125-1000B bizjet VH-LMP touched down from Melbourne (Essendon).  Meanwhile, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ departed to Brisbane and Sydney on Sunday 20 November while Trump Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 560 Citation Ultra VH-WFE departed Hamo for Sydney and Essendon on Monday 21 November.

At the time of writing late on Wednesday 23 November, Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-VPL is heading to Mackay Airport from its Gold Coast.  It then looks to be continuing to Cairns.  While Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ is due to return to its Mackay Airport base from Brisbane on Thursday 24 November.  It ventured down to the Queensland capital last Thursday 17 November.

Toowoomba-based Light Jets Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-TFW was noted arriving into Biloela / Thangool Airport and later Rockhampton Airport again on Wednesday 23 November.  It also visited Bilo and Rocky last week.

Finally at Gladstone Airport on Tuesday 23 November, Altitude Flight Operations (New South Wales) Brisbane-based Metro II VH-SSV visited from Archerfield, while Wagga Wagga (New South Wales) based SOCATA TBM-850 VH-PVM also called into the port city.

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

A Pair of RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air Aircraft A32-339 & A32-351 Call into CQ Airports Sunday (And on Monday too!)

On Sunday 6 November a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprop aircraft were noted completing airwork and also landing at several Central Queensland Airports.

They were identified as A32-339 as "Torch 48" which looked to fly South from Townsville and either complete airwork or land at Hamilton Island, Mackay, Longreach and Barcaldine before returning to Townsville.

And A32-351 as "Torch 35" which also departed Townsville and headed to Hamilton Island before landing at Rockhampton Airport (as pictured above).  It then headed West and completed a missed approach at Emerald Airport before returning to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Monday 7 November, both RAAF Super King Airs mentioned above returned to the skies above CQ and were noted landing at some CQ airports.  A32-339 again as "Torch 48" flew from Towsville to Hamilton Island and Mackay before landing at Rockhampton Airport. It returned to Towsville via airwork at Alpha and Clermont.  While A32-351 again as "Torch 35" also landed at Rockhampton after flying South from Townsville.  It later returned to Towsville at low level via Hamilton Island.

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©

Recent Extra Alliance Airlines Fokker Jet Movements - And a Few Interesting Lighties - At Emerald Airport

It's been interesting to note some extra visits by Alliance Airlines jets at Emerald Airport over the last couple of weeks.  The extra visits have not only on their five-times-a-week Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) / RPT services from and back to Brisbane, but Alliance Fokker jets have also been noted operating some services on behalf of QantasLink.

File photo

On Wednesday 20 May, Alliance Fokker F-70s VH-QQY operated the UTY1070/1071 FIFO charter flight, while fellow F-70 VH-JFB operated a pair of RPT services on behalf of QantasLink from and back to Brisbane as UTY2636/2637/2638/2639.

Alliance Fokker F-100 VH-FKA and VH-QQY were also noted operating into Emerald for QantasLink on Sunday 17 May and Thursday 14 May respectively.

Finally, on Friday 8 May, Alliance F-100 VH-FKG flew into Emerald on the UTY4066 FIFO flight from Brisbane.  It then positioned to Townsville as UTY994.  Meanwhile, F-70 VH-JFB positioned to Emerald from Townsville as UTY993 before operating the return UTY4067 FIFO flight to Brisbane.

As well as these various Alliance jet movements at Emerald, there has also been a nice variety of light General Aviation (GA) aircraft to also call in over the last couple of weeks.

The Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ called into Emerald on Tuesday 19 May and departed to Alpha on Wednesday 20 May.

A pair of Dubbo-based Air Link turbo-props have been noted calling into Emerald over the last week or so with Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-DVR calling in after a busy day of flying on Monday 18 May.  It departed the next back to Dubbo.

Air Link Navajo VH-DVR  (File photo)

Meanwhile, Air Link Cessna 310R VH-BWQ also called into Emerald but last Sunday 10 May.  It arrived from Dubbo and later departed to Cairns.

Fellow Cessna 310s VH-CWZ and VH-BUI were also noted calling into Emerald on Monday 18 May and Monday 11 May respectively.  Also J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Cessna 310 VH-FFA visited Emerald on Thursday 14 May from Rockhampton.

Thursday 14 May turned out to be quite a busy day with a couple of other lighties calling into Emerald during with day including Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-OXY popping in from Winton and later departing to Brisbane.  Melbourne-based Cessna T303 Crusader VH-LMN visited while flying from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.  Palmyra-based Cessna 182 VH-FUJ, Mackay-based Piper PA-28-235 VH-DRA and Columbia LC41-550FG VH-LCW were also noted visiting on Thursday 14 May.

A Brief Return To Rockhampton Airport by Jetstar - Plus a Few Others

Jetstart Airways Airbus A321 VH-VWX arrived into Rockhampton Airport early on Friday 7 December.  The A321 was operating Jetstar flight JST560 which was flying from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Brisbane, but ended up diverting to Rockhampton due to adverse weather in Brisbane.

After a couple of hours on the ground at Rockhampton, VH-VWX departed to Brisbane.

There were also two Virgin Australia flights to divert to Rockhampton as well, with Embraer E-190 VH-ZPA operating as VOZ1268 diverting to Rockhampton while enroute from Mt Isa to Brisbane, and Alliance Airlines-operated Fokker F-100 VH-XWM (file photo below) diverting while operating VOZ1103 from Newcastle (Williamtown) to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Rockhampton Airport has been visited by numerous varied and interesting light aircraft over the last couple of days.

Brisbane-based Bishopp Aviation Mooney M20K VH-YRJ flew into Rockhampton from Archerfield and Gladstone on Thursday 6 December.  It later departed back to Gladstone.

Also on Thursday 6 December, West Australian registered Cessna 208 VH-ICL arrived in Rockhampton from the Sunshine Coast.  It later departed to Bundaberg.

Lastly, Cairns-based Cessna 337E Skymaster VH-OIQ arrived into Rockhampton from Cairns and Alpha on Thursday 6 December.  After overnighting it departed back to Alpha and Cairns on Friday 7 December.

Also on Friday 7 December, a pair of Super King Air aircraft were noted at Rockhampton Airport operating fly-in fly-out (FIFO) flights from Middlemount.  Nitro Drilling (Nitro Aviation) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-NDT flew into Rockhampton from Middlemount and later departed to Bundaberg.  Later, HSE Contracting Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-KJD also arrived into Rockhampton from Middlemount and then departed to Brisbane.

Lastly, locally-based J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Cessna 550 Citation II bizjet VH-JMK (file photo above) has had a busy couple of days, operating a return flight to Brisbane on Thursday 6 December, and then departing Rockhampton for Hamilton Island, Port Lincoln and then the Sunshine Coast on Friday 7 December.

Extreme Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) Plan Announced for Central Queensland

Last week, it was announced that Indian-owned Adani Mining Pty Ltd would consider flying off-shore workers directly to its 2011 acquired Moray Downs property in the Galilee Basin, west of Clermont, where it also proposed to build a new 2500-person mining town.

Several large-scale mining companies were in confidential talks with the Federal Government about replacing 457 visas with Enterprise Migration Agreements, which would allow the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) transportation of overseas labour to tackle massive job shortages in the resources sector.

The prospect of any coal miner flying 'jumbo' jets full of overseas workers directly into a proposed Galilee Basin mine site has sent shockwaves through the region. However, Adani has maintained it has always aimed to exhaust all available work sources in Australia before turning overseas.

I have seen some speculation that the proposed Alpha Airport redevelopment could produce a runway big enough to handle a Boeing B747!

Happy New Year!! What can we expect at Central Queensland Airports in 2012??

We at Central Queensland Plane Spotting hope that all our followers and visitors have a happy, safe, and very prosperous 2012.

In terms of plane spotting, here are few new sights that we can expect to see in 2012...

No doubt that passenger figures and aircraft movements will increase throughout the region again in 2012.

With new and continuing coal, and coal seam gas mining developments, the amount of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) charter flights in the region are expected to increase, especially to places like Gladstone, Emerald, and Alpha. There is also the possibility of two new fly-in fly-out (FIFO) operators that will start flying to the region in 2012.

Virgin Australia will start flying Skywest Airlines-operated ATR 72s from Emerald to Brisbane in January. The ATRs will also fly from Rockhampton to Brisbane during weekends from February, as well as continue flying from Gladstone.

QantasLink will start flying Boeing B717-200 aircraft from Mackay and Rockhampton to Brisbane, replacing Alliance Airlines operated Fokker F-100. They may also increase the number of Dash-8 flights to the region.

Lastly, the airport redevelopments at Proserpine / Whitsunday Coast, Moranbah, and Clermont should conclude.

Let's hope it's a great year for plane spotting!

Calls for Medical Response Helicopter to be Based at Emerald

From The CQ News - Wednesday 28 September:

Billionare mining magnate Clive Palmer has given his backing to an emergency medical response helicopter service based in Emerald.

Mr Palmer's Waratah Coal recommended an upgrade of emergency health services in Emerald as part of its environmental impact statement (EIS) for the $8.3 billion China First thermal coal project.

The EIS acknowledged medicine's 'golden hour' - the 60 minutes that could save a life in rural and remote areas - as well as the potential for fatigue-related accidents from a drive-in, drive-out workforce and heavy vehicle movements.

It would be the third medical chopper service for Central Queensland, adding to the existing RACQ-sponsored operations based in Rockhampton and Mackay.

"Emergency health services for the Bowen Basin are provided from Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville," the EIS said. "The emergency response time will be significantly longer for incidents in the Galilee Basin.

"In addition to the expansion of emergency services in Alpha, consideration should be given to the upgrading of emergency health services in Emerald.

"To effectively serve the Galilee Basin, would require a helicopter, equipped for medical emergencies, based permanently at Emerald."

Rural Doctors Association of Queensland president, Emerald's Dr Ewen McPhee, welcomed Waratah's vision for strengthening emergency response services.

Dr McPhee said he encouraged the company to engage in close consultation with other Queensland Health and other emergency services providers.

"Rapid response saves lives, but the secondary services need to be available too," he said.

"While placing a full-time helicopter retrieval system in Emerald would be welcome, it would need to be considered within the framework of the capabilities of the Emerald Hospital to handle the increase in trauma presentations and RFDS fixed wing retrieval services to tertiary hospitals in Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane.

"Close consultation with Queensland Health would be essential to ensure the right mix of emergency medicine specialists and trauma consultants are involved in the design, and management, of such a trauma system."

The Queensland mining industry this week showed its gratitude to one of the two rescue choppers that service the Bowen Basin.

Queensland Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health Stewart Bell presented a donation of more than $25,000 to the Mackay-based RACQ-CQ Rescue Helicopter Service. This was in addition to $800,000-odd given by the industry through sponsorship, payroll contributions and in-kind donations each year.

General manager Phil Dowler said he would be happy to talk with Waratah Coal about servicing the Galilee Basin.

"A third (chopper) service would probably affect our fundraising and cost Waratah a lot of money," he said.

"Using existing companies would give more coverage and a better service for everyone in that area.

"At the moment, the RACQ CQ and RACQ Capricorn rescue services have agreements with the State Government.

"Another service would have to go through discussions with the government to get approvals to start with, which is not an easy area."

The Capricorn rescue service's Kay Becker said despite not knowing of Waratah's proposal, she hoped there were no plans to make it a community-based service competing for donations.

"If that were the case it would certainly make a big difference to everyone's bottom line, but if it is fully-funded by the company that makes a difference," she said.

"There is not rescue service there (in the Galilee) at the moment because there's no funding for it, and there would need to be a lot more services come into Emerald to make it viable and worthwhile."

Mr Dowler said the cost to fly the rescue helicopter for one hour was $6033, and donations from the mining industry kept the chopper in the air for about 134 hours a year.

"Almost 50% of total missions are to areas within the Bowen Basin and, with development under way in the Galilee Basin, we can expect to be a great deal busier."